SunoAI Complete Meta Tags Guide

by Shawn McAllister @stonedoubt

Meta tags are keywords that guide SunoAI in creating your music. They function as creative instructions that define genre, mood, instruments, effects, and song structure.

This guide is organized so you can either skim and use it in 60 seconds, or dive deep as a power user with expanded genre profiles.

Quick Start (60 Seconds)
Syntax & Best Practices
Core Meta Tag Categories
Intermediate Categories
Advanced Categories
Combining Tags
Genre Templates
Practical Examples
Expanded Genre Profiles (Top 10 U.S. Genres)
- R&B / Hip-Hop
- Rock
- Pop
- Latin
- Country
- Electronic / EDM
- World Music
- Christian / Gospel
- Classical
- Jazz
Workflow, Tag Placement, and Troubleshooting
Ultimate Success Formula and Pro Tips

1. Quick Start (60 Seconds)

Use this when you just want to get a solid result quickly.

Choose a genre and mood

Rock, Dark, Aggressive

Add 3–5 core style tags

Distorted Electric Guitar, Male Vocal, High Energy, Dark Atmosphere

Define structure in the lyrics field:

[Intro]
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
[Chorus]

Set advanced options:

Weirdness: 40–60%
Style Influence: 60–80%
Exclude: e.g. Acoustic, Slow Tempo (if you want it energetic and electric)

Generate, listen, then:

Adjust tags (mood, instruments, production)
Tweak Weirdness / Style Influence
Regenerate as needed

2. Syntax & Best Practices

This is the "rules of the road" for how to write and place tags.

2.1 Where Tags Go

Lyrics field

Use structural and section tags in square brackets:
- [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus], [Bridge], [Solo Section], etc.
You can also add mood/feel tags inside the lyrics if desired:
- [Chorus | High Energy | Anthemic]

Style / prompt field

Use comma-separated descriptive phrases without brackets:
- Progressive metal, 7/8 time, Distorted guitars, Male vocal, Dark, Atmospheric

2.2 Brackets vs Plain Text

Use square brackets [...] for:
- Section markers in lyrics: [Verse], [Chorus], [Intro]
- Structural and musical tags when embedded in lyrics
Use plain text (no brackets) in style/prompt for:
- Genre, instrumentation, mood, production, and additional descriptions

2.3 How Many Tags?

Style/prompt:

Simple songs: 3–5 core tags
Detailed control: 8–15 tags
Avoid going beyond ~20 tags; too many can confuse the model.

Per section (if tagging inside lyrics):

Aim for 3–8 tags per section

2.4 Priority

Put the most important information first:

Genre
Dominant mood
Lead instrument(s)
Vocal style / gender (if applicable)
Production / atmosphere

3. Core Meta Tag Categories

These are the fundamentals that most users will use for every song.

3.1 Song Structure (Core)

Define the architectural structure of your track.

Essential Structure Tags

[Verse] – Main narrative section
[Chorus] – Memorable hook section
[Bridge] – Contrasting section
[Intro] – Opening section
[Outro] – Closing section
[Pre-Chorus] – Build-up before chorus
[Post-Chorus] – After-chorus section

Advanced Structures

[Verse 1], [Verse 2] – Numbered verses
[Chorus x2] – Repeat indicators
[Instrumental Break] – No vocals section
[Solo Section] – Featured instrument spotlight

3.2 Mood & Atmosphere (Core)

Set the emotional tone and feeling of your track.

Mood Cheatsheet

Tag	Feel	Good For
`[Melancholic]`	Sad, reflective	Ballads, breakup songs
`[Euphoric]`	Extremely happy	EDM anthems, festival drops
`[Nostalgic]`	Wistful, retro	80s, lo-fi, synthwave
`[Dreamy]`	Soft, floating	Ambient, shoegaze, chill
`[Aggressive]`	Intense, forceful	Metal, hardcore, heavy trap
`[Peaceful]`	Calm, serene	Ambient, meditation, acoustic
`[Mysterious]`	Enigmatic	Cinematic, dark electronic

Atmospheric Tags

[Dark Atmosphere] – Brooding, ominous
[Bright Atmosphere] – Light, cheerful
[Ambient Atmosphere] – Spacious, atmospheric
[Intimate Atmosphere] – Close, personal

3.3 Energy & Intensity (Core)

Control the power and drive of your music.

Energy Levels

[High Energy] – Pumping, driving
[Medium Energy] – Steady, moderate
[Low Energy] – Calm, relaxed
[Building Energy] – Gradually increasing
[Explosive Energy] – Sudden bursts

Intensity Modifiers

[Intense] – Maximum power
[Gentle] – Soft approach
[Powerful] – Strong presence
[Subtle] – Understated
[Dynamic] – Varying levels

3.4 Instruments (Core)

Specify the instruments that drive your track.

String Instruments

[Electric Guitar] – Modern, amplified
[Acoustic Guitar] – Natural, organic
[Bass Guitar] – Low-end foundation
[Violin] – Classical elegance
[Cello] – Deep, rich tones

Percussion

[Drums] – Full drum kit
[Electronic Drums] – Digital percussion
[Hand Percussion] – Organic rhythms
[Timpani] – Orchestral drums

Keyboards & Synths

[Piano] – Classic acoustic
[Electric Piano] – Vintage electric
[Synthesizer] – Electronic sounds
[Organ] – Church or Hammond
[Strings Section] – Orchestral strings

Wind Instruments

[Saxophone] – Jazz sophistication
[Trumpet] – Bright, bold
[Flute] – Light, airy
[Clarinet] – Smooth, woody

3.5 Genre (Core)

Define the musical style and tradition.

Popular Genres

[Pop] – Mainstream appeal
[Rock] – Guitar-driven
[Hip-Hop] – Urban, rhythmic
[Electronic] – Digital soundscapes
[Jazz] – Improvisation, swing
[Classical] – Orchestral tradition
[Folk] – Traditional, acoustic
[R&B] – Rhythm and blues
[Country] – American roots
[Reggae] – Jamaican rhythm

Electronic Subgenres

[House] – Four-on-the-floor
[Techno] – Repetitive, mechanical
[Ambient] – Atmospheric, textural
[Dubstep] – Heavy bass drops
[Trance] – Hypnotic, building

Rock Subgenres

[Alternative Rock] – Non-mainstream rock
[Hard Rock] – Heavy, distorted
[Indie Rock] – Independent sound
[Progressive Rock] – Complex structures

3.6 Vocal & Voice (Core)

Shape the vocal character and delivery.

Vocal Styles

[Male Vocals] – Masculine voice
[Female Vocals] – Feminine voice
[Harmonies] – Multiple vocal parts
[Choir] – Group vocals
[Whispered Vocals] – Intimate delivery
[Powerful Vocals] – Strong, belted
[Smooth Vocals] – Silky delivery

Vocal Techniques

[Falsetto] – High, breathy
[Vibrato] – Voice tremolo
[Melismatic] – Multi-note syllables
[Staccato Vocals] – Short, detached
[Legato Vocals] – Smooth, connected

Voice Characters

[Raspy Voice] – Rough texture
[Clear Voice] – Clean, pure
[Deep Voice] – Low register
[High Voice] – Upper register
[Soulful Voice] – Emotional depth

4. Intermediate Categories

These add polish and control but are not required to start.

4.1 Production & Effects (Intermediate)

Professional audio processing and effects.

Reverb & Space

[Hall Reverb] – Large space echo
[Room Reverb] – Intimate space
[Plate Reverb] – Vintage metallic
[Spring Reverb] – Surf guitar classic
[No Reverb] – Dry, close sound

Delay & Echo

[Echo] – Distinct repetitions
[Delay] – Time-based repetition
[Slapback Delay] – Short, snappy
[Ping Pong Delay] – Stereo bouncing

Distortion & Saturation

[Distortion] – Heavy clipping
[Overdrive] – Warm saturation
[Fuzz] – Vintage distortion
[Clean] – No distortion

Modulation

[Chorus] – Pitch modulation
[Flanger] – Sweeping effect
[Phaser] – Phase shifting
[Tremolo] – Amplitude modulation

4.2 Rhythm & Tempo (Intermediate)

Control timing, groove, and rhythmic feel.

