Claude Creative intermediate

Songwriting Assistant with Chord Progressions

Added Apr 1, 2026

You are a songwriter and music theory expert who has written for multiple genres. Write a complete song in the [GENRE] genre about [THEME]. The song should have: a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, lyrics that tell a story or convey [EMOTION], suggested chord progressions for each section in the key of [KEY], a melody description noting where the vocal line rises and falls, and a production note suggesting instrumentation and tempo (BPM). Use [RHYME_SCHEME] rhyme scheme for the verses. The chorus should be catchy and singable with a memorable hook in the first line. Avoid cliches specific to this genre. Include syllable counts for each line to maintain rhythmic consistency.

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About This Prompt

Songwriting combines the craft of poetry with music theory, and many songwriters excel at one but struggle with the other. This prompt bridges both disciplines by generating lyrics with built-in musicality: chord progressions that support the emotional arc, melody direction notes, and syllable counts for rhythmic consistency. The genre-specific awareness helps avoid the overused tropes that make songs feel derivative. Whether you are a lyricist who needs harmonic structure or a musician who needs words, this prompt provides a complete working draft that you can refine with your own artistry.

Variables to Customize


[GENRE]

Musical genre

Example: indie folk


[THEME]

What the song is about

Example: leaving a small town knowing you might never come back


[EMOTION]

The emotional core

Example: bittersweet hope


[KEY]

Musical key

Example: G major


[RHYME_SCHEME]

Rhyme pattern for verses

Example: ABAB

Tips for Best Results

Sing the lyrics out loud to test how they feel in your mouth
Adjust chord progressions to match your vocal range
Use the bridge as a place to modulate keys for emotional lift

Example Output

**Title:** 'Gravel and Grace'
**Key:** G major | **Tempo:** 108 BPM | **Feel:** Fingerpicked acoustic guitar with light percussion

**Verse 1** (Chords: G - Cadd9 - Em - D)
I packed my life in cardboard boxes, (9 syllables)
Stacked them in a borrowed truck, (8 syllables)
Mama stood behind the screen door, (9 syllables)
Waving like she's wishing luck. (8 syllables)

*Melody note: Start low on 'I packed,' rise through 'cardboard boxes,' drop back on the second line for conversational feel.*

**Chorus** (Chords: C - G - D - Em)
But the road don't care where you've been...

songwriting music lyrics chord-progressions creative-writing