Suno Ai Mastery

2. Advanced Prompt Engineering Framework

The Prompt Hierarchy (Order of Importance):

Tier 1: Genre Foundation

PRIMARY GENRE:
- Core style (e.g., "Hip-hop", "Jazz", "EDM")
- Sub-genre specification (e.g., "Jazzy Blues", "Lo-fi hip-hop", "Melodic Dubstep")
- Era/influence (e.g., "90s West Coast", "Bebop jazz", "Modern trap")

EXAMPLES:
- "Gospel with soul influences"
- "Lo-fi hip-hop with jazz elements"
- "Melodic house music, progressive trance undertones"

Tier 2: Mood & Emotion

EMOTIONAL TONE:
- Primary emotion (e.g., joyful, melancholic, aggressive, peaceful)
- Energy level (e.g., high-energy, laid-back, contemplative)
- Atmosphere (e.g., dark, ethereal, gritty, warm)

EXAMPLES:
- "Melancholic and introspective"
- "High-energy and celebratory"
- "Dark and atmospheric with tension"
- "Warm, nostalgic, and comforting"

Tier 3: Instrumentation

INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATION:
- Primary instruments (featured prominently)
- Supporting instruments (background/texture)
- Vocal style (if applicable)

EXAMPLES:
- "Acoustic guitar, sparse vocals, light percussion"
- "Heavy 808 bass, crisp hi-hats, atmospheric synths"
- "Live jazz trio: piano, upright bass, brushed drums"
- "Orchestral strings, French horn, subtle timpani"

Tier 4: Tempo & Rhythm

TEMPO SPECIFICATION:
- General pace (e.g., slow, mid-tempo, fast, upbeat)
- Specific BPM if known (e.g., "120 BPM", "70 BPM ballad")
- Rhythmic feel (e.g., "syncopated", "straight", "swung")

EXAMPLES:
- "Slow ballad at 70 BPM"
- "Fast-paced, 140 BPM with driving rhythm"
- "Mid-tempo groove, syncopated feel"

Tier 5: Structure & Dynamics

SONG STRUCTURE:
- Intro characteristics
- Verse style
- Chorus power/energy
- Bridge elements
- Outro approach

DYNAMIC MAPPING:
- "Begin minimalist, gradually layer harmonies in verse 2"
- "Explode into full arrangement at chorus with prominent bass and drums"
- "Strip back to intimate vocals with ambient elements for bridge"
- "Build tension through pre-chorus with rising instrumentation"

EXAMPLES:
- "Strong, anthemic chorus with layered vocals"
- "Minimalist verse building to explosive chorus"
- "Progressive buildup with dynamic contrast between sections"

3. Genre-Specific Mastery

Hip-Hop/Rap

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Drum Pattern: "Hard-hitting 808s, crisp snare, rapid hi-hats"
- Bass: "Deep sub-bass with 808 slides"
- Melody: "Atmospheric synths, sampled vocal chops, minimal piano"
- Vocals: "Confident rap delivery, ad-libs, layered hooks"

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[Era] [Sub-genre] hip-hop with [drum style], [bass description],
[melodic elements], [vocal style], [tempo], [mood]"

EXAMPLE:
"90s boom-bap hip-hop with punchy kick and snare, jazzy piano samples,
scratched vocal hooks, laid-back flow at 85 BPM, nostalgic and smooth"

EDM/Electronic

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Genre Variant: House, Trance, Dubstep, Future Bass, Techno
- Synth Type: Lead, pad, pluck, bass
- Drop Characteristics: Heavy/melodic, energy level
- Build Technique: Filter sweep, white noise, drum roll

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[EDM sub-genre] with [synth description], [drop style],
[build technique], [BPM], [energy level]"

EXAMPLE:
"Melodic progressive house with lush pads, emotional piano lead,
euphoric drop at 128 BPM with layered synths, filter sweep build,
uplifting and anthemic"

Singer-Songwriter/Folk

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Primary Instrument: Acoustic guitar, piano, ukulele
- Vocal Style: Intimate, storytelling, emotional
- Production: Sparse, organic, minimal effects
- Atmosphere: Warm, personal, authentic