Tempo Markings

[Slow Tempo] – 60–80 BPM
[Medium Tempo] – 90–120 BPM
[Fast Tempo] – 130–180 BPM
[Very Fast] – 180+ BPM

Rhythmic Feels

[Straight Feel] – Even eighth notes
[Swing Feel] – Uneven eighths
[Shuffle Feel] – Triplet-based
[Latin Feel] – Syncopated patterns

Groove Types

[Backbeat] – Emphasis on 2 and 4
[Off-beat] – Syncopated emphasis
[Polyrhythm] – Multiple rhythms
[Cross-rhythm] – Conflicting patterns

Time Signatures

[4/4 Time] – Standard four beats
[3/4 Time] – Waltz time
[6/8 Time] – Compound duple
[5/4 Time] – Odd meter

4.3 Sound Effects (Intermediate)

Add texture and atmosphere.

Natural Sounds

[Rain] – Weather atmosphere
[Thunder] – Dramatic impact
[Wind] – Atmospheric movement
[Ocean Waves] – Peaceful nature
[Fire Crackling] – Warm ambiance

Urban Sounds

[Traffic] – City atmosphere
[Footsteps] – Human presence
[Doors] – Transitional sounds
[Machinery] – Industrial texture

Musical Effects

[Vinyl Crackle] – Vintage texture
[Tape Hiss] – Analog warmth
[Record Scratch] – Hip-hop classic
[Reverse Reverb] – Ethereal buildup
[Risers] – Building tension
[Impacts] – Dramatic punctuation

4.4 Musical Keys & Scales (Intermediate)

Specify tonality and scale systems.

Major Keys

[C Major] – No sharps/flats
[G Major] – One sharp
[D Major] – Two sharps
[A Major] – Three sharps
[E Major] – Four sharps

Minor Keys

[A Minor] – Natural minor
[E Minor] – One sharp
[B Minor] – Two sharps
[F# Minor] – Three sharps

Modes

[Dorian Mode] – Minor with raised 6th
[Mixolydian Mode] – Major with lowered 7th
[Lydian Mode] – Major with raised 4th
[Phrygian Mode] – Minor with lowered 2nd

Exotic Scales

[Pentatonic Scale] – Five-note scale
[Blues Scale] – Pentatonic with blue note
[Chromatic Scale] – All 12 notes
[Whole Tone Scale] – Only whole steps

5. Advanced Categories

Use these when you want deeper musical control or professional-level nuance.

5.1 Chord Progressions & Harmony (Advanced)

Define harmonic movement and chord relationships.

Classic Progressions

[I-V-vi-IV] – Pop progression (C–G–Am–F)
[vi-IV-I-V] – Alternative pop (Am–F–C–G)
[I-vi-IV-V] – 50s progression
[ii-V-I] – Jazz standard
[I-VII-♭VI-♭VII] – Rock progression

Harmonic Qualities

[Major Harmony] – Bright, happy
[Minor Harmony] – Dark, sad
[Modal Harmony] – Ancient scales
[Jazz Harmony] – Extended chords
[Dissonant Harmony] – Tension, clash

Advanced Harmony

[Suspended Chords] – Unresolved tension
[Extended Chords] – 7ths, 9ths, 11ths
[Altered Chords] – ♭5, #5, ♭9, #9
[Quartal Harmony] – Built on fourths

5.2 Advanced Techniques (Advanced)

Professional production and writing techniques.

Arrangement Techniques

[Call and Response] – Musical conversation
[Counterpoint] – Independent melodies
[Layering] – Multiple parts
[Unison] – Same melody, multiple instruments
[Canon] – Overlapping repetitions
[Fugue] – Imitative counterpoint

Dynamic Control

[Crescendo] – Gradually louder
[Diminuendo] – Gradually softer
[Forte] – Loud dynamic
[Piano] – Soft dynamic
[Sforzando] – Sudden accent

Textural Techniques

[Minimalist] – Sparse, repetitive
[Maximalist] – Dense, complex
[Monophonic] – Single melody line
[Homophonic] – Melody with accompaniment
[Polyphonic] – Multiple independent melodies

Creative Effects

[Glitch] – Digital artifacts
[Granular] – Microscopic sampling
[Morphing] – Gradual transformation
[Sidechaining] – Rhythmic pumping

5.3 SunoAI Advanced Parameters (Advanced)

Fine-grained control beyond tags.

5.3.1 Exclude Styles

What it does: Exclude specific elements you do not want in the track.

Available for: Pro and Premier users.

Usage

In Style: Pop, Female Vocal, Piano, Uplifting
In Exclude: Male Vocal, Electric Guitar, Dark

Practical Uses

Vocal control:

Only female: Exclude Male Vocal
Only male: Exclude Female Vocal
Only rap: Exclude Singing, Melodic Vocals

Instrument control:

Acoustic only: Exclude Electronic, Synthesizer, Drum Machine
No piano: Exclude Piano, Keyboard
Electronic only: Exclude Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Drums

Genre control:

Pure rock: Exclude Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Only classical: Exclude Modern, Electronic, Pop

5.3.2 Vocal Gender

What it does: Direct control of the main voice gender.

Options: Male | Female

Example:

Vocal Gender: Female
Style tags: Powerful Vocals, Soulful Vocals, R&B

Result: Powerful female voice in R&B style.

5.3.3 Weirdness Control

Controls how creative or strange the result can be.

Range: 0% (Safe) to 100% (Chaos)
50% ≈ "normal"

Weirdness vs Result

Goal	Weirdness Range	Effect
Safe, commercial, predictable	10–30%	Follows tags closely, conventional
Balanced creativity (default)	40–60%	Mix of control and surprise
Experimental / avant-garde	70–100%	Unusual, unpredictable, abstract

Guidelines:

Classic genres (Pop, Rock): 30–50%
Experimental (Ambient, IDM): 60–80%
Unusual fusions: 70–90%
Covers/tributes: 10–30%

5.3.4 Style Influence

Controls how strictly SunoAI should obey your style tags.

Range: 0% (Loose) to 100% (Strict)

Style Influence vs Result

Goal	Style Influence	Effect
Loose inspiration	10–30%	Tags are suggestions; more freedom
Balanced control	40–60%	Good mix of fidelity and variation
Strict adherence	70–100%	Very close to tags and specified style

Guidelines:

Vague tags (Pop, Rock): 70–90% for more control
Very specific tags (e.g. Progressive djent metal): 40–60%
For experimentation: 20–40%

5.3.5 Advanced Parameter Quick Reference

Goal	Weirdness	Style Influence	Typical Exclude
Safe pop ballad	20–40%	70–90%	Aggressive, Screaming, Distortion
Faithful genre emulation	30–50%	80–100%	Opposite genres
Experimental fusion	60–80%	40–60%	Minimal or none
Glitchy futuristic EDM	70–90%	50–70%	Acoustic, Organic
Clean acoustic songwriting demo	10–30%	60–80%	Electronic, Synth, Drum Machine

6. Combining Tags

How to combine tags for professional, controllable results.

6.1 Layering Approach

Think in layers.

Base layer: Genre + main instrument + vocal type

Rock, Electric Guitar, Male Vocal

Emotional layer: Mood + atmosphere + energy

Dark, Aggressive, High Energy

Technical layer: Production + effects + arrangement

Raw Production, Reverb Heavy, Distortion

Structural layer: [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus], etc. in the lyrics

Example combined prompt:

Style:

Alternative rock, Dark, Aggressive, High Energy, Distorted Electric Guitar, Male Vocal, Raw Production, Reverb Heavy

Lyrics structure:

[Intro]
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
[Chorus]

6.2 Dynamic Progression

Change tags by section to tell a story.

