Usually I play my own chord progressions like II ii I i VIIb viib VIb VIsus4 I and then continue playing ii I, there are pros and cons however since you can't really make a more complex melody out of the progression that I mentioned for example, nor would you be able to make lyrics out of it, but it is a good intro to a song and as for ii I could fit perfectly with lyrical part since it's simple and effective. Chord progressions and tempo allows you to better understand how to provoke the emotion that you are going for as well.