How long each chord lasts shapes a part as much as which chords you choose. One chord a bar is the usual pace — steady changes help a groove feel solid.

  1. Faster changes (two chords a bar) add energy and push forward — a pre-chorus often speeds the chords up.
  2. Slower changes (one chord every two bars) add weight and emotion — a chorus that changes less often can hit harder.
  3. Mixing long and short chords inside one part keeps it from feeling square.
  4. A bridge can slow right down, even sitting on one chord, to calm things before the last chorus.