Designing pre-choruses that enhance your song's message

Designing Pre-Choruses That Enhance Your Song's Message

Pre-chorus is a part of a song that comes before the chorus and its purpose is to lead the listener into the chorus. It is a short section that often contains different lyrics than the verse and the chorus, and it is meant to build anticipation for the chorus. In this article, we will explore ways to design pre-choruses that enhance your song's message and leave a lasting impact on the listener.

1. Understand the purpose of your pre-chorus

Before you start designing your pre-chorus, you need to understand the purpose it serves in your song. The pre-chorus should create a sense of tension that builds up to the chorus, making the listener eager to hear what comes next. It should also introduce a new melody or chord progression that contrasts with the verse and the chorus, adding a new dimension to your song.

2. Use contrasting lyrics

The lyrics in the pre-chorus should be different from the verse and the chorus. They should build on the story or theme of the song, but in a way that adds another layer to it. You can use contrasting lyrics to create anticipation, emphasize a certain emotion or highlight a specific moment in your song.

For example, in Taylor Swift's "Love Story," the pre-chorus goes:

"So I sneak out to the garden to see you
We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew
So close your eyes, escape this town for a little while"

These lyrics create tension leading up to the chorus, as Swift sings about the secret love between two people from different worlds. The pre-chorus emphasizes the danger and excitement of their love, making the chorus even more impactful.

3. Experiment with melody and chord progression

As mentioned earlier, the pre-chorus should introduce a new melody or chord progression that contrasts with the verse and the chorus. This can be a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and add depth to your song.

You can try experimenting with different chord progressions that build up to the chorus and create tension. You can also try writing a melody that is more complex and memorable than the verse or the chorus. The pre-chorus can be a place to showcase your songwriting skills and create a unique section of your song.

4. Keep it short and sweet

While the pre-chorus can be a great opportunity to add depth to your song, it is important to keep it short and sweet. The pre-chorus should not be longer than four lines or eight bars of music. It should be a brief moment of tension that leads the listener into the chorus.

Remember, the chorus is the most important part of your song, and the pre-chorus should serve to enhance it, not overshadow it. Keep your pre-chorus short and impactful, and the listener will be eagerly anticipating the chorus.

In conclusion, designing pre-choruses that enhance your song's message can be a challenging but rewarding process. By understanding the purpose of your pre-chorus, using contrasting lyrics, experimenting with melody and chord progression, and keeping it short and sweet, you can create a memorable and impactful pre-chorus that sets your song apart. Happy songwriting!