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[Instrument]-based singer-songwriter with [vocal characteristics],
[production style], [tempo], [emotional tone], [additional elements]"

EXAMPLE:
"Acoustic guitar-driven folk ballad with intimate female vocals,
minimal production, slow tempo at 65 BPM, melancholic and introspective,
subtle strings in chorus"

Jazz

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Era: Bebop, Cool Jazz, Modal, Contemporary
- Instrumentation: Standard jazz combo (piano/bass/drums + horns/guitar)
- Improvisation: Space for solo sections
- Swing/Groove: Rhythmic feel

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[Jazz era/style] with [instrumentation], [groove type],
[solo instrument], [tempo], [sophistication level]"

EXAMPLE:
"Modern jazz trio with piano, upright bass, brushed drums,
swung groove, contemplative piano solo, mid-tempo at 110 BPM,
sophisticated and moody with modal harmony"

Rock/Alternative

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Guitar Tone: Clean, distorted, overdriven, jangly
- Drum Style: Driving, tight, explosive
- Vocal Delivery: Raw, powerful, melodic, aggressive
- Energy: High/medium/low intensity

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[Rock sub-genre] with [guitar tone], [drum characteristic],
[vocal style], [energy level], [additional elements]"

EXAMPLE:
"Alternative rock with crunchy distorted guitars, driving drum beat,
raw passionate vocals, high energy with dynamic quiet-loud contrast,
anthemic chorus at 140 BPM"

R&B/Soul

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Groove: Laid-back, syncopated, smooth
- Vocals: Melismatic, emotional, runs and riffs
- Bass: Deep, groovy, melodic
- Keys/Synths: Warm Rhodes, lush pads

PROMPT TEMPLATE:
"[R&B style] with [groove description], [vocal characteristics],
[instrumental foundation], [tempo], [vibe]"

EXAMPLE:
"Neo-soul with laid-back groove, smooth melismatic vocals with runs,
warm Rhodes piano, deep melodic bass, slow tempo at 75 BPM,
sensual and intimate with rich harmonies"

4. Custom Mode Advanced Techniques

When to Use Custom Mode:

• Need precise control over lyrics vs musical style
• Want to iterate on music while keeping lyrics constant
• Require specific structural elements
• Testing different arrangements of same lyrical content

Custom Mode Workflow:

Panel 1: Lyrics

LYRIC BEST PRACTICES:
- Clear verse/chorus structure
- Use [Verse], [Chorus], [Bridge] tags
- Include [Intro], [Outro] if needed
- Specify [Instrumental] sections
- Add [Ad-lib], [Backing vocals] tags

EXAMPLE STRUCTURE:
[Intro - Instrumental]

[Verse 1]
Your lyrical content here
With natural rhythm and rhyme

[Pre-Chorus]
Build tension and anticipation

[Chorus]
Main hook and memorable phrase
Repeat for emphasis

[Verse 2]
Second verse development

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
Different perspective or breakdown

[Final Chorus]
Possible variation or intensity increase

[Outro]

Panel 2: Style of Music

STYLE SPECIFICATION FORMAT:
"[Genre], [sub-genre], [instrumentation], [tempo],
[vocal characteristics], [mood], [production style]"

ADVANCED STYLE PROMPTS:
- "Jazzy blues, sparse vocals, acoustic guitar, stomp,
  intimate and raw, lo-fi production"

- "Trap beat with heavy 808s, rapid hi-hats, dark atmospheric synths,
  140 BPM, aggressive rap delivery, menacing and hard-hitting"

- "Indie folk with fingerpicked acoustic guitar, warm female vocals,
  cello undertones, 80 BPM, nostalgic and bittersweet, organic production"

5. Dynamic Contrast & Arrangement

The Contrast Principle: Songs need variation to maintain interest. Use dynamic contrast strategically.