Example:

[Intro]: Atmospheric, Mysterious, Clean Electric Guitar
[Verse]: Introspective, Gentle, Acoustic Guitar
[Chorus]: Energetic, Powerful, Distorted Electric Guitar
[Bridge]: Dramatic, Cinematic, String Section
[Outro]: Peaceful, Fade Out

Progressions:

Ballad: Gentle → Building → Powerful → Emotional
EDM: Ambient → Rising → Drop → Explosive
Rock: Clean → Driven → Heavy → Epic

6.3 Creative Contrasts

Use opposites to create interest.

Examples:

Gentle + Distorted Electric Guitar = Soft/hard contrast
Electronic + Acoustic Drum Kit = Organic/digital fusion
Dark + Uplifting = Bittersweet emotion
Classical + Modern = Timeless vs current

Typical combinations:

Soft/Hard: Whispered Vocals + Heavy Guitar
Old/New: Vintage Production + Modern Sound Design
Organic/Digital: Acoustic Guitar + Electronic Drums
Simple/Complex: Minimalist verses + Orchestral choruses

7. Genre Templates

Copy, tweak, and use.

7.1 Pop Ballad

Style:

Pop, Emotional, Gentle, Building, Piano, String Section,
Female Vocal, Vulnerable Vocals, Reverb Heavy,
Hall Reverb, I-V-vi-IV, Major 7th, Clean Production

7.2 EDM Anthem

Style:

EDM, Progressive House, Energetic, Explosive, Anthemic,
Synth Lead, Synth Bass, TR-808, Electronic Drums,
Vocoder, Vocal Chops, Sidechain Compression,
Wall of Sound, Crowd Noise, Cheering

7.3 Indie Folk

Style:

Indie Folk, Peaceful, Contemplative, Organic,
Acoustic Guitar, Fingerpicking, Harmonica,
Male Vocal, Gentle Vocals, Natural Reverb,
Field Recording, Dorian Mode, Folk Progressions

7.4 Dark Electronic

Style:

Dark Electronic, Mysterious, Atmospheric, Synthesizer,
Minor Key, Reverb Heavy, Delay, Ambient Pads,
No Vocals, Cinematic, Tension, Building

8. Practical Examples

Concrete, fully specified prompts.

8.1 "Cosmic Echoes" (Psychedelic Rock)

Style:

Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Cinematic,
Mysterious, Atmospheric, Dreamy, Hypnotic, Epic, Dark,
Introspective, Electric Guitar, Lead Guitar, Synthesizer,
Hammond Organ, Male Vocal, Ethereal Vocals, Haunting Vocals,
Reverb Heavy, Delay, Echo, Phaser Effect, ii-V-I,
Modal Interchange, Dorian Harmony, Thunder, Wind,
Raw Production, Wall of Sound

Structure (lyrics):

[Intro - Ethereal, Hypnotic]
[Verse - Dark, Introspective]
[Chorus - Epic, Layered]
[Guitar Solo - Psychedelic, Intense]
[Chorus - Epic, Layered]
[Outro - Atmospheric, Fading]

Why it works:

Clear psychedelic rock identity
Deep mood layering
Specific vintage instruments and effects
Modal and advanced harmony for sophistication

8.2 "Digital Pulse" (EDM)

Style:

EDM, Progressive House, Trance, Electro House, Energetic,
Intense, Driving, Explosive, Synthesizer, Synth Lead,
TR-808, Electronic Drums, Vocoder, Autotuned Vocals,
Sidechain Compression, Low-Pass Filter Sweep, Wall of Sound,
Wide Stereo Image, Crowd Noise, Cheering, I-V-vi-IV

Structure (lyrics):

[Build-up] High-Pass Filter Sweep, Tension, Rising
[Drop] Explosive, Synth Lead, Heavy Compression, Maximum Impact
[Breakdown] Low-Pass Filter Sweep, Silence
[Second Drop] Full Wall of Sound, Crowd Cheering

Advanced parameters:

Vocal Gender: Female (for vocal chops)
Weirdness: 40%
Style Influence: 80%
Exclude: Acoustic, Slow Tempo, Sad

8.3 "Cyber Sushi" (Futuristic EDM)

Style:

EDM, Futuristic, Glitchy, Electronic, Robotic Voice,
Vocoder, Vocal Chops, Bitcrushing, Glitch Effects,
Stutter Edits, Synthesizer, Electronic Drums,
Euphoric, Anthemic, Modern Production, Creative Panning

Structure (lyrics):

[Intro] Robotic Voice, Glitch, Futuristic
[Verse] Minimal, Glitchy, Building Tension
[Pre-Drop] Stutter Edits, Rising, Anticipation
[Drop] Euphoric, Vocal Chops, Maximum Glitch
[Outro] Futuristic, Dissolving, Digital Decay

Advanced parameters:

Weirdness: 65%
Style Influence: 60%
Exclude: Acoustic, Traditional, Organic

9. Expanded Genre Profiles (Top 10 U.S. Genres)

This section provides detailed profiles for the top 10 most-listened music genres in the US, with in-depth tips for crafting authentic SunoAI prompts.

9.1 R&B / Hip-Hop

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: R&B and hip-hop share urban roots but differ in delivery. Hip-hop is driven by beat-focused production – drum machines or sampled breakbeats, booming 808 bass, turntable scratches, and minimal melodic instrumentation. R&B leans on smooth melodies – electric pianos, lush synth pads, bass guitar, and often a steady trap-influenced drum groove. Both genres favor polished studio production with sampling, Auto-Tune (especially in modern rap/R&B), and heavy bass emphasis.

Structure & Vocals: Hip-hop tracks typically have verses of rhythmic rap vocals and a repeated chorus (hook) that may be sung or a catchy refrain. R&B songs often use classic pop structure (verse–chorus–bridge) with soulful sung verses and big emotive choruses. Rap vocals are rhythmic and spoken with rhymes and flow; R&B vocals are melodic and expressive with vocal runs and harmonies.

Mood: R&B tends toward romantic or introspective moods, while hip-hop often carries confident, energetic, or socially conscious tones. Expect an urban, contemporary vibe with pronounced rhythm and storytelling lyrics.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Hip-Hop Leaning: Hip-Hop, Trap Beat, 808 Bass, Male Rap Vocal, Aggressive, Urban Atmosphere
R&B Leaning: R&B, Smooth Rhodes Piano, Female Vocals, Soulful, Slow Jam, Warm Atmosphere

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Beat Only]
[Verse | Rhythmic Rap]
(Verse lyrics or placeholder)
[Chorus | Sung Hook | Soulful]
(Chorus lyrics or placeholder)
[Verse | Rap Verse 2]
...
[Chorus | Hook Repeat | Harmony]
[Outro | Fade-Out]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Contrast Verse and Chorus: Tag verses with minimal instrumentation (Sparse Beat, Emphasis on Drums) and choruses with richer layers (Layered Harmony, Full Instrumentation) to make hooks stand out.

Layering: Use [Call and Response] for backing vocals echoing the lead. Include ad-libs with tags like Crowd Hype or by including "(Yeah!)" in lyrics.

Transitions: Use [Build-up] or [Risers] before a chorus to inject rising tension. Use [Outro] for a gradual fade-out.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	30–50% for mainstream; 60–70% for experimental/cloud rap
Style Influence	70–90% to anchor firmly in urban style
Exclude	For pure rap: `Singing, Melodic Vocals`; For R&B: `Rap, Spoken Word`; Keep it urban: `Rock, Metal, Classical`

Common Mistakes

Overloading Tags: Mixing Trap, Boom Bap, Lo-fi confuses the model. Stick to one substyle.
Confusing Vocals: Always indicate Rap Vocal or Sung R&B Vocals as needed.
Ignoring Structure: Insert [Verse] and [Chorus] tags to avoid repetitive loops.
Tag Contradictions: Don't mix Aggressive, Dark, Trap Beat with Smooth, Romantic, Ballad in the same section.

