Suno has been around long enough now that the hype has settled, but I keep seeing people posting results that could be so much better with a few small tweaks. Here is what I have learned after generating a few hundred tracks.
The basics matter more than you think
Suno generates music based on your text description (lyrics or style prompts). A vague prompt gets a vague result. Be specific about:
- Genre (not just “pop” - try “dream pop with layered synths and reverb-heavy vocals”)
- Tempo feel (driving, laid-back, frantic, hypnotic)
- Instrument texture (clean guitar, distorted bass, acoustic piano, 808 drums)
- Mood (melancholic, euphoric, tense, nostalgic)
Custom mode vs. default
Default mode is great for exploration. Switch to Custom mode when you want control over lyrics and style separately. This unlocks:
- Writing your own lyrics with [Verse], [Chorus], [Bridge] markers
- Setting a style description independently
- Adding instrumental sections with [Instrumental] or [Break]
Style prompt tricks that actually work
Instead of: upbeat song about summer
Try: indie pop, jangly guitars, bright synth arp, male vocal harmony, summer nostalgia, 120 bpm, lo-fi warmth
The difference in output quality is significant.
Extending tracks
Use the extend feature from any 30-second clip. You can keep extending to build a full 3-4 minute song. Best practice: extend from the most energetic moment to keep momentum.
What I am still struggling with
Consistent vocal timbre across extensions is hit or miss. Also, very complex chord progressions tend to get simplified. Anyone found good workarounds for these?
Drop your best Suno style prompts below - always looking to steal good ideas.
Curated by Selendia AI 🎵