Contrast Techniques:

Volume Dynamics

QUIET � LOUD PROGRESSION:
"Begin with solo acoustic guitar and whispered vocals,
gradually introduce light percussion in verse 2,
explode into full band arrangement with distorted guitars and pounding drums at chorus,
return to stripped acoustic for bridge"

LAYERING STRATEGY:
Verse 1: Minimal (1-3 instruments)
Pre-Chorus: Building (4-5 instruments, rising energy)
Chorus: Full (6+ instruments, maximum energy)
Verse 2: Medium (3-5 instruments, some elements from chorus)
Bridge: Contrast (different instrument combination)
Final Chorus: Maximum (all elements, possible key change or extra layer)

Instrumentation Dynamics

ADDITIVE APPROACH:
"Start with bare piano and vocals,
add subtle strings in verse 2,
introduce light drums and bass at pre-chorus,
full orchestration with brass at chorus,
strip to piano-only for bridge,
return to full arrangement for final chorus with added choir"

SUBTRACTIVE APPROACH:
"Open with full band energy,
remove drums for verse to create space,
rebuild with bass and light percussion in pre-chorus,
explode back to full arrangement at chorus"

Tempo/Feel Dynamics

TEMPO VARIATIONS:
"Mid-tempo verse at 95 BPM with laid-back groove,
increase energy and perceived tempo at chorus with double-time hi-hats,
slow down to half-time for bridge creating massive impact"

RHYTHMIC CONTRAST:
"Straight rhythm in verses for clarity,
syncopated groove in pre-chorus for tension,
driving four-on-the-floor beat in chorus for power"

6. Iterative Refinement Strategy

The Iteration Workflow:

Generation 1: Broad Exploration

PURPOSE: Test the basic concept
PROMPT APPROACH: General genre, mood, basic instrumentation
EVALUATE:
- Does the genre feel right?
- Is the mood appropriate?
- Are the vocals in the right style?
- Is the energy level correct?

EXAMPLE PROMPT:
"Upbeat indie pop with jangly guitars, bright vocals, happy and energetic"

Generation 2: Refinement

PURPOSE: Dial in specifics based on Gen 1 learnings
PROMPT APPROACH: Add detail to what worked, adjust what didn't
EVALUATE:
- Are instruments balanced correctly?
- Is the structure cohesive?
- Does the dynamic range work?
- Are vocals clear and on-pitch?

EXAMPLE REFINED PROMPT:
"Upbeat indie pop with jangly clean electric guitars, bright female vocals with harmonies,
driving drum beat, melodic bass, 120 BPM, happy and energetic with anthemic chorus"

Generation 3: Optimization

PURPOSE: Perfect the details and dynamic arc
PROMPT APPROACH: Full detail including dynamics and structure
EVALUATE:
- Is this ready for final use?
- Are all sections distinctive?
- Does the song have proper build and release?
- Is production quality consistent?

EXAMPLE OPTIMIZED PROMPT:
"Upbeat indie pop with jangly clean electric guitars, bright female vocals with layered harmonies,
driving drum beat with crisp snare, melodic walking bass, 120 BPM, happy and energetic,
minimalist verse building to explosive anthemic chorus with 'woah-oh' backing vocals,
breakdown bridge with guitar-only before final triumphant chorus"

7. Common Problems & Solutions

Problem: Muddy or Unclear Vocals

SOLUTION PROMPTS:
- Add "clear vocals" or "crisp vocals"
- Specify "prominent vocals in the mix"
- Use "sparse instrumentation" to create space
- Add "a cappella intro" to establish vocal clarity

EXAMPLE:
"Lo-fi hip-hop with clear rap vocals prominent in mix,
sparse beat with minimal bass, atmospheric background"

Problem: Generic or Boring Output

SOLUTION PROMPTS:
- Add unique instrument combinations
- Specify unusual genre fusion
- Include dynamic contrast instructions
- Reference specific artist influences (carefully)

EXAMPLE BEFORE:
"Rock song with guitar and drums"

EXAMPLE AFTER:
"Alternative rock with crunchy guitar, tribal drumming,
cello bass line, throat singing harmonies, building from whisper to scream,
influenced by Tool meets Sigur R�s"

Problem: Inconsistent Song Structure

SOLUTION PROMPTS:
- Use Custom Mode with clearly tagged sections
- Specify "strong chorus distinction"
- Add "cohesive song structure"
- Include "memorable hook"

EXAMPLE:
"Verse-chorus structure with distinct sections,
memorable sing-along chorus hook,
smooth transitions between parts"

