What tempo and instruments does R&B use?
Slow jams sit around 60–75 BPM, while modern mid-tempo R&B lands near 85–95 BPM. The groove matters more than speed.
Typical sounds include electric piano, smooth bass, soft snares, finger snaps and 808s in newer styles. Soul adds live horns and organ.
Structure often follows verse, pre-chorus, chorus, with a bridge that turns the emotion up. The final chorus usually gets the biggest vocal.
How do R&B lyrics usually work?
R&B lyrics are intimate and personal, usually addressed to “you.” Desire, trust, heartbreak and reconciliation are common themes.
Leave space between lines. R&B vocals stretch words with runs and held notes, so fewer syllables often sound better.
Call-and-response lines in the chorus give the singer room to answer themselves, which feels very R&B.
What should you type for an R&B sound?
Name the vocal feel and texture, such as “silky falsetto, warm Rhodes, slow groove, late-night mood.” Add “smooth” or “breathy” as the vocal style.
For a classic sound, try Soul. For a darker, modern version, restyle the song with Trap drums.
Use the romantic or late-night mood, and keep energy low to medium. Too much energy pushes R&B toward pop.