A Simple Way to Make Your Choruses Sound Bigger

In a mix, it can sound great when the chorus opens up and feels like everything is lifted and elevated.

But sometimes mixes don’t quite deliver… not without a bit of help.

Here are a few ways to create contrast between verse and chorus in a way that makes the chorus open up:

• Add additional tracks in the chorus (e.g. a tambourine, an additional guitar, vocal harmonies, etc.)
• Change the guitar tone in the chorus to something fuller and thicker
• Automate the panning, so elements are more widely spread in the chorus
• Automate the EQ to make things slightly brighter

These are all great ways to give your choruses a little extra lift and impact.

Of course, you have to keep these changes subtle — you’re aiming for contrast, not something that is obvious or distracting.

Give it a go on your next mix and let me know how it sounds.