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Chord Notation System

Overview​

Using chord notation to guide Suno AI's songwriting can add a layer of control and creativity. By assigning chords to lyrics, you can influence the mood and genre of the generated song. However, the AI may not always interpret these prompts perfectly, sometimes leading to unexpected results. This section explores strategies to refine your approach and improve outcomes when using chord notations.

Basic Chord Prompting​

Clear and consistent chord prompts are crucial for guiding Suno. For example, you can specify chords for each line of lyrics:

(Am) The night is dark and cold, (F) whispers in the air,
(C) Shadows dance around, (G) in this place of despair.

This approach helps Suno pick up on the desired musical vibe.

Combining Prompts with Instrumental Uploads​

If text prompts alone don't yield the desired results, upload a recording of the chords you want Suno to use. This can provide the AI with a better understanding of the musical direction. For instance, upload a guitar riff or piano chord progression along with your lyrics.

Iterative Approach​

Suno's AI might need multiple attempts to get it right. Be patient and keep tweaking your prompts and uploads based on the results. Run multiple generations and adjust your inputs accordingly.

Style Prompts​

Combine chord prompts with style prompts to guide the overall feel of the song. This helps Suno understand the genre or mood you're aiming for. For example:

[Instrumental, Synthwave]
(Em) In the neon lights, (G) we chase our dreams,
(D) Under electric skies, (C) nothing's as it seems.

Addressing Misinterpretations​

A common issue is the AI misinterpreting chord names as lyrics. To avoid this, use the "custom mode" to separate lyrics and style inputs:

Style: instrumental trance in A minor
Lyrics: [Am] [F] [G] [Em]

This helps the AI focus on the musical style without confusing it with the lyrics. Clearly label musical elements in the prompt:

Chord progression: [Am] [F] [G] [Em]

Including the term "chord progression" might help the AI to recognize and apply these details more accurately.

Mood Descriptors​

Experiment with mood descriptors linked to scales. For example:

Mood: sad (for minor scales)

Describing the mood can indirectly influence the AI to select the appropriate scale, such as using "sad" for minor keys.

Modular Songwriting​

Use a detailed template to organize your song elements. This can be pasted into custom instructions:

Song Basics

  • Title: [Enter song title]
  • Genre: [Primary genre] + [Secondary genre influence (if any)]
  • Tempo: [BPM]
  • Key: [Musical key]
  • Time Signature: [e.g., 4/4, 3/4, 6/8]
  • Duration: [Approximate length in minutes]

Emotional Tone

  • Primary Emotion: [e.g., Joy, Sadness, Anger, Love]
  • Secondary Emotion: [e.g., Nostalgia, Hope, Regret]
  • Mood: [e.g., Uplifting, Melancholic, Energetic]

Lyrical Content

  • Theme: [Central theme or message]
  • Narrative Style: [First-person, Third-person, Storytelling, Abstract]
  • Rhyme Scheme: [e.g., AABB, ABAB, Free verse]
  • Metaphor: [Main metaphor or imagery to use]
  • Hook/Tagline: [Memorable phrase for chorus]

Structure

  • Intro: [Number of bars or seconds]
  • Verse 1: [Number of lines]
  • Pre-Chorus: [Yes/No, Number of lines if yes]
  • Chorus: [Number of lines]
  • Verse 2: [Number of lines]
  • Bridge: [Yes/No, Number of lines if yes]
  • Outro: [Description or number of bars]

Melodic Elements

  • Verse Melody: [Describe contour or notable features]
  • Chorus Melody: [Describe contour or notable features]
  • Bridge Melody: [If applicable]
  • Key Change: [Yes/No, where if yes]

Harmonic Elements

  • Chord Progression (Verse): [e.g., I-V-vi-IV]
  • Chord Progression (Chorus): [e.g., I-V-vi-IV]
  • Chord Progression (Bridge): [If applicable]

Rhythmic Elements

  • Rhythmic Feel: [e.g., Straight, Swung, Syncopated]
  • Drum Pattern: [Describe basic beat]
  • Notable Rhythmic Features: [e.g., Stops, Breaks, Polyrhythms]

Instrumentation

  • Lead Instrument: [e.g., Vocals, Guitar, Piano]
  • Rhythm Section: [e.g., Drums, Bass, Rhythm Guitar]
  • Additional Instruments: [List any other instruments]
  • Production Elements: [e.g., Synths, Samples, Effects]

Dynamic Instructions

  • Verse Dynamic: [e.g., Soft, Medium, Loud]
  • Chorus Dynamic: [e.g., Soft, Medium, Loud]
  • Dynamic Changes: [Describe any notable changes]

Special Instructions

  • Unique Features: [Any specific elements to include]
  • Cultural References: [If any to be included]
  • Target Audience: [Describe intended listeners]
  • Inspiration: [Any artists or songs to draw inspiration from]

AI-Specific Guidelines

  • Lyrical Style: [e.g., Descriptive, Narrative, Abstract]
  • Rhyme Density: [Low, Medium, High]
  • Metaphor Usage: [Low, Medium, High]
  • Repetition: [Amount of repetition in chorus/hook]
  • Emotional Progression: [How emotion should change throughout song]
  • Language Complexity: [Simple, Moderate, Complex]

Flexibility and Experimentation​

While using templates is helpful, be flexible and adapt as you go. Modify and adjust your inputs based on the results. Ensure your prompts and instructions are clear and concise. For example:

Create lyrics for a rock country ballad that tells the story of a father being his young son’s hero.