Suno AI has emerged as a powerful tool for generating music in a wide range of styles and moods. Whether you're a musician looking for a creative boost, a producer experimenting with new sounds, or a hobbyist eager to try your hand at songwriting, this guide will provide a cheat sheet to get you started with creating effective song prompts for Suno AI. We’ll cover the available music styles, tips for structuring songs, and how to write prompts that yield great results.
Available Music Styles in Suno AI
Suno AI supports a diverse array of music styles and genres, allowing you to tailor your prompt to achieve the desired sound. Here’s a list of some of the styles you can use in your prompts:
Pop
Think catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and radio-ready vibes.
Hip-Hop/Rap
Emphasize strong rhythmic elements, lyrical flow, and 808 basslines.
Rock
Classic, alternative, or indie rock sounds with electric guitars and dynamic drum patterns.
Jazz
Focus on smooth melodies, complex harmonies, and a laid-back groove.
Country
Acoustic guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and a storytelling approach.
R&B/Soul
Smooth, emotional, with a focus on vocal expression and groove.
Electronic/EDM
Driving beats, synth layers, and electronic textures.
Classical
Orchestral arrangements with strings, pianos, and woodwinds.
Reggae/Dub
Laid-back rhythms, syncopated beats, and island vibes.
Folk
Simple instrumentation, acoustic guitar, and a focus on storytelling.
Tip: Mix genres to create unique combinations, like "Jazz-infused Hip-Hop" or "Electro-pop with orchestral strings." The more specific you are, the better!
How to Write Effective Prompts
A well-crafted prompt helps Suno AI understand what you’re aiming for and produces better song results. Here are the key elements to include in your prompts:
1. Genre/Style:
Specify the genre or style to set the musical direction. This can be as broad as "pop" or more specific, like "1980s synthwave."
Examples:
"Write a pop song with a catchy chorus."
"Create a jazz ballad with a smooth saxophone melody."
"Generate an upbeat electronic dance track with a thumping bass."
2. Tempo and Feel:
Indicate the tempo (fast, slow, medium) and the overall vibe or mood (happy, melancholic, energetic).
Examples:
"A fast, upbeat pop song that feels like a summer anthem."
"A slow, reflective folk song with a calming atmosphere."
"A high-energy rock song with a driving beat."
3. Key Instruments:
Mention the instruments that should stand out in the song, such as guitar, piano, saxophone, or synths.
Examples:
"Include a prominent acoustic guitar riff."
"Focus on a smooth piano melody with backing strings."
"Highlight a funky bassline and rhythmic claps."
4. Theme or Lyrics Concept:
If you want to include lyrical ideas or themes, add a brief description. It could be a story, an emotion, or a specific phrase.
Examples:
"A love song about new beginnings with a hopeful tone."
"A rap track exploring personal growth and overcoming challenges."
"A nostalgic song reflecting on childhood memories."
Structuring Your Song
When guiding Suno AI to create a song, it helps to think about the structure you want the song to follow. Common song structures include:
1. Verse-Chorus Structure (Most Common)
Structure: Verse 1 → Chorus → Verse 2 → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus
Use For: Pop, Rock, Country, R&B
Example Prompt: "Create a pop song with two verses, a catchy chorus, and a bridge that adds emotional depth."
2. AABA Structure (Jazz/Classic Pop)
Structure: Verse A → Verse A → Bridge B → Verse A
Use For: Jazz, Classical, Some Pop
Example Prompt: "Write a jazz song with an AABA structure and a saxophone solo during the B section."
3. Intro-Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus Structure (Dynamic Pop/Rock)
Structure: Intro → Verse 1 → Pre-Chorus → Chorus → Verse 2 → Pre-Chorus → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus
Use For: Pop, Rock, EDM
Example Prompt: "Create an energetic EDM track with a build-up in the pre-chorus leading to a high-energy chorus."
4. Verse-Refrain Structure (Folk/Singer-Songwriter)
Structure: Verse → Refrain (short repeated line) → Verse → Refrain
Use For: Folk, Country, Singer-Songwriter
Example Prompt: "Generate a folk song with a simple verse-refrain structure that focuses on storytelling."
Putting It All Together: Example Prompts
Here are a few example prompts that incorporate all the elements:
Pop Example:
"Write a medium-tempo pop song with a catchy chorus, upbeat feel, featuring a prominent electric guitar riff and synthesizers. The theme is about embracing change and letting go of the past."
Hip-Hop Example:
"Create a hip-hop track with a strong beat and a jazzy piano loop. Keep the tempo slow, and focus on introspective lyrics about resilience and ambition."
Electronic Example:
"Generate a high-energy electronic dance track with a driving bassline, energetic synths, and a build-up to a big drop. Make it feel like a celebration of life."
Rock Example:
"Write a classic rock song with a guitar solo in the bridge, powerful drums, and an anthemic chorus. The song should have a rebellious and free-spirited feel."
Quick Tips for Best Results
Be Specific: The more detail you provide, the closer the output will match your vision.
Use Descriptive Adjectives: Terms like "haunting," "dreamy," "vibrant," or "gritty" can help shape the sound.
Reference Songs: If you're looking for a sound similar to a particular artist or song, mention it in your prompt (e.g., "similar to the style of The Beatles").
Iterate and Refine: Try tweaking prompts to explore different variations until you get the sound you're looking for.
Final Thoughts
Creating music with Suno AI is all about experimenting and having fun. Use this cheat sheet as a starting point to craft song prompts that bring your musical ideas to life. Whether you want to create a catchy pop hit or a moody jazz ballad, Suno AI is there to turn your prompts into musical magic. Happy songwriting!
How do I create a long musical intro?