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5.2 Melodic Rhythm

Rhythm is an important component in a melody. It helps make the pitches of a melody memorable by managing the expectations of the listener; balancing the expected with the unexpected. Melodic rhythms do this by using these three mechanisms: syncopation, repetition, and space.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Learn the information below.

Syncopation

Syncopation occurs when there is an attack on a weak beat without an attack on the strong beat before it. Most pop songs use syncopated rhythms. The rhythm above shows attacks on the + of 2, + of 3, and the + of 4 without attacks on the numbers before them. This is an example of eighth note syncopation.

Repetition

Repetition within each measure is important, but repetition within each phrase creates patterns of familiarity and contrast that satisfy the listener’s need for structure. When analyzing repetition structure, give each measure a letter name starting with A. Measures with the same rhythm should receive the same letter. The melodic rhythm in this phrase uses an ABAC repetition structure.