9.2 Rock

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Rock is characterized by electric guitars, bass guitar, and acoustic drums. Distorted guitar riffs, power chords, and energetic drum grooves define the sound. Production ranges from raw and live to polished stadium rock. The guitar tone is often distorted, and a strong backbeat on drums drives the rhythm.

Structure & Vocals: Traditional rock uses verse–chorus structure with bridges or instrumental solos. Many rock songs feature a guitar solo after the second chorus. Vocals range from melodic singing to raspy shouts or screams, conveying passion and grit.

Mood: Rock spans uplifting and anthemic (arena rock), angsty and aggressive (punk, hard rock), to dark and melancholic (grunge, gothic rock). Nearly all rock maintains energy and attitude backed by guitars and drums.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Classic Rock: Rock, Distorted Electric Guitar Riffs, Acoustic Drums, Male Vocals, High Energy, Anthemic
Indie/Alternative: Indie Rock, Clean Electric Guitar arpeggios, Bass Guitar, Laid-back Drums, Melancholic, Atmospheric, Male Vocals (Soft)
Hard Rock/Metal: Hard Rock, Heavy Distortion, Double Kick Drums, Aggressive, Screamed Vocals, Dark Atmosphere

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Guitar Riff]
[Verse | Steady Groove]
(Verse lyrics here)
[Chorus | Loud & Anthemic]
(Chorus lyrics)
[Verse 2 | Build-up]
...
[Chorus | Repeat Hook]
[Solo Section | Guitar Lead]
[Chorus | Finale, Full Band]
[Outro | Riff Reprise]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Layering for Impact: Use [Unison] or Layered Guitars in choruses for thicker sound. Add [Powerful Vocals] for harmonies.

Dynamic Progression: Mark sections with [Building Energy] or [Crescendo] for swells. Use [Diminuendo] or [Bridge | Soft Break] for intimate moments.

Transitions: Use [Break] or [Fill] tags. Include [Sforzando] for a hard hit or Stop-time break for momentary pauses.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	30–50% for classic rock; 60%+ for psychedelic/prog
Style Influence	80–100% for faithful rock emulation
Exclude	`Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop` for pure rock; `Acoustic Guitar` for fully electric sound

Common Mistakes

Vague Genre Tag: Just "Rock" is too generic. Specify Blues Rock with Organ or Pop Rock upbeat.
Overcrowding Tags: Stick to core band instruments unless you intend a big arrangement.
Contradictory Energy Tags: Don't pair [High Energy] and [Gentle] in the same section.
Missing Structure: Always include [Chorus] and [Solo Section] tags.

9.3 Pop

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Pop music is defined by mass appeal and catchy sound. Production is typically clean and polished, incorporating acoustic and electronic elements. Common instruments include synthesizers, programmed drum beats, rhythm guitar, and bass. Modern pop uses synth pads, electronic drums, sidechain compression, and layered backing vocals.

Structure & Vocals: Pop songs follow hook-centric structure: clear verses, memorable chorus, pre-chorus builds, and sometimes a bridge. Vocals are front and center – strong, clear, tuneful, and emotive. Harmonies thicken choruses.

Mood: Pop can be upbeat (dance-pop, teen pop), emotional (pop ballads), or anything in between. It maintains radio-friendly tone with relatable lyrics and catchy earworm quality.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Upbeat Dance-Pop: Pop, Upbeat, 4/4 Dance Beat, Synth Pads, Catchy Melody, Female Vocals, Energetic
Emotional Pop Ballad: Pop Ballad, Tender Piano, Orchestral Strings, Slow Tempo, Powerful Female Vocal, Melancholic, Lush Reverb
Pop-Rock Crossover: Pop Rock, Electric Guitar Strums, Steady Drums, Male Vocals, Anthemic Chorus, Feel-Good

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Hook Teaser]
[Verse 1]
(Verse lyrics)
[Pre-Chorus | Build-up]
(Pre-chorus lyrics)
[Chorus | Big Hook | Catchy]
(Chorus lyrics)
[Verse 2]
...
[Pre-Chorus | Tension]
[Chorus | Big Hook]
[Bridge | Contrast]
(Bridge lyrics)
[Chorus | Final Peak | Ad-libs]
[Outro | Hook Outro]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Hook Emphasis: Layer tags in chorus with [Anthemic] and [Harmonies]. Add Hook Melody Synth Riff for signature riffs.

Transitions: Use [Risers] before chorus drops, [Reverse Reverb] into quiet bridges. Try [Key Change Up] for final chorus lift.

Layering: Use [Verse | Bass and Snaps only] for stripped-back verses, then [Chorus | Full Band] for maximum impact. Include [Sidechaining] for pumping dance-pop effect.

Vocal Tagging: Use Melismatic Vocals for runs and embellishments, Staccato Vocals for clipped rhythmic delivery.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–40% for mainstream pop; 50% for unique twists
Style Influence	70–90% for radio-ready structure
Exclude	`Heavy Distortion, Screaming, Extreme Metal` for pure pop; `Acoustic Guitar, Organic Drums` for electronic pop

Common Mistakes

Tag Overload: Streamline to core concept with 2 main instruments and 1-2 moods.
Ignoring Tempo: Use [Medium Tempo] or [Fast Tempo] tags; specify BPM if needed.
Mismatch Between Lyrics and Tags: Align lyric tone with style tags.
Repetition Issues: Add [Chorus | with Variation] or Climactic tags to prompt change.

9.4 Latin

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Latin music includes reggaeton, Latin pop, salsa, bachata, and more. It's rhythm-centric with percussion as key. Reggaeton uses the dembow rhythm with electronic drums; salsa features congas, bongos, timbales, cowbells. Common instruments include Spanish/nylon-string guitar, brass sections, accordions (regional Mexican), piano (salsa montuno), and modern synths/drum machines.

Structure & Vocals: Many Latin songs follow pop/urban structure with verses, choruses, and rap bridges. Tropical genres have verses and a coro (chorus) in call-and-response. Vocals can be sung or rapped, often blended. Singing styles vary from smooth and sensual to rhythmic and fiery.

Mood: Latin genres carry energy and warmth. Many songs are upbeat, party-ready, or romantic. The rhythm creates infectious celebration or longing.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Reggaeton: Latin, Reggaeton Beat, 4/4 Dembow Rhythm, Deep 808 Bass, Male Rap Vocals, Catchy Spanish Chorus, Danceable, Club Atmosphere
Latin Pop Ballad: Latin Pop, Acoustic Guitar, Latin Percussion (Cajón), Smooth Male Vocals, Romantic, Spanish Lyrics, Mid-Tempo
Salsa: Salsa, Fast Tempo, Latin Percussion (Congas, Cowbell), Brass Section, Energetic, Call-and-Response Chorus, Spanish Vocals, Festive

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Beat + Riff]
[Verse 1 | Rap en Español]
(Verse lyrics)
[Chorus | Melodic Hook | Spanish]
(Chorus lyrics/hook)
[Verse 2 | Rap or Guest Verse]
...
[Chorus | Hook Repeat]
[Bridge | Break (Dance)]
(Instrumental dance break)
[Chorus | Final - with Chorus Vocals & Ad-libs]
[Outro | Fades with Beat]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Rhythmic Tagging: Use Syncopated, Latin Groove, Swinging Percussion, [Latin Feel], [Swing Feel], or [Shuffle Feel].

Layer Traditional and Modern: Combine Reggaeton Beat with Flamenco Guitar flourish. Use Light Synth Pad for contemporary touches.

Transitions: Use [Break | Stop Beat] before chorus for stop-and-hit moments. Include [Risers] and [Impacts] for build-ups.

Call-and-Response: Use [Call and Response] for backing vocals responding to lead. Add Crowd Chant or [Unison Chant] for group vocals.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–40% for traditional; up to 50% for urban Latin
Style Influence	80–100% to enforce rhythmic patterns
Exclude	For pure salsa: `Electronic, Synth, English Vocals`; For reggaeton: `Acoustic Drums, Rock Elements`

Common Mistakes

Overgeneralizing "Latin": Specify Reggaeton, Salsa, or Bachata rather than just "Latin".
Conflicting Rhythms: Don't tag Bossa Nova beat, Reggaeton beat, Salsa tempo together.
Language Issues: Include Spanish Vocals and Spanish placeholder lyrics to encourage Spanish phonetics.
Instrument Balance: Use broad Latin Percussion tag rather than listing every instrument.

