If your Suno songs feel random, formless, or like the AI just does whatever it wants — structure tags are the fix. These square-bracket markers go inside the Custom Lyrics field and tell Suno exactly how to build your song: where the verse starts, when the chorus hits, where to drop energy, where to end.
They are the single biggest difference between a chaotic AI output and a track that sounds like it was actually produced. This guide covers every working structure tag in Suno v5, how to place them correctly, what each one does, and copy-paste templates you can use right now.
HOW STRUCTURE TAGS WORK
Structure tags only work in Custom Mode. Go to Create, then switch to Custom. You will see two fields: Style of Music and Lyrics. Tags go in the Lyrics field only — not in the style field.
The format is simple: write the tag on its own line, in square brackets, directly above the lyrics for that section.
Never put a tag inline with lyrics. Each tag must be on its own line. Suno v5 respects tags more consistently than earlier versions — but it still has a mind of its own. The more clearly you structure the lyrics field, the better the results.
CORE SECTION TAGS
These are the tags Suno understands most reliably. Use these as the foundation of every song.
| Tag | What it does | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| [Intro] | Opens the song — sets the mood before vocals kick in | Can be unreliable. Try [Instrumental Intro] for cleaner results |
| [Verse] / [Verse 1] | Storytelling section — lower energy, builds toward chorus | Number them if you have multiple: [Verse 1], [Verse 2] |
| [Pre-Chorus] | Short build-up between verse and chorus | Use shorter, punchier lines here — raises anticipation |
| [Chorus] | The hook — highest energy, most memorable part | Keep lyrics simple and repeatable. This is what listeners remember. |
| [Bridge] | Contrasting section that breaks the pattern | Often quieter or more emotional — adds variety before the final chorus |
| [Solo] | Instrumental break — guitar, synth, etc. | Add a style hint in parentheses: [Solo] (guitar) |
| [Break] | Short pause where lead instruments drop out | Good for building tension before a drop or chorus |
| [Hook] | Short repeatable phrase — the main earworm | Can be used inside or instead of a chorus |
| [Outro] | Closes the song | Add "(fade out)" below for a natural fade in Studio |
ADVANCED AND ENERGY TAGS
These tags control energy levels and dynamic movement across the song — not just where sections begin. Many were added or improved in Suno v5.
| Tag | What it does |
|---|---|
| [Build] / [Build-Up] | Gradually increases energy — use before a drop or big chorus |
| [Drop] | Sudden energy release — especially effective in electronic and hip-hop |
| [Breakdown] | Strips back the arrangement — creates space before a big return |
| [Final Chorus] | Signals the last, biggest version of the chorus |
| [Interlude] | Instrumental passage between major sections |
| [Bass Drop] | Hard drop of the bass — works well in EDM and trap |
| [Instrumental] | Full instrumental section — no vocals |
| [End] | Hard ending — stops the song abruptly instead of fading |
You can also add energy cues directly below section tags:
VOCAL DELIVERY TAGS
These go on their own line just above the lyrics you want them to affect. They control how Suno sings — not where sections begin.
| Tag | Effect |
|---|---|
| [Whispered] | Soft, breathy vocal delivery |
| [Belted] | Powerful, full-voice singing |
| [Spoken] | Spoken word instead of singing |
| [Rapped] | Rap delivery |
| [Harmonized] | Layered harmonies on the vocal |
| [Falsetto] | High, airy head voice |
| [Ad-lib] | Improvised vocal runs or filler phrases |
| [Call and Response] | Back-and-forth between lead and backing vocals |
COPY-PASTE TEMPLATES
These are ready to use. Replace the placeholder text with your own lyrics, or leave sections blank and let Suno generate the words.
Standard Pop / Rock
Electronic / EDM
Hip-Hop / Trap
TIPS AND COMMON MISTAKES
Put each tag on its own line. Keep chorus lyrics short and repeatable. Number your verses so Suno knows they are different sections. Use [Final Chorus] to signal the biggest moment. The style field and lyrics field work together — tags control structure, the style field controls sound. Do not try to fix everything in the lyrics field alone.
Avoid this: Stuffing the lyrics field with too many competing tags at once. Mixing vocal delivery tags with structure tags on the same line. And do not expect 100% consistency — Suno v5 follows tags more reliably than before, but it still makes its own creative choices. Tags are instructions, not guarantees. If something is not working, generate a fresh variation before changing everything.
NOW GO RATE WHAT YOU MADE
Once you have built a track you are proud of, the real test is how it sounds to someone who does not know you made it. That is exactly what VoteMyAI is for — blind ratings, no follower counts, no clout. Just the music. Submit your track and find out if the structure actually worked.
DOES YOUR TRACK ACTUALLY HOLD UP BLIND?
Submit it to VoteMyAI and find out. No followers, no bias — just ratings on the music itself.
Submit Your Track →