What Is a Pre-Chorus? [And How to Write One!]

Every time I hear the word “pre-chorus,” I’m reminded of George Carlin’s famous joke about pre-boarding for a flight:

“What does it mean to pre-board? You get on BEFORE you get on?

Well, when it comes to pre-choruses, that’s basically what’s going on: this increasingly-important part of a song is like a “mini-chorus” before the real thing, or maybe an hors d’oeuvre that will transition nicely into the main course.

Ultimately, if you learn how to write a pre-chorus well, you’ll have a powerful new tool in your songwriting toolkit.

So, in this pre-chorus guide, I’ll answer the question “what is a pre-chorus?” by diving into some background on the pre-chorus, revealing when to use it in your music, and most importantly, explaining how to write a good one. Let’s get into it!

What is a Pre-Chorus?

A pre-chorus is a short musical section that bridges the gap between a verse and a chorus in a song. It serves as a transitional element, building tension and anticipation before the payoff of the chorus.

While not every song has a pre-chorus – nor do they all need to – the ones those that do often use the pre-chorus to elevate the energy and the emotional impact of the track.

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In terms of structure, the pre-chorus typically introduces a slight change in melody, rhythm, or chord progression to signal that the song is moving toward a new, climactic section.

Lyrically, it may introduce a new idea or amplify the themes explored in the verse, setting up the chorus for maximum impact.

Take Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” for example.

Here are the lyrics of the pre-chorus:

The scars of your love remind me of us
They keep me thinkin’ that we almost had it all
The scars of your love, they leave me breathless
I can’t help feeling

All of this leads powerfully into the memorable, soaring chorus that goes: “We could have had it all, rolling in the deep…”

Notice how the pre-chorus intensifies the song’s emotional stakes, creating a dramatic build-up to the chorus. In fact, the lyrics of the pre-chorus even end on a cliffhanger: “I can’t help feeling…”

Where the verse’s melody and accompaniment feel a little more final, like a sentence with a period at the end, the pre-chorus is more like ellipses, signaling to the listener that something new and big is coming.

Both through the lyrics and the music, this section showcases the true essence of a pre-chorus: it’s not the star of the show, but a supporting role makes the actual star (the chorus) shine even brighter!

Pre-choruses are especially common in pop, rock, and R&B songs, where the dynamic shifts between sections play a big role in keeping the listener engaged. Whether you’re writing a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat anthem, a well-crafted pre-chorus can add a sense of momentum and keep your audience hooked.

When to Have a Pre-Chorus

Not all songs need a pre-chorus, but a LOT of them have one – and they’re becoming increasingly more common as a tool to keep songs interesting and listeners engaged.

But when do you actually NEED a pre-chorus? I think the most important instance when you need a pre-chorus is when the shift from your verse to your chorus feels too big.

For example, if you’re dealing with a tempo change from 100 BPM to 180 BPM, or from a dynamic of piano to forte, these may be too large of a leap. The pre-chorus can help provide a longer transition from the “before” state to the “after” state.

Or thematically, you may need some kind of transition to go from a verse to a chorus, like from a mood of sad to happy, or reflective to decisive.

How to Write a Pre-Chorus in 3 Steps

Step 1: Build Tension

When you write a pre-chorus, it’s usually a good idea to switch it up in some way from the verse.

The main purpose of the pre-chorus as an element of song structure is to build tension or momentum into the chorus, which usually means your pre-chorus will have a different chord progression, melody, and lyrics than your verse to provide greater contrast!

Other elements you can play around with to build tension include a change in rhythm, a gradual crescendo, or shifting tempo. You may also want to try unexpected stops or vocal delivery for a sung melody.

Step 2: Change the Lyrics

One of the best lyric writing tips I have for a pre-chorus is to use power words that escalate the story and raise the emotional stakes. You can think of the chorus as the climax after the rising action of the pre-chorus, so use words that keep that momentum.

For example, in “Rolling in the Deep,” the pre-chorus hints at Adele’s regret and builds anticipation for the dramatic release in the chorus. She uses a lot of verbs, like thinking and feeling, that transition the verse (which is more of a description of what happened) with a chorus that explodes with her actual emotions about the news.

It’s important to find your own voice and experiment with different words and phrases, but if you think “momentum” with the lyrics in your pre-chorus, it’s hard to go wrong!

Step 3: Keep It Short

There’s no rule when it comes to pre-choruses, but I recommend keeping it short. The typical length is probably 2-4 bars or 1-2 lines.

I’ve used a lot of metaphors to describe this, but if you’re familiar with music theory, the pre-chorus is sort of like a suspended chord or passing chord. It serves as a tie between two different chords, but it’s not a chord you want to hang out on for very long.

In the same way, a pre-chorus is helpful to get you from one place to another, not as a place to dwell on for long.

Lastly, be sure to experiment with the pre-chorus as a song element. Some pre-choruses stay the same in music and lyrics every single time, while others evolve to suit the song’s theme. Only by playing around with the pre-chorus can you figure out what works best in your song.

Popular Songs With a Pre-Chorus (3 Real Examples)

It’s one thing to talk about the pre-chorus in the abstract, but it’s always easier to wrap your head around a concept with real-life examples.

I already touched on Adele and “Rolling in the Deep,” but I wanted to explore a few other actual instances of popular songs with a memorable pre-chorus.

We’ll analyze how they work within the structure of the song and why they’re so important to making these songs work.