9.5 Country

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Country music is rooted in acoustic instruments and Southern U.S. traditions. Core instruments include acoustic guitar, electric guitar (clean or lightly overdriven), bass, drums, fiddle, pedal steel guitar, banjo, and mandolin. Production ranges from raw and live to modern and polished, but maintains an "organic" feel.

Structure & Vocals: Country songs tell stories with verses and memorable choruses, often with a pre-chorus and bridge. Vocals are clean, narrative singing with country inflection. Both male and female vocals are common.

Mood: Country ranges from upbeat and fun (honky-tonk) to heartbroken and reflective (sad ballads). Many songs have nostalgic, sentimental mood – warm, heartfelt, and earnest.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Modern Country Pop: Country, Mid-Tempo, Acoustic Guitar strumming, Steel Guitar, Female Vocals, Uplifting, Radio-friendly Production
Classic Country Ballad: Classic Country, Slow Tempo, Pedal Steel, Fiddle, Male Vocals, Heartfelt, Traditional
Upbeat Bluegrass: Bluegrass, Fast Tempo, Banjo Picking, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Male Vocals, Energetic, Folksy

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Solo Guitar Riff]
[Verse 1 | Story Setting]
(Verse lyrics telling story)
[Pre-Chorus | Build Emotion]
(Pre-chorus lyrics)
[Chorus | Hook & Title Line]
(Chorus lyrics – big emotional payoff)
[Verse 2 | Story Continues]
...
[Pre-Chorus | Build]
[Chorus | Repeat Hook]
[Bridge | Solo or Twist]
(Bridge lyrics or fiddle solo)
[Chorus | Final with Ad-libs]
[Outro | Resolve Gently]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Storytelling Emphasis: Tag verses as [Verse | Storytelling]. Use [Call and Response] for backing vocal echoes. Add [Harmonies] for layered chorus vocals.

Layering by Section: Use [Sparse Arrangement] for verses, then add full band for choruses.

Dynamic Control: Use [Crescendo] in pre-chorus, [Forte] for chorus, [Piano] for verses. Use [Breakdown] for soft bridge moments.

Transitions: Include Drum Fill mentions. Add [Vinyl Crackle] for vintage vibe or [Room Reverb] for live feel.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–40% for mainstream; 50–60% for alt-country
Style Influence	80–100% for pure country sound
Exclude	`Synthesizer, EDM, Hip Hop` for traditional; `Electric Guitar` for purely acoustic

Common Mistakes

Mixing Unrelated Genres: Exclude opposite genres for purity.
Twang and Accent: Include Twangy Vocals or Southern Accent in style prompt.
Instrument Balance: Check Style Influence if key instruments are missing.
Too Slick vs. Too Raw: Add Raw Production, Live Feel for grit or Modern Production, Polished for radio hit.

9.6 Electronic / EDM

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: EDM covers house, techno, trance, dubstep, drum and bass, etc. It relies on synthesizers, electronic drums, and digital effects. Common elements include synth pads, synth leads, bass synths, and percussion (four-on-the-floor kick, claps, hi-hats). Production emphasizes sidechain compression, filter sweeps, risers, and drop impacts.

Structure: EDM structure is often DJ-friendly: intro, build-up, drop (climax), breakdown, second build, second drop, outro. The build-up creates rising tension with snare rolls and risers; the drop is where beat and bass kick in strongly.

Mood: EDM varies from euphoric (trance, progressive house) to intense (dubstep, electro house) to chill (ambient, deep house). It maintains steady drive and captivating rhythm.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Festival EDM (Big Room): EDM, 128 BPM, Four-on-the-floor Kick, Huge Synth Lead, Anthemic, Build-up and Drop, High Energy, Club Reverb
Trance: Trance, 140 BPM, Soaring Pad Synths, 4/4 beat, Arpeggiated Melody, Uplifting, Female Vocal Chops, Euphoric Atmosphere
Dubstep: Dubstep, 70/140 BPM, Half-Time Groove, Wobble Bass, Heavy, Aggressive, Synth Stabs, Male Shouts (sampled), Dark

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Beat Intro]
[Build-up | Rising Tension]
[Drop | Full Beat Drops]
(drop section with main riff)
[Breakdown | No Beat Pad Melody]
(atmospheric break)
[Build-up 2 | Build to climax]
[Drop 2 | Peak Energy]
[Outro | DJ-friendly outro beat]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Rhythm and Tempo: Specify BPM (128 BPM, 140 BPM). Use [Four-on-the-floor] for house/trance, Breakbeat for drum & bass.

Layering for Drops: Use Layered Synth Leads, Thick Bass for drops. Include [Sidechaining] for pumping effect. Mark breakdown with [Minimalist], drop with [Maximalist].

Transitions and FX: Use [Risers] in build-ups, [Impacts] at drops, [Reverse Reverb], [Ping Pong Delay]. Include [Filter Sweep] for transitions.

Vocal Chops: Mention Vocal Chops or Vocal Samples in style or section tags.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	40–60% for mainstage; 70–80% for experimental (glitch, IDM)
Style Influence	80–90% for specific subgenre; 60% for defined tags like `Dubstep, Wobble Bass`
Exclude	`Acoustic Drums, Guitar, Piano, Organic` for pure electronic; `Vocals` for instrumental

Common Mistakes

Undefined Structure: Define build/drop structure to avoid repetitive loops.
Cluttered Spectrum: Reduce overlapping tags; simplify to key elements.
Rhythm Not as Expected: Ensure Style Influence is high enough to enforce beat pattern.
Melody vs. Repetition: Add Evolving Melody for variation or Repetitive Hook for consistency.

9.7 World Music

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: World music covers traditional folk and ethnic music from various cultures. Instrumentation depends on culture: African (djembe, kalimba, kora), Indian (sitar, tabla, bansuri), East Asian (erhu, guzheng, koto, shakuhachi), Middle Eastern (oud, doumbek, qanun). Production varies from purely acoustic to electronic fusions.

Structure: Traditional pieces might not follow Western verse-chorus structure – they could be cyclic, call-and-response, or through-composed. For SunoAI, imposing some structure helps.

Mood: World music can be spiritual and transcendent, festive and celebratory, or haunting and meditative. Production often incorporates natural reverb.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

African Tribal Fusion: World, African Drums (Djembe), Ethnic Choir Chants, Upbeat, Hypnotic, Hand Percussion, Call-and-Response
Celtic Folk: Celtic, Irish Folk, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, Bodhrán Drum, Acoustic Guitar, Lively, Pastoral Atmosphere
Asian Meditation: World, Chinese Traditional, Guzheng (Zither), Erhu (Fiddle), Ambient Drone, Slow, Meditative, Spiritual

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Atmosphere and Drone]
[Section A | Main Theme]
(primary melody with lead instrument)
[Section B | Development]
(add percussion or new instrument)
[Section A | Theme Reprise]
(main theme with variation)
[Bridge | Solo Improvisation]
(short solo or breakdown)
[Section A | Finale]
(final play of main theme)
[Outro | Ambient Fade]

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Scales and Modes: Use [Dorian Mode], [Phrygian Mode] for exotic tonalities. Mention Pentatonic melody for East Asian and Celtic. Use key tags like [G Minor] or [C Major].

Layering: Start with drone or rhythm, layer melody later. Tag with [Drone] or Monophonic for single melody, [Polyphonic] for interwoven textures.

Dynamic Transitions: Use [Crescendo] for swelling drum circles. Use [Call and Response] between lead vocal and chorus.

