How to Convert Vocals to Instrumentals in Suno AI and Mix with Custom Lyrics

In this blog series, I’m tackling questions from the Suno AI community that really get into the fun and creative potential of the platform. Today, we have a brand-new question: “How do I convert a single vocal line into an instrumental in Suno AI?”

This question opens up some exciting possibilities, and I’ll guide you through both the basics and more advanced techniques—including how to mix your converted instrumental with custom lyrics for a dynamic track. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Start Simple with Instrumental Mode

The easiest way to convert a vocal line into an instrumental tune in Suno AI is to use its Instrumental Mode. This setting ensures that the AI focuses on generating music and ignores any vocals.

• Select Instrumental Mode: Before uploading your vocal track, ensure that the AI is set to Instrumental Mode. This will make sure you’re working only with instrumental outputs.
• Upload Your Vocal Recording: Whether it’s a voice memo, live capture, or another vocal recording, upload it to Suno AI, and the AI will extract the melody for use in your instrument selection.

Step 2: Use Simple Instrument Prompts

Once the vocal is uploaded, all you need to do is specify which instrument you want Suno AI to use. There’s no need for complex commands—keep it simple!

{Piano melody following the vocal line}

{Acoustic guitar strumming to match the vocal rhythm}

The AI will automatically take the vocal melody and play it using the specified instrument.

Step 3: Add Dynamics for More Depth

If you want to refine the sound a little more, you can add instructions about the dynamics or tone of the instrumental without complicating things. This step allows you to control the emotion or energy of the generated music.

{Soft piano playing the vocal melody}

{Guitar with a slow rhythm matching the vocal melody}

This allows Suno AI to not only replicate the vocal melody but also adjust how the music feels—whether it’s soft and emotional or upbeat and rhythmic.

Step 4: Combine with Custom Lyrics (Advanced)

Here’s where things get really interesting: mixing your vocal-to-instrument conversion with custom lyrics. This is a more advanced technique, but it opens up a lot of creative possibilities.

• Switch to Custom Lyrics Mode: Now, switch back to Custom Lyrics Mode to allow Suno AI to generate lyrics while keeping the instrumental based on your vocal melody.
• Use a Specific Mapping Prompt: To help Suno AI integrate the vocal melody with custom lyrics, it’s important to specify how you want the lyrics to be mapped to the music.

  {Piano melody following the vocal line. Add custom lyrics: "Let the light shine, and the truth be heard."}

• Create Balance Between Lyrics and Instrumental: If you want certain parts of the song to focus on instrumental sections, and others to highlight the lyrics, specify that balance in the prompt.

  {Soft strings following the vocal melody in the verse. Add custom lyrics in the chorus: "Lift us higher, take us home." Keep the chorus instrumental dynamic.}

Step 5: Experiment, Adjust, and Share What You Discover

Now that you’ve got the basics and some advanced techniques down, it’s time to dive into experimentation! Suno AI, as a Large Language Model (LLM), is incredibly flexible, but there’s no "one-size-fits-all" approach. Depending on your commands and where they’re applied within your song arrangement, results may vary.

Experimenting with different instruments, adjusting dynamics, and exploring how well custom lyrics sync with the instrumental melody is part of the creative process. Suno AI thrives on trial and error, so don’t hesitate to tweak your prompts. What works in one section may need adjustments in another—so stay open to making changes as you explore.

I’d love to hear how it works for you—did a particular instrument work really well? Or maybe something didn’t quite hit the mark? Share your results in the comments below, and let’s keep pushing the creative boundaries of Suno AI together.

Final Thoughts

Converting vocals into instrumentals using Suno AI opens up a world of creative possibilities, especially when combined with custom lyrics. Start simple, then build up your complexity as you experiment with new ideas. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover just how much Suno AI can do.

Now it’s your turn! Share your experiments and experiences in the comments—I’m excited to see what you create!