How to Write a Song – A Catchy Chorus
When it comes to songwriting, the chorus plays a crucial role in capturing the listeners’ attention and making a lasting impact.
In this article, we will explore three essential tips that can help you create a chorus that hits hard and resonates with your audience. By implementing these strategies, you can elevate your songwriting skills and get closer than ever to writing that elusive earworm of a chorus.
This blog post aims to summarise the fourth part of our video ‘5 Simple Steps to Write Your First Song’. Click here to watch the video for more details, explanations and examples.
Changing The Chord Progression
To ensure that your chorus stands out and creates a sense of contrast, it’s important to experiment with different chord progressions. If you’ve already established a chord progression for your song, consider selecting a new progression for the chorus. This change will give the impression of the song moving somewhere else, and undergoing a shift in focus – which is exactly what we would want in the chorus.
For instance, if your verse follows a simple I-IV-V progression, try exploring other progressions like vi-IV-I-V or ii-V-I for your chorus. This alteration will create a fresh sonic landscape and engage your listeners by introducing a new musical direction.
However, you don’t necessarily have to introduce new chords. You could instead, try rearranging the existing chords in a different order. By using the same set of chords in a fresh arrangement, you can infuse your chorus with a sense of familiarity while still delivering a dynamic and engaging musical experience.
Here are some song examples of this below:
- “Someone Like You” by Adele:
- Verse Chord Progression: A – E – F#m – D
- Chorus Chord Progression: F#m – D – A – E
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi:
- Verse Chord Progression: Em – C – D – Em
- Chorus Chord Progression: C – G – D – Em – C – G – D
For more chord progressions to experiment with, click below to get instant access to the free PDF ‘3 Great Chord Progressions to Try in Your Next Song’:
Using High Notes
The melody of a chorus also plays a significant role in making it memorable and impactful. One effective technique is to ensure that the highest note of your song appears in the chorus. This choice emphasizes the climax of your composition and adds a powerful element to the overall sound.
Of course, be sure to consider the range of your vocal abilities or the instruments you’re using before selecting your highest note. The inclusion of a high note in the chorus helps create a moment of intensity and emotional release, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
To take it one step further, try to make that high note appear in the title of the song. This way, you can really highlight the focus of the song and drive home its point to your listeners.
Here are some song examples of this below:
- “Love on Top” by Beyoncé
- “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco
- “Chandelier” by Sia
Include the Song Title
Be sure to try and incorporate the title as the first and last lines of the chorus. This reinforces the central idea behind the song and allows it to stand out. After all, the chorus isn’t just a different kind of verse. Instead, the chorus is a platform to showcase the essence of your composition, putting a spotlight on the theme and creating an unforgettable musical moment.
Here are some song examples of this below:
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
- “Hotline Bling” by Drake
Repetition
Repetition is a powerful tool in songwriting, especially when it comes to the chorus. The chorus is not simply a modified verse; it is the pinnacle of your song, where the central idea resides. To effectively emphasize this idea, repetition becomes key.
In addition to repeating the title, consider other elements you can repeat to strengthen the chorus. For example, you can repeat a catchy melodic motif, a compelling lyric phrase, or a rhythmic pattern. This repetition helps solidify the chorus as a distinct and memorable section of your song.
Here are some song examples of this below:
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- “Hey Ya!” by OutKast
Conclusion: How to Write a Song – A Catchy Chorus
Crafting a remarkable chorus requires careful attention to detail and a focus on specific elements that make it stand out. By experimenting with chord progressions, incorporating high notes, integrating the title, and using repetition, you can create a chorus that hits hard and resonates with your listeners.
Remember, the chorus is the heart of your song, and it deserves to shine brightly. So, be sure to use these strategies to write the best chorus you can.
However, this is just step 4 of a 5 step process. Check out the full article that outlines all 5 steps, or check out the video now
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