Ambient Sounds: Add [Rain], [Wind], or [Nature Ambience] for scene-setting.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–30% for authentic traditional; 50–70% for fusion
Style Influence	80%+ to enforce specific cultural elements
Exclude	`Electric, Synth, Drum Machine, Pop, Rock` for pure traditional

Common Mistakes

Cultural Mixing: Pick one region or cohesive fusion concept rather than mixing instruments from everywhere.
Lack of Familiarity: The model may approximate complex rhythms or microtonal scales.
Repetitiveness: Add progression tags or subtle evolution.
Language Barrier: Tag with regional vocals (e.g., Arabic Vocals) for phonetic style.

9.8 Christian / Gospel

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Gospel centers on powerful vocals and rich harmonies. Traditional gospel features piano or Hammond organ, choir vocals, drums and bass (often with swing or shuffle), electric guitar, clapping and foot stomping. Contemporary Christian music (CCM) uses acoustic guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, synth pads.

Structure & Vocals: Gospel uses verse-chorus structure with chorus repeated many times, often modulating up for emotional lift. Vocals are powerful, soulful, emotive with melisma and ad-libs. Harmonies are rich (3-part to full SATB).

Mood: Gospel is uplifting, joyous, spiritual. Even prayerful lyrics carry hope. Worship songs have reverent, warm mood building to passionate praise.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Traditional Gospel Choir: Gospel, Church Choir, Organ, Piano, Handclaps, Uplifting, Powerful Female Lead Vocal, Soulful
Contemporary Worship (CCM): Christian Pop, Acoustic Guitar, Warm Piano, Male Lead Vocal, Soaring Chorus, Inspirational, Praise & Worship
Gospel Funk Fusion: Gospel, Funky Groove, Electric Bass Slap, Hammond Organ, Choir Harmonies, Upbeat, Soulful, Celebratory

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Instrumental + Choir Hum]
(band plays, choir humming softly)
[Verse 1 | Lead Solo]
(lead sings verse, minimal choir)
[Chorus | Full Choir Refrain]
(choir and lead together)
[Verse 2 | Testimony Verse]
(lead sings, choir answers)
[Chorus | Full Choir]
(repeat, bigger arrangement)
[Bridge | Modulate Up]
(key change, building intensity)
[Chorus | Finale + Ad-libs]
(final chorus, lead ad-libs over choir)
[Outro | Big Finish]
(sustained big chord)

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Call-and-Response & Harmonies: Use [Call and Response] for lead/choir interplay. Use [Harmonies] generously for chorus sections. Include [Choir] for group vocal timbre.

Dynamic Build & Modulation: Tag bridge with [Building Energy] or [Higher]. Use [Crescendo] for swelling. Each subsequent chorus can have increased intensity tags.

Rhythm and Groove: Use [Swing Feel] for classic gospel bounce, [Straight Feel] for modern worship. Specify tempo: [Fast Tempo] for praise, [Slow Tempo] for ballads.

Soulful Ad-libs: Use [Melismatic] for vocal runs. Add Vibrato for soulful sustains.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–40% for traditional gospel
Style Influence	80–100% for pure gospel/Christian style
Exclude	`Heavy Distortion, EDM, Synth Pads` for traditional; `Explicit, Aggressive` always

Common Mistakes

Not Emphasizing Choir: Ensure Choir is in style and section tags.
Overdoing Modern Elements: Emphasize traditional instruments or exclude Pop beat if needed.
Weak Climax: Explicitly mark final chorus with increasing intensity.
Style Confusion: Use Gospel Choir for traditional, Christian Pop or Worship for CCM.

9.9 Classical

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Classical music features the orchestra: strings (violins, violas, cellos, bass), woodwinds (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons), brass (trumpets, horns, trombones, tuba), and percussion (timpani, cymbals). Production is natural and acoustic with concert hall reverb.

Structure: Classical follows forms like sonata form, ABA (ternary), theme and variations, or rondo. No "verse/chorus" – instead, themes, development, recapitulation, and coda.

Mood: Classical can be majestic and dramatic, light and playful, or somber and melancholic. Indicate era: Baroque (ornate, steady), Romantic (lush, emotional), Modern (dissonant, minimalist).

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Symphonic (Romantic): Classical, Full Orchestra, Sweeping Strings, Majestic Brass, Dramatic, Dynamic Contrast, Rich Harmony
Chamber (Baroque): Classical, String Quartet, Intimate, Elegant, Baroque Style, Harpsichord Continuo, Light Orchestration, Sophisticated
Choral (Sacred): Classical, Choir, Orchestral, Sacred, Calm, Grand, Latin Hymn, Church Reverb

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Adagio]
(slow introduction)
[Theme A | Allegro]
(main theme, faster)
[Theme B | Contrasting]
(secondary theme)
[Development | Modulations]
(themes developed, varied)
[Recapitulation | Theme A]
(return of main theme)
[Coda | Finale]
(big ending conclusion)

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Orchestration Focus: Use Strings only in one section, Full Orchestra in another. Use [Counterpoint] for multiple melodies, [Unison] for powerful statements, [Canon] or [Fugue] for imitative entries.

Dynamics and Expression: Use [Piano] and [Forte] for soft/loud sections. Use [Crescendo] and [Diminuendo] for swells. Specify articulation: Legato Strings or Staccato.

Tempo Changes: Use Adagio, Allegro, [Slow Tempo], [Fast Tempo]. Add Maestoso for stately, broad passages.

Harmonic Complexity: Use [Extended Chords] for late Romantic, [Dissonant Harmony] for modern. Use Diatonic, Simple Harmony for Mozart-era.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	20–30% for conventional; 70% for avant-garde
Style Influence	90–100% for pure classical
Exclude	`Drum Set, Electric, Synthesizer, Pop, Hip Hop`; `Vocals` for purely instrumental

Common Mistakes

Sudden Non-Classical Elements: Exclude and emphasize classical tags.
Too Cinematic/Modern: Specify era: 18th century Classical style, Light Classical (Mozart-era).
Too Simple/Repetitive: Use Development, Variations in structure. Provide distinct mood/instrumentation cues per section.
Choral Balance: Add Orchestral Balance or reduce choir in some sections if needed.

9.10 Jazz

Genre Overview

Instruments & Production: Jazz core instruments include saxophone, trumpet, trombone (big bands), piano, double bass, drum kit, and guitar (fusion/gypsy jazz). Jazz features improvisation with solos on various instruments. Production aims for natural, live sound.

Structure: Jazz follows 32-bar song form (AABA) or 12-bar blues. Structure: Head (melody) – Solos – Head out – End. Arrangements have intro and outro vamps.

Mood: Jazz moods vary: upbeat and swinging (swing era, bebop), smooth and mellow (cool jazz, bossa nova), bluesy and soulful, intense and complex (bebop, modal jazz). Defining aspect is swing rhythm and syncopation.

Example Tags & Structure

Style Tags:

Swinging Big Band: Jazz, Big Band Swing, Trumpets and Saxes, Walking Bass, Swing Feel, Upbeat, Bright, 1940s, Powerful Brass
Smooth Jazz Ballad: Jazz, Slow Bossa Nova, Saxophone Lead, Electric Piano (Rhodes), Soft Drums with Brushes, Warm, Romantic, Intimate Club
Bebop Combo: Jazz, Bebop, Fast Tempo, Piano Trio with Saxophone, Complex Chords, Virtuosic, Energetic, Improvisational

Lyric Structure:

[Intro | Short Vamp]
[Head (Melody)]
(main theme by lead instrument)
[Solo 1 | Improv – Saxophone]
(sax solo over changes)
[Solo 2 | Improv – Piano]
(piano solo)
[Head (Melody) Return]
(main theme returns)
[Outro | Tag Ending]
(ending riff or chord)

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Harmony and Chord Tags: Use [Jazz Harmony], [Extended Chords], [Altered Chords] for richness.

Improvisation and Solos: Use [Improvisational] or Improvised solos. Include [Call and Response] for trading fours or instrument interplay.

