A chorus works when it feels different from the verse without feeling like a different song. Keep some things the same and change others. Push one or two changes clearly rather than nudging everything a little.

  1. Higher: the chorus melody sits higher than the verse — even one or two notes higher is enough.
  2. Longer notes: the verse is chatty, with lots of words; the chorus has fewer words and longer, held notes.
  3. A new first chord: start the chorus on a chord the verse doesn't start on.
  4. A different chord speed: chords that change twice as often, or half as often, in the chorus.
  5. Fuller: more instruments, a busier beat, harmonies — and fewer in the verse.
  6. Brighter: a verse that leans minor and a chorus that leans major (or the other way round).