1) “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

The pre-chorus of Livin’ on a Prayer is one of the most memorable parts of the song, even rivaling the iconic chorus.

It uses rising energy and a hopeful tone to connect the struggle of the verses with the triumphant release of the chorus. Lyrically, it builds a narrative of resilience and love as the couple holds on despite life’s challenges:

See how this song’s pre-chorus carries its famous rising energy:

She says, “We’ve gotta hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot”

Notice how the final line again concludes with what feels like ellipses, not with a period. It’s like a set in volleyball leading into a spike.

Ultimately, the pre-chorus in Livin’ on a Prayer functions as both a transitional section and an emotional rallying cry, setting up the chorus’s catharsis perfectly!

2) “Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

This song is an interesting case, because it has so many ambiguous sections.

After a first verse that begins “Tell me somethin’, girl,” there’s a different section that starts with “I’m falling.” This could theoretically be a pre-chorus, but based on how it functions in the song, I’d say it’s just a different part of the verse.

Structurally, though, this section feels like an actual pre-chorus, both because of its proximity to the chorus and the way it builds up to it:

I’m off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I’ll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface where they can’t hurt us
We’re far from the shallow now

I want to point out that it also includes the word “shallow,” which perfectly tees up the chorus. If you look at the lyrics, you’ll see they don’t say “shallow” at all until there, right before the first chorus.

In this song, which is a duet, it’s worth noting that the two singers alternate singing both verses and pre-choruses, while harmonizing in the chorus. This lends the song that important back-and-forth quality like the two are having a conversation with each other, but also with themselves.

Both of the pre-choruses do a good job of taking the reflective mood of the verse and dialing up the emotional intensity to make way for a soaring chorus that’s, ironically, anything but shallow.

3) “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

I love this song’s pre-chorus, because it’s a masterful example of a buildup of emotion from verse into chorus. The narrator’s point of view is of someone desperately lonely and missing a very specific relationship partner.

I look around and
Sin City’s cold and empty (oh)
No one’s around to judge me (oh)
I can’t see clearly when you’re gone

The melody here is rhythmic and syncopated, giving the pre-chorus an urgency that pulls you forward.

Musically, it evokes the 80s-inspired synthwave style of the track, with shimmering synths and pulsing beats building a sense of forward momentum. The pre-chorus doesn’t just bridge the verse and chorus – it deepens the emotional impact, making the chorus feel even more dynamic!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long is a Pre-Chorus?

The pre-chorus is usually shorter than both the verse and the chorus. If your song’s verse is 4 bars and your chorus is 8 bars, the pre-chorus could be as short as 2 bars.

Remember, it’s just a brief transitory section – it’s supposed to keep momentum going into the next section, not serve as the star of the show.

What’s the Difference Between Pre-Chorus vs Bridge?

The pre-chorus connects the verse to the chorus, often building tension or anticipation before the song’s main hook. It typically repeats with minor variations throughout the song.

The song bridge, on the other hand, introduces a completely new section, offering contrast and breaking the repetitive cycle of verses and choruses. It usually appears only once in a song, often leading into a final chorus. It might help to think of the pre-chorus as a transition and the bridge as a departure.

What’s the Difference Between Pre-Chorus vs Chorus?

The pre-chorus is a supporting section, setting up the energy and emotion of the chorus, which is the song’s focal point. A pre-chorus may feel unresolved on its own, while the chorus delivers the song’s payoff – the “main event” that listeners are most likely to sing along with and remember long after they’ve heard the song.

For example, the pre-chorus might build tension with lines like “I can’t wait any longer,” leading into the chorus where everything is resolved: “Because you’re the one I’ve been waiting for!”

Is a pre-chorus necessary in every song?

Not at all! Many, many great songs omit a pre-chorus entirely. Whether or not you need one depends on your song’s structure and theme. If your verse naturally transitions into the chorus, then a pre-chorus won’t seem necessary.

However, if the shift feels abrupt, a pre-chorus can help smooth things out and create a satisfying build-up. Also keep in mind that some genres are more formulaic or rigid than others, such as the 12-bar blues – the characteristics of your song’s chosen genre can help you determine if it should have a pre-chorus.

Can a song have multiple pre-choruses?

Yes, but not in the same way you’d think of a verse or chorus repeating. A song might have different variations of the pre-chorus for each verse, but typically the pre-chorus is just a recurring section that leads into the chorus.

Including two completely different pre-choruses in one song isn’t common, but there aren’t any hard and fast rules in song structure – songwriting is about what feels right for your music!

What is a Pre-Chorus Wrap-up

The pre-chorus is a small but mighty section in a song’s structure, acting as the bridge between the verse and chorus. It may be short, but its role in building momentum, heightening emotion, and setting the stage for the chorus can be electric.

Don’t think you need to use it every time you go to write a song, but if you ever feel like your song is missing something, or that the shift between verse and chorus is too abrupt, the pre-chorus is a fantastic tool in any songwriter’s toolkit!

Hopefully, looking at popular songs like Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer and Lady Gaga’s Shallow helped you get a sense for how pre-choruses are used to captivate listeners and make songs unforgettable. In the end, they don’t just connect parts of a song – they elevate the impact and ensure the chorus lands with the maximum possible power and emotion.

As you experiment with your own songwriting, remember that a pre-chorus doesn’t have to follow a strict formula. It just has to fit in your song. Just makeake it count – your listeners will feel the difference.

Have fun creating your own pre-chorus moments!