More often than not, the chorus is the most important section of the song.

And for that reason, we almost always want it to sound big, wide, and generally awesome.

Today I want to share with you some easy tips and tricks to achieve the chorus sound you're looking for.

These tips involve writing, recording, mixing, and arranging, so play close attention.

Vocal harmonies

This is one of the most common ways to make your chorus bigger, it's used on almost every song in any genre.

Recording extra backing vocal tracks to create a harmony and enhance the entire chorus.

You can go from a subtle single harmony, to a huge 4 voice harmony, whatever fits the song and your taste.

Dual tracking

Another classic and simple trick is to dual track an instrument or two.

If your verse has only one guitar for example, try double tracking it in the chorus.

It's simple and effective, but don't over do it.

Percussion

Adding subtle percussion tracks can make a huge difference on how the chorus feel, much more than you would expect.

Play around with tambourines, shakers, or any other percussion instrument, and see how it affects your chorus.

Different Chord Progression

It's hard to distinguish the chorus from the verse if the chord progression doesn't change at all from one section to another.

Try to use different chords for the chorus, to make it stand out over the rest of the song.

Building Up

Probably the best way to make your chorus bigger is to build your song and arrangement up to it.

By doing that you'll make sure the chorus sound big no matter what.

Make the song feel like it's building up towards the chorus section, and develop the expectations and excitement of the listener.

Using Different Cymbals

If your drummer used mainly the hi-hat or ride cymbals on the verse, try switching to a crash cymbal on the chorus.

Sometimes that's all you need.

More Stereo Width

Sometimes you want your chorus section to feel super wide when it kicks in.

But how can we make our chorus wider when everything is already panned wide?

The answer is narrowing the verse (or which ever section that comes before the chorus).

You can narrow your drum overheads, some hard panned tracks, or even your entire mix.

The point is to automate your pan or width knobs.

Narrow on the verse, wide on the chorus.

The contrast will make your chorus sound wider.

More Instruments

One obvious way to make your chorus bigger is to make it have more instruments than the verse.

But the key is to write and record complimentary parts and instruments.

Don't just record more instruments without a purpose or a reason.

And don't make every instrument play the same thing.

Be creative.

Volume Boost

This is perhaps the most simple way to make your chorus bigger, simply automate your master fader, and push your chorus 1db louder.

It makes a big difference.

Sometimes even half a db is enough.

Bass Boost

Another easy way to make your chorus bigger is to boost the bass.

Whether it's a guitar or a synth, try boosting your bass track about 2db or so, and see how it affects your chorus.

Brighter Sound

Another automation tip that will make your chorus pop, is to automate your EQ.

It can be rhythm guitars, synth pads, or maybe the master track.

The idea is to make the chorus slightly brighter than the verse.

(Or make the verse slightly darker than the chorus).

More Ambience

Sometimes a chorus section calls for more ambience effects than the rest of the song.

You can automate your reverb and delay effects, to give your chorus a better sense of space.

All of these tips can help you achieve the sound and feel you're looking for, but obviously not every tip is needed every time.

Each song will require different handling.

Some tips might work for a certain song, and others may work for a different one.

The point is to be creative and try new ideas.

So don't be afraid to try these tips and find which one works for you and your song.

Do you have any tips for a bigger sounding chorus?

Share your thoughts in the comments bellow!