melodic line
Song's main thread
A melodic line is a sequence of musical notes forming a distinct, recognizable tune—the part you'd hum or whistle.
In compositions with multiple voices or instruments, each may carry its own melodic line: The cello's melodic line weaves beneath the violin's.
Also called simply a melody or line.
Words forming partial meaning
- arcCurved line segment
- ascendingMoving upward
- descendingMoving downward
- leapsShort springing motions
steps · undulating · climax · peak · shape · curve · rise · fall
Recurring thematic element
- themeCentral recurring concept
- phraseWords forming partial meaning
- variationChange from a norm
- developmentProgress toward maturity
sequence · repetition · imitation · inversion · augmentation · diminution · fragmentation · extension
Musically expressive
- singableAble to be voiced musically
- cantabileIn singing manner
- memorableWorth holding onto
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
soaring · plaintive · jaunty · wistful · flowing · angular · sweeping · tender
Unbroken musical phrasing
- staccatoShort, separated note style
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
- slurInsulting group label
phrasing · breath · attack · sustain · release · bowing · tonguing · accent
Harmonious sound combination
- dissonanceLack of harmony
- tensionStretched or strained state
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
anticipation · modal · tonal · chromatic · diatonic · leading tone
phrase
Words forming partial meaning
- arcCurved line segment
- ascendingMoving upward
- descendingMoving downward
leaps · steps · undulating · climax · peak · shape · curve · rise · fall · direction
motif
Recurring thematic element
development · sequence · repetition · imitation · inversion · augmentation · diminution · fragmentation · extension · ornamentation
lyrical
Musically expressive
haunting · soaring · plaintive · jaunty · wistful · flowing · angular · sweeping · tender · majestic
legato
Unbroken musical phrasing
- staccatoShort, separated note style
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
slur · phrasing · breath · attack · sustain · release · bowing · tonguing · accent · tenuto
consonance
Harmonious sound combination
- dissonanceLack of harmony
- tensionStretched or strained state
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
suspension · anticipation · modal · tonal · chromatic · diatonic · leading tone
syncopation
Stressed unexpected beats
duration · note values · dotted · tied · pickup · rubato · accent · swing · groove · ostinato
- melodytune, theme, air, phrase, motif
- A cappella termsa cappella, harmony, vocal parts, ensemble singing, harmonization
- accompanimentbacking band, backing track, accompanist, piano accompaniment, guitar accompaniment
- Sonatassonatas, piano sonata, violin sonata, Moonlight Sonata, exposition
- vocal harmonyharmony, thirds, sixths, three-part harmony, duet
- Big Bandbrass section, horn section, trumpet section, trombone section, rhythm section
melodic lineharmony
Agreement or musical blend
chords · chord progression · accompaniment · counterpoint · polyphony
melodic linerhythm
Patterned stress and silence
beat · meter · tempo · rhythmic pattern · time signature
melodic linenoise
Unwanted auditory disturbance
cacophony · dissonance · atonality · white noise · static
line, melody, linear, melodic, melodically, melodize, unmelodic