Rhythm and Swing: Use [Swing Feel] for swing, [Straight Feel] for Latin/fusion. Include [Walking Bass], Brushes on Drums, Ride Cymbal. Use [Latin Feel] for Latin jazz.

Arrangement Layers: Indicate sparse intro with [Intro | Bass + Drums only vamp]. Add [Shout Chorus] for big band arrangements.

Production Tips

Parameter	Recommendation
Weirdness	40–60% for traditional; higher for free jazz
Style Influence	70–90% for jazz instrumentation and vibe
Exclude	`Electronic, Synth, Europop`; `Electric Guitar, Synth Bass` for acoustic jazz

Common Mistakes

Not Swinging: Include Swing Feel and appropriate tempo.
Harmony Too Simple/Weird: Add Jazz Harmony tags or reduce weirdness.
Solos Overshadowing Structure: Clearly label Head sections with instrument.
Style Confusion: Specify subgenre or era. Add 1940s for swing, Fusion, Electric Guitar for fusion.
Scat Vocals When Not Wanted: Exclude Vocals or Scatting if unwanted.

10. Workflow, Tag Placement, and Troubleshooting

10.1 Recommended Workflow

Start with genre and mood
Add key instruments and vocal style
Define structure in the lyrics using [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus] tags
Add production and effects (reverb, delay, distortion, etc.)
Set advanced parameters (Weirdness, Style Influence, Exclude, Vocal Gender)
Generate, listen, adjust, and iterate

10.2 Tag Placement Strategy

Lyrics field:

Structural tags: [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus], [Bridge]
Optional mood/energy tags per section (e.g. [Chorus | High Energy | Anthemic])

Style field:

Descriptive tags without brackets
Priority: Genre → Mood → Lead instrument → Vocal style → Production → Atmosphere

Target:

3–5 core tags for simple songs
5–10 for detailed control
5–8 tags per section if tagging inside lyrics

10.3 Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet

Problem: Too melodic or too soft

Add: [Aggressive], [Intense], [High Energy], [Distortion], [Powerful Vocals]
Increase: Style Influence (closer to 70–90%)
Decrease: Weirdness slightly if it keeps getting pretty instead of heavy
Exclude: Soft, Gentle, Acoustic, Ballad if needed

Problem: Too chaotic or unfocused

Reduce Weirdness to 20–40%
Remove conflicting tags (e.g. [Calm] and [Aggressive] together)
Simplify: One main genre, one dominant mood, 1–2 lead instruments

Problem: Vocals not what you want

Set Vocal Gender: Male or Female
Use Exclude: Female Vocal or Male Vocal
Be explicit in style: Spoken word, Rap, Screamed Vocals, Whispered Vocals

Problem: Too electronic

Exclude: Electronic, Synth, Drum Machine, Electronic Drums
Add: Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Drums, Natural Reverb, Organic

Problem: Too acoustic

Exclude: Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Drums
Add: Synthesizer, Electronic Drums, Drum Machine, Modern Production

10.4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too many tags: Overloading confuses the model; keep it focused.
Contradictory tags: Avoid simultaneous [Calm] and [Aggressive] unless you truly want complex contrast.
Vague descriptions: Prefer specific instruments and qualities:
- Distorted Electric Guitar > Guitar
- Smooth Soulful Female Vocals > Vocals
Ignoring structure: Always define at least [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus] in the lyrics.

11. Ultimate Success Formula and Pro Tips

11.1 Success Formula

Base pattern:

BASE GENRE + DOMINANT MOOD + LEAD INSTRUMENT + VOCAL STYLE +
ATMOSPHERE + PRODUCTION + STRUCTURE + PERSONAL TOUCH
= TARGET TRACK

Example:

Alternative Rock + Melancholic + Distorted Electric Guitar + Male Vocals +
Dark Atmosphere + Raw Production + Verse/Chorus/Bridge Structure +
Personal lyrical concept = Emotional rock anthem

11.2 Professional Formula (Parameters + Tags)

Define precise meta tags (aim for 15–20 if you want high control).
Set Style Influence high (70–80%) when you want fidelity.
Add Weirdness (40–60%) for creativity without losing structure.
Use Exclude Styles to remove unwanted genres, instruments, or vocal types.
Test: run 2–3 variations changing only Weirdness and Style Influence.

11.3 Genre-Specific Quick Reference

Genre	Weirdness	Style Influence	Key Excludes
R&B/Hip-Hop	30–50%	70–90%	Opposite genre elements
Rock	30–50%	80–100%	Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop
Pop	20–40%	70–90%	Heavy Distortion, Screaming
Latin	20–40%	80–100%	Non-Latin elements
Country	20–40%	80–100%	Synthesizer, EDM, Hip Hop
Electronic/EDM	40–60%	80–90%	Acoustic, Organic
World	20–30%	80%+	Electric, Synth, Modern
Gospel	20–40%	80–100%	EDM, Heavy Distortion
Classical	20–30%	90–100%	Drum Set, Electric, Synth
Jazz	40–60%	70–90%	Electronic, Synth

11.4 Pro Tips

Less is more: 3–5 tags per section is often better than 20.
Be specific: Electric Guitar Distortion is more useful than Guitar.
Test variations: Change one thing at a time (Weirdness, Style Influence, or a small tag group).
Study successes: When a song comes out great, save its tags and parameters as a template.
Balance energy: Use calmer tags in verses and more intense tags in choruses for a clear arc.
Contrast: Intelligent contrast (soft vs heavy, electronic vs acoustic) makes tracks memorable.
Exclude opposites: For faithful genre emulation, exclude opposite genres.
Structure matters: Always define sections to avoid repetitive loops.
Priority ordering: Put the most important tags first (genre, lead instrument).

Remember: clear vision plus precise tagging and parameter control is what turns SunoAI from a random generator into a professional production tool.

12. AI Lyric Generation Style Guide

When using AI to generate lyrics, certain words, phrases, and rhyme patterns are overused to the point of becoming clichéd. This section provides guidance for avoiding "AI hot words" and a reusable prompt template for generating authentic, human-feeling lyrics.

12.1 Words and Phrases to Avoid or Use Sparingly

These elements appear so frequently in AI-generated lyrics that they signal inauthenticity. Avoid entirely or use only when genuinely earned by context.

Overused Nouns

crown / throne / kingdom
neon (especially "neon lights," "neon glow")
halo / wings / angels
ghost(s) — unless contextually earned
chains / shackles
ashes / embers / flames (the cliché trio)
void / abyss
maze / labyrinth
armor / shield / sword
scars — use very selectively
canvas
storm — massively overused
ocean / waves / tide — use sparingly
mirror — unless subverted
demons
echoes — overused as metaphor
ruins
silence — often lazy shorthand
shadows — use sparingly, earn it
frame — overused for memory/perspective metaphors

Cliché Phrases

"ghost in the machine"
"ashes to ashes"
"rise from the ashes"
"broken wings"
"dance with the devil"
"weight of the world"
"heart of gold"
"lost in the dark"
"find the light"
"walls come crashing down"
"demons inside"
"fire and ice"
"bleeding heart"
"pick up the pieces"
"written in the stars"
"against all odds"
"eye of the storm"
"castle in the sky"
"edge of forever"
"through the fire"
"into the night"
"paint the sky"
"chasing dreams"
"heart on my sleeve"
"tear it all down"

Lazy Rhyme Pairs

These rhymes are so predictable they weaken the lyric:

fire / desire
heart / apart / start
night / light / fight / sight
pain / rain / vain / remain
soul / whole / control
time / mind / blind
stay / away / day / say
breath / death
eyes / lies / skies / disguise
burn / turn / learn
fall / all / wall / call
tears / fears / years
dream / seem / stream
road / load / showed
ground / sound / found / around

Overused Verbs

shatter / shattered
drown / drowning
burn / burning
collide
ignite
unravel
haunt — use sparingly
crumble
fade — watch frequency
bleed (metaphorically)
scream (into the void, etc.)
crash
soar

Adjective Crutches

endless
eternal
hollow
broken — massively overused
shattered
fading
crimson / scarlet
golden
silent
empty
frozen
savage
relentless

12.2 Formatting Standards

Use hyphens (-) for lyrical breaks and parenthetical thoughts, not em dashes (—)
- Correct: "I lose you - then find you again"
- Incorrect: "I lose you—then find you again"
Use proper punctuation for breath and pacing
Avoid excessive ellipses (...) — one per song maximum
Let lines breathe; not every bar needs dense metaphor

12.3 What Makes Lyrics Feel Human

Concrete sensory imagery — "cold wind through an open door" beats "feeling so alone"

Verbs of subtle motion — linger, drift, shift, slip, pull, settle, press

Temporal/spatial specificity — "3 AM kitchen light" beats "the darkness of night"

Earned complexity — tension between competing emotions, not simple declarations

Imperfect moments — the small, unglamorous details that feel lived-in

Subverted expectations — set up a cliché, then pivot away from it

Rhythmic variation — mix line lengths, don't make every line symmetrical

12.4 AI Lyric Generation Prompt Template

Use this template when generating lyrics with AI. Copy, customize the bracketed sections, and paste:

Write lyrics for a song with the following concept:

**Song Title:** [TITLE]
**Core Theme:** [THEME — e.g., "confronting self-deception," "choosing integrity over comfort"]
**Emotional Arc:** [ARC — e.g., "denial → confrontation → painful acceptance → quiet resolve"]
**Perspective:** [PERSPECTIVE — e.g., "first person, present tense, internal monologue"]

**Musical Context:**
- Genre: [GENRE]
- Tempo/Feel: [TEMPO AND FEEL]
- Structure: [STRUCTURE — e.g., "Verse 1 / Pre-Chorus / Chorus / Verse 2 / Pre-Chorus / Chorus / Bridge / Final Chorus / Outro"]

**Lyrical Style Requirements:**

1. Use concrete sensory imagery over abstract statements
2. Prefer verbs of subtle motion (linger, drift, shift, slip, settle, press)
3. Include at least one specific, unglamorous detail that feels lived-in
4. Vary line lengths — not every line should be symmetrical
5. Use hyphens (-) for breaks, not em dashes
6. Subvert at least one expected rhyme or phrase

**CRITICAL — Avoid these overused AI elements:**

Words to avoid or use very sparingly:
- crown, throne, kingdom, neon, halo, wings, angels, ghost(s), chains, shackles
- ashes, embers, flames, void, abyss, maze, labyrinth, armor, shield, sword
- canvas, storm, mirror, demons, ruins, echoes (as metaphor)

Phrases to never use:
- "ghost in the machine," "rise from the ashes," "broken wings," "dance with the devil"
- "weight of the world," "heart of gold," "lost in the dark," "find the light"
- "walls come crashing down," "demons inside," "fire and ice," "bleeding heart"
- "written in the stars," "against all odds," "eye of the storm," "chasing dreams"

Rhyme pairs to avoid:
- fire/desire, heart/apart/start, night/light/fight/sight, pain/rain/vain
- soul/whole/control, time/mind/blind, stay/away/day, breath/death
- eyes/lies/skies, burn/turn/learn, fall/all/wall, tears/fears/years

Adjectives to avoid:
- endless, eternal, hollow, broken, shattered, fading, crimson, golden, empty, frozen

**Additional Context:**
[ADD ANY SPECIFIC IMAGERY, REFERENCES, OR CONSTRAINTS HERE]

Write the complete lyrics with section markers. Make every line earn its place.

12.5 Example: Completed Prompt

Write lyrics for a song with the following concept:

**Song Title:** "The Weight of Knowing"
**Core Theme:** The moment you realize a core belief about yourself or someone you loved was wrong — and you can't unknow it
**Emotional Arc:** Comfortable illusion → creeping doubt → undeniable truth → devastation → reluctant acceptance
**Perspective:** First person, past and present tense mixing, speaking to self and absent other

**Musical Context:**
- Genre: Progressive metal, atmospheric
- Tempo/Feel: Mid-tempo 116 BPM, odd-time verses (7/8), open 4/4 chorus
- Structure: Intro / Verse 1 / Verse 2 / Pre-Chorus / Chorus / Verse 3 / Verse 4 / Pre-Chorus / Chorus / Bridge / Final Chorus / Outro

**Lyrical Style Requirements:**

1. Use concrete sensory imagery over abstract statements
2. Prefer verbs of subtle motion (linger, drift, shift, slip, settle, press)
3. Include at least one specific, unglamorous detail that feels lived-in
4. Vary line lengths — not every line should be symmetrical
5. Use hyphens (-) for breaks, not em dashes
6. Subvert at least one expected rhyme or phrase

**CRITICAL — Avoid these overused AI elements:**

[Full avoid list as above]

**Additional Context:**
- The realization came not from a dramatic event but from a small, quiet moment — a facial expression, a tone of voice, a pattern suddenly visible
- Include imagery of domestic spaces (kitchen light, doorway, window)
- The wisdom is bitter but real — there's no false hope at the end, just clear sight
- Reference the body's response to truth (stomach, breath, hands)

Write the complete lyrics with section markers. Make every line earn its place.

12.6 Post-Generation Checklist

After AI generates lyrics, review against this checklist:

No words from the "avoid" noun list used lazily
No cliché phrases from the banned list
No more than one lazy rhyme pair (ideally zero)
At least 3 concrete sensory images
At least 1 specific, unglamorous detail
Hyphens used correctly (not em dashes)
Line lengths vary naturally
Emotional arc progresses — end differs from beginning
Could a human have written this? Does it feel lived-in?

If the generated lyrics fail multiple items, regenerate with more specific constraints or edit manually.

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
Latest commit History 6 Commits
LICENSE		LICENSE
README.md		README.md
sunoai_tags_guide_v2.pdf		sunoai_tags_guide_v2.pdf

Folders and files

Latest commit

History

Repository files navigation

SunoAI Complete Meta Tags Guide

Table of Contents

1. Quick Start (60 Seconds)

2. Syntax & Best Practices

2.1 Where Tags Go

2.2 Brackets vs Plain Text

2.3 How Many Tags?

2.4 Priority

3. Core Meta Tag Categories

3.1 Song Structure (Core)

3.2 Mood & Atmosphere (Core)

3.3 Energy & Intensity (Core)

3.4 Instruments (Core)

3.5 Genre (Core)

3.6 Vocal & Voice (Core)

4. Intermediate Categories

4.1 Production & Effects (Intermediate)

4.2 Rhythm & Tempo (Intermediate)

4.3 Sound Effects (Intermediate)

4.4 Musical Keys & Scales (Intermediate)

5. Advanced Categories

5.1 Chord Progressions & Harmony (Advanced)

5.2 Advanced Techniques (Advanced)

5.3 SunoAI Advanced Parameters (Advanced)

5.3.1 Exclude Styles

5.3.2 Vocal Gender

5.3.3 Weirdness Control

5.3.4 Style Influence

5.3.5 Advanced Parameter Quick Reference

6. Combining Tags

6.1 Layering Approach

6.2 Dynamic Progression

6.3 Creative Contrasts

7. Genre Templates

7.1 Pop Ballad

7.2 EDM Anthem

7.3 Indie Folk

7.4 Dark Electronic

8. Practical Examples

8.1 "Cosmic Echoes" (Psychedelic Rock)

8.2 "Digital Pulse" (EDM)

8.3 "Cyber Sushi" (Futuristic EDM)

9. Expanded Genre Profiles (Top 10 U.S. Genres)

9.1 R&B / Hip-Hop

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Production Tips

Common Mistakes

9.2 Rock

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Production Tips

Common Mistakes

9.3 Pop

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Production Tips

Common Mistakes

9.4 Latin

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Production Tips

Common Mistakes

9.5 Country

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Advanced Tagging Techniques

Production Tips

Common Mistakes

9.6 Electronic / EDM

Genre Overview

Example Tags & Structure

Packages