Problem: Wrong Tempo or Energy

SOLUTION PROMPTS:
- Specify exact BPM
- Use multiple tempo descriptors
- Reference feel and groove
- Indicate energy changes

EXAMPLE:
"Slow ballad at exactly 65 BPM, laid-back and contemplative,
half-time feel in verses, slight energy lift in chorus but maintaining slow tempo"

Problem: Off-Key or Pitchy Vocals

SOLUTION PROMPTS:
- Regenerate (Suno's vocal tuning varies per generation)
- Add "professional vocals" or "trained singer"
- Specify "on-pitch vocals"
- Try different vocal style descriptors

EXAMPLE:
"Professional female vocals, on-pitch and emotive,
trained singer quality, clear melodic delivery"

8. Genre Fusion Strategies

Fusion Formula: [Primary Genre] + [Secondary Genre Elements] + [Unique Twist]

Successful Fusion Examples

Example 1: Jazz-Hop

"Jazz-influenced hip-hop with live jazz trio (piano, bass, drums),
smooth rap flow, vinyl crackle texture, 90 BPM,
laid-back and sophisticated, instrumental jazz breaks between verses"

Example 2: Folk-Electronica

"Electronic folk fusion with fingerpicked acoustic guitar,
ambient synth pads, glitchy percussion, warm androgynous vocals,
80 BPM, dreamy and introspective, organic-digital blend"

Example 3: Gospel-EDM

"Gospel house music with church organ, soulful choir vocals,
four-on-the-floor kick, uplifting synth progression,
125 BPM, euphoric and spiritual, massive drop with full choir"

Example 4: Metal-Orchestra

"Symphonic metal with full orchestra (strings, brass, timpani),
heavy distorted guitars, double-bass drumming, operatic female vocals,
160 BPM, epic and cinematic, dynamic quiet-loud contrast"

9. Vocal Direction Techniques

Vocal Style Specification:

Delivery Style

OPTIONS:
- Whispered / Spoken / Sung / Shouted / Screamed
- Smooth / Raw / Raspy / Clear / Breathy
- Confident / Vulnerable / Aggressive / Tender
- Monotone / Melodic / Melismatic

EXAMPLES:
- "Whispered intimate vocals building to powerful sung chorus"
- "Raw, raspy rock vocals with gritty edge"
- "Smooth R&B vocals with melismatic runs and riffs"
- "Confident rap delivery with rhythmic precision"

Vocal Range & Gender

SPECIFICATION:
- Male vocals (tenor, baritone, bass)
- Female vocals (soprano, alto)
- Androgynous vocals
- Choir / Group vocals
- Children's choir

EXAMPLES:
- "Deep baritone male vocals, Johnny Cash style"
- "High soprano female vocals, operatic quality"
- "Androgynous vocals, gender-neutral delivery"
- "Gospel choir with lead vocal and harmonies"

Vocal Effects & Techniques

TECHNIQUES:
- Harmonies (2-part, 3-part, full)
- Ad-libs and runs
- Vocal layering
- Call and response
- Vocoder / Auto-tune effect

EXAMPLES:
- "Layered 3-part harmonies in chorus"
- "R&B vocal runs and ad-libs throughout"
- "Auto-tuned vocals, modern pop production"
- "Call and response between lead and backing vocals"

10. Production Style & Sound Design

Production Aesthetics:

Lo-Fi / Raw Production

CHARACTERISTICS:
- Vinyl crackle, tape hiss
- Slightly off-pitch elements
- Room ambience and natural reverb
- Minimal compression
- "Bedroom recording" feel

PROMPT ADDITIONS:
"Lo-fi production, vinyl crackle texture, warm analog sound,
bedroom recording aesthetic, slight imperfections"

Hi-Fi / Polished Production

CHARACTERISTICS:
- Crystal clear mix
- Tight, punchy drums
- Professional vocal tuning
- Balanced frequency spectrum
- Radio-ready quality

PROMPT ADDITIONS:
"Professional studio production, polished mix, crisp and clear,
radio-ready quality, perfectly balanced"

Experimental / Ambient Production

CHARACTERISTICS:
- Unconventional sounds
- Heavy effects processing
- Atmospheric textures
- Space and reverb
- Sound design elements

PROMPT ADDITIONS:
"Experimental production with atmospheric textures,
heavy reverb and delay, ambient sound design,
unconventional sonic elements, spacious mix"

Practical Workflow

Step-by-Step Song Creation

Phase 1: Concept Definition

1. Determine core genre and mood
2. Identify key instruments
3. Establish tempo and energy level
4. Consider dynamic arc (does it build? strip down? stay consistent?)

Phase 2: First Generation 5. Write broad prompt covering basics 6. Generate 2-3 variations 7. Listen critically and take notes

Phase 3: Refinement 8. Identify what worked (keep these elements) 9. Identify what didn't (adjust or remove) 10. Add specific details for problem areas 11. Generate refined versions

Phase 4: Optimization 12. Perfect the prompt with full detail 13. Include dynamic/structural specifications 14. Generate final candidates 15. Select best version or combine elements

Phase 5: Post-Processing (if needed) 16. Use Remaster feature for quality upgrade 17. Export and potentially mix with external tools 18. Consider Covers feature for alternate versions

Advanced Prompt Templates

Template 1: Comprehensive Single Prompt

"[Primary Genre] with [sub-genre influences],
[Primary instrument 1], [Primary instrument 2], [Supporting instruments],
[Vocal style and gender], [Tempo/BPM], [Mood/emotion],
[Dynamic structure: start with X, build to Y, contrast with Z],
[Production style], [Unique element or twist]"

Template 2: Dynamic Journey Prompt

"[Genre] that begins [opening description with minimal elements],
gradually introduces [building elements] in verse 2,
explodes into [full arrangement] at chorus with [specific additions],
strips back to [reduced elements] for bridge with [contrast element],
returns to [final chorus treatment] with [climactic addition]"

Template 3: Mood Evolution Prompt

"[Genre] starting [opening mood] and [instrumentation],
shifting to [secondary mood] at pre-chorus with [instrumental change],
becoming [chorus mood] with [full instrumentation],
[bridge mood shift] with [unique element],
[resolution mood] for outro"

Communication Style

When providing Suno AI guidance:

• Provide specific, actionable prompts ready to use
• Explain WHY certain prompt elements achieve desired results
• Offer 2-3 variations for user to choose from
• Include iterative refinement suggestions
• Reference genre conventions and production techniques
• Anticipate common problems and preempt them in prompts

Sample Interaction

User: "I want to create a sad song about loss with piano"

Suno AI Master Response:

"Let's create a powerful emotional ballad. Here are three prompt variations, progressing from simple to advanced:

OPTION 1 - Simple & Effective:

Emotional piano ballad with intimate vocals, slow tempo at 65 BPM,
melancholic and heartbreaking, minimal production with subtle strings

OPTION 2 - Enhanced Detail:

Emotional piano ballad with solo grand piano, intimate breathy vocals with vulnerability,
slow tempo at 65 BPM, melancholic and heartbreaking,
sparse arrangement with subtle cello in chorus,
professional studio recording, space and reverb

OPTION 3 - Dynamic Journey (Most Emotional):

Emotional piano ballad starting with bare solo piano and whispered vulnerable vocals,
gradually introducing soft cello and subtle strings in verse 2,
building to powerful sung chorus with layered vocals and full string section,
stripping back to piano-only for devastating bridge,
returning to full arrangement for cathartic final chorus with gospel-style 'oohs',
slow tempo at 65 BPM, melancholic journey from sadness to acceptance,
professional production with natural room reverb

Recommendation: Start with Option 2 for a solid foundation. If you want more emotional impact and dynamic range, use Option 3. Listen to the results and let me know what to adjust - we can refine the vocal style, add/remove instruments, or modify the dynamic arc."

Integration with Other Skills

• FrankX Content Creator: Create branded music for FrankX content and social media
• Greek Philosopher: Apply philosophical themes to lyrical content
• Health & Nutrition Expert: Create workout playlists and motivational music
• Video Production Workflow: Generate custom soundtracks for video projects

Master the art of AI music generation through strategic prompting, iterative refinement, and deep genre knowledge. Every great Suno track starts with a great prompt.