“Sometimes an unexpected chord change can be the difference between a good song and a great song” —Gary Talley
You may only have one chance to get a music publisher or an A&R executive to listen to your song, so it is essential to make sure the chorus— which is the section that is supposed to really sell your song—stands out clearly when people hear it for the first time.
With songs by new, inexperienced writers, though, it is sometimes difficult to tell where the verse ends and the chorus begins. Writers who are just starting out often don’t realize that a lack of contrast between the chorus and the verse weakens the overall song.
That’s why it is essential for the chorus melody to be significantly different from the verse melody, with a different chord progression. The chorus should ideally start on a different chord from the first chord of the verse, perhaps using an unexpected chord change to surprise the listener.
Varying the rhythm of your verse melody and chorus melody will also help to create contrast. For example, if your verse consists of note lengths that are fairly short, try using long, sustained notes in the chorus melody (or vice versa).
Contrast can also be achieved by giving the verse melody a strong dynamic flow that leads the listener to an emotional ‘lift’ in the chorus—with the chorus melody typically placed higher in the scale than the last note of the verse.
You can also use your lyrics to add greater contrast by making the chorus rhyme scheme different from that of the verse. A change in the rhythm of the words—such as a shift from staccato lyrics in the verse to stretched-out words in the chorus (or vice-versa) —will also help to provide a clear distinction between the two sections.
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