Suno Prompt Tags: The Complete Reference for v4 Structure and Style
Suno v4 supports structural tags like [Verse], [Chorus], [Bridge], [Intro] and [Outro] in the Lyrics field, and a free-text Style field for genre, BPM and instrumentation — using both together produces dramatically better results.
Suno v4 has two distinct input fields and most users under-use both. The Style field is your sonic brief — genre, sub-genre, BPM, instrumentation, mood, and production character. The Lyrics field is where lyrics live, but it's also where structure tags go — and those tags are more powerful than most people realize.
This reference covers every tag Suno v4 recognizes, what each one does, and the patterns that produce the most consistent output. If you've been generating random-length clips without clear verse-chorus architecture, this is why.
Style field syntax and best practices
The Style field accepts free prose, comma-separated descriptors, or a hybrid. Comma-separated tends to be most reliable because the model parses distinct concepts more cleanly than run-on sentences.
Example: indie folk, 72 BPM, fingerpicked acoustic guitar, cello countermelody, breathy female vocal, intimate recording, minor key, melancholic
Key style parameters to always include: sub-genre, BPM or tempo word, primary instrument(s), vocal type (or "instrumental"), production character. Optional but useful: key/mode (minor/major/dorian), era, regional modifier, dynamic range (sparse/dense).
Annotation syntax inside the Lyrics field
Beyond section tags, you can annotate individual sections with direction notes in parentheses. These are treated as style hints, not sung text.
Examples: [Chorus] (full arrangement, choir harmonies) [Bridge] (strip down to piano and vocal only) [Outro] (fade over 8 bars, acoustic guitar only)
This is especially powerful for controlling arrangement density across sections — directing the model to add or subtract elements rather than letting it decide randomly.
Complete example: structured pop song
Here is a full Suno v4 Custom Mode example ready to paste.
Style field: synthpop, 118 BPM, euphoric and nostalgic. Lush analog synth pads, arpeggiated lead, punchy gated drums, clean sub bass. Female vocal, upper-mid register, 1980s production reference.
Lyrics field: `[Intro] (synth arp only, 8 bars)
[Verse] Neon lights on a rainy street Thought I heard the sound of us Ghost in every melody Echoes fading into dust
[Pre-Chorus] But I keep reaching Through the static and the noise
[Chorus] (full arrangement, layered synths, vocal harmony) We were electric in the dark Burning like a second sun Every beat was every spark Now the song plays on alone
[Bridge] (stripped to pad and vocal, half-time feel) Time won't answer Why we fell apart
[Chorus] (even fuller, add choir layer)
[Outro] (arp only, fade over 8 bars)`
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Frequently asked
Does Suno v4 always follow section tags?
It follows them most of the time — compliance is high but not 100%. If a section tag is ignored, try adding a parenthetical annotation after it (e.g., [Chorus] (full, energetic)) and re-run.
Can I use [Drop] in non-electronic genres?
Technically yes, but it may confuse the model. Use [Instrumental Break] or [Bridge] for non-electronic peak moments — those map to the model's training more cleanly.
How long should each section's lyrics be?
Verse: 4-8 lines. Chorus: 4-6 lines. Bridge: 2-4 lines. Pre-Chorus: 2-4 lines. Longer blocks risk rushed or slurred delivery — if a section exceeds 8 lines, split it or simplify.
What's the maximum Style field length?
There's no strict public character limit, but diminishing returns set in around 120 characters. Keep it tight and specific rather than exhaustive.
Should I use [Hook] or [Chorus]?
[Chorus] signals a full, repeated section with a built-up arrangement. [Hook] signals a shorter, sharper repeated line. For traditional song structure, use [Chorus]; for shorter, TikTok-style formats, [Hook] often works better.