Rock music is one of the most diverse and evolving genres out there. From the raw energy of punk to the intricate soundscapes of progressive rock, each subgenre has its own voice, mood, and creative spark. But when it comes to songwriting, finding that first spark of inspiration isn’t always easy. That’s where prompts come in.
In this article, you’ll find 20+ prompts tailored for every major rock subgenre, designed to kickstart your creativity, push your boundaries, and help you capture the unique spirit of each style. Whether you’re writing your first prompts, experimenting with lyrics, or just looking for a fresh idea to start your creation cycle, these prompts will give you the push you need to start rocking.
AI prompt for classic rock
Classic rock key words: anthemic riffs, nostalgia, rebellion, freedom
Prompt for music generation: Write a timeless rock anthem with powerful guitar riffs and lyrics about freedom, rebellion, or nostalgia. (Channel the spirit of bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, or Queen. if you are allowed to mention bands)
AI prompt for hard rock
Hard rock key words: heavy riffs, driving beat, power
Prompt for music generation: Create a hard-hitting track filled with crunchy guitar riffs and a pounding rhythm section. Lyrics should evoke intensity, strength, and raw energy that defines hard rock classics.
AI prompt for punk rock
Punk rock key words: fast, raw, DIY, rebellion
Prompt for music generation: Compose a punk rock anthem with fast-paced chords, raw vocals, and a message of rebellion against the system. Keep it simple, direct, and full of DIY energy.
AI prompt for progressive rock (prog rock)
Progressive rock key words: epic, complex, storytelling, virtuosity
Prompt for music generation: Write a progressive rock piece with shifting time signatures, extended instrumental sections, and storytelling lyrics. Explore philosophical or fantastical themes with layered arrangements.
AI prompt for psychedelic rock
Psychedelic rock key words: trippy, surreal, echo, mind-expanding
Prompt for music generation: Craft a psychedelic rock track with swirling guitar effects, surreal imagery, and hypnotic rhythms. Lyrics should blur reality, creating a dreamlike, mind-expanding atmosphere.
AI prompt for alternative rock
Alternative rock key words: angsty, modern, edgy, emotion
Prompt for music generation: Prompt for music generation: Write an alternative rock song blending raw emotion with edgy guitar tones. Capture themes of alienation, self-discovery, or defiance, while balancing catchiness with authenticity.
AI prompt for indie rock
Indie rock key words: quirky, heartfelt, lo-fi, melodic
Prompt for music generation: Prompt for music generation: Compose an indie rock song with jangly guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and a lo-fi aesthetic. Themes can explore vulnerability, love, or everyday moments, delivered with quirky originality.
AI prompt for garage rock
Garage rock key words: raw, loud, stripped-down, energy
Prompt for music generation: Write a garage rock track with gritty guitar tones, rough vocals, and an unpolished feel. Embrace simplicity and raw energy, channeling the rebellious spirit of the 60s garage scene.
AI prompt for grunge
Grunge rock key words: dark, heavy, angst, distortion
Prompt for music generation: Create a grunge anthem with distorted guitars, heavy riffs, and lyrics filled with angst, disillusionment, or raw emotion. Capture the moodiness and authenticity of the Seattle scene.
AI prompt for glam rock
Glam rock key words: flashy, theatrical, bold, catchy
Prompt for music generation: Write a glam rock song that’s bold and flamboyant, with catchy hooks and theatrical lyrics. Explore themes of identity, performance, or excess with glittering guitar tones.
AI prompt for southern rock
Southern rock key words: bluesy, soulful, storytelling, roots
Prompt for music generation: Craft a Southern rock tune that blends bluesy guitar licks, soulful vocals, and lyrics about small towns, the open road, or personal struggles. Add a touch of country influence.
AI prompt for blues rock
Blues rock key words: groove, soul, expressive, emotion
Prompt for music generation: Write a blues rock track with expressive guitar solos, soulful vocals, and a grooving rhythm. Lyrics should channel heartbreak, resilience, or life’s struggles in a raw, authentic way.
AI prompt for folk rock
Folk rock key words: acoustic, storytelling, poetic, harmony
Prompt for music generation: Compose a folk rock ballad mixing acoustic textures with electric energy. Focus on poetic storytelling, harmonies, and socially conscious or introspective lyrics.
AI prompt for surf rock
Surf rock key words: reverb, beach, upbeat, waves
Prompt for music generation: Write a surf rock tune full of reverb-soaked guitars, upbeat rhythms, and a carefree, sunny mood. Capture the ocean’s energy with instrumental leads or beach-inspired lyrics.
AI prompt for stoner rock
Stoner rock key words: fuzzy, hypnotic, heavy, groove
Prompt for music generation: Create a stoner rock jam with fuzz-drenched guitars, hypnotic grooves, and a slow, heavy feel. Lyrics should explore cosmic journeys, altered states, or mystical themes.
AI prompt for space rock
Space rock key words: ambient, cosmic, synths, exploration
Prompt for music generation: Write a space rock track with atmospheric layers, echoing guitars, and cosmic soundscapes. Themes should focus on space exploration, the unknown, or existential wonder.
AI prompt for post-rock
Post-rock key words: ambient, instrumental, cinematic, build
Prompt for music generation: Compose a post-rock piece with slow builds, layered guitars, and cinematic soundscapes. Use dynamics and textures to create emotional depth, often without traditional vocals.
AI prompt for math rock
Math rock key words: complex, angular, precise, technical
Prompt for music generation: Write a math rock song with intricate rhythms, angular riffs, and precise instrumentation. Explore odd time signatures and interlocking guitar patterns to create a challenging sound.
AI prompt for industrial rock
Industrial rock key words: mechanical, dark, gritty, experimental
Prompt for music generation: Craft an industrial rock track that blends heavy guitars with mechanical beats, distortion, and dark themes. Experiment with samples and textures to create a gritty, dystopian sound.
AI prompt for shock rock
Shock rock key words: provocative, outrageous, theatrical, dark
Prompt for music generation: Write a shock rock piece designed to provoke and entertain with dark, outrageous lyrics and theatrical performances. Emphasize shock value while still delivering catchy riffs.
AI prompt for stadium rock
Stadium rock key words: anthemic, crowd, big, powerful
Prompt for music generation: Create a stadium rock anthem with soaring vocals, massive choruses, and big guitar riffs designed to fill arenas. Lyrics should be uplifting, unifying, and perfect for crowd sing-alongs.