5 Steps to Writing a Chorus that Captivates

       by Scott Ashley. 

   Songwriting11

  

   When writing songs, the chorus is often the main part of the song – and this is the part that listeners wait for, remember, and sing along to. Crafting a chorus that resonates with an audience is both an art and a science. This article will guide you through the essential elements and strategies to write a chorus that not only stands out but also sticks in people's minds long after the song ends.

Understanding the Role of a Chorus
Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what a chorus does:

    Emotional Peak: It's usually the emotional climax of your song, encapsulating the main message or feeling.
    Hook: The chorus should be catchy, providing a memorable hook that listeners can latch onto.
    Contrast: It often contrasts with the verses in melody, rhythm, or intensity to highlight its importance.

1.  Some songwriters start with a melody that feels right, then fit lyrics to it. Others write lyrics and then melody. You should experiment to see what works best for you. Also, read this related article: How to Write a Melody for Any Lyric. 

2.   Simplicity and Memorability:
    Use simple, direct language. Complex vocabulary can make your chorus less memorable. Think of phrases that are easy to sing and remember.
    Repetition: Use repeating elements, whether it's a line, a melody, or a rhythmic pattern. Repetition helps ingrain the chorus in the listener's memory.

 "One unforgettable hook can be your song’s ticket to the top of the charts. But why stop at one, when multiple hooks can maximize your chances of success?" said Jason Blume, a hit songwriter who has cuts with Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys. 

    What's the one thing you want your listeners to remember? Write that down! Also, read this related article: How to Write a Killer Hook.

3. Melodic Contour:
    Climb and Descend: A melody that moves, perhaps with a climb to a high note or a drop that feels satisfying, can make your chorus memorable.

"The melody is a songwriters best friend, it is your beacon in the night, an integral part of only great songs that makes your compositions shine, the signpost that points the way to a hit", said Ralph Murphy, a late hit songwriter who has songs cuts by Crystal Gayle, Randy Travis,  Kathy Mattea, Shania Twain and many more.

"I’ve learned no matter how good the lyric is, if the music is bad the lyric can’t save it. So you need to find yourself a great melody writer", said Mark Winkler, a sought-after platinum award-winning Hit songwriter and lyricist in the LA area, he has been teaching songwriting at UCLA. His songs has been recorded by Dianne Reeves, Steve Tyrell, Liza Minnelli, Jane Monheit and Lea Salonga. 

    Range: Keep it within a range that's comfortable for most voices; this encourages sing-alongs. Create a hook line that's catchy. This could be the title of your song or a key phrase. Also, read this related article: Your Best Friend  - Melody.


4. Emotional Connection:
    Lyric Theme: Your chorus should encapsulate the essence of your song's theme in a way that connects emotionally.
    Vocal Delivery: The way the chorus is sung can add layers of emotion. Think about dynamics, tone, and phrasing. Develop the chorus around your hook. Consider adding a pre-chorus if needed to build up to it. Can you sing your chorus easily? Does it feel good? If not, tweak until it does.


5. Rhythmic and Harmonic Interest:
    Rhythm: A slightly different rhythm from the verse can give your chorus a lift or a punch.
    Chords: Choose chords that evoke the right mood. For example, major chords for uplift, minor for melancholy, but don’t shy away from tension-building progressions. Also, read this related article: 7 Ideas for Creating Chord Progressions. 


Try to avoid over-complication: Too many words or complex melodies can dilute the impact. Also, if your chorus feels like the verse, it won't stand out. While repetition is key, too much can bore listeners. Balance is crucial.

Tips:
Writing a great chorus isn't just about following a formula, it is about capturing a moment, an emotion, or an idea in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Remember, the best choruses are those that feel inevitable once you hear them – as if they were always meant to be. Keep experimenting with your songwriting, and over time, you'll develop a knack for crafting choruses that captivate and endure. 

So, keep experimenting, listening, keep writing, and let your choruses sing loud and clear. Remember that it is progress and not perfection.    

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Scott Ashley is a songwriter and graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences). He is currently working as the Artist Relations director with the USA Songwriting Competition and IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards). His book "How to Write Better Songs" hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller Books Charts last year. Click here to purchase Scott Ashley's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5PLFGKX

 

 

For information on the 30th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, go to: https://www.songwriting.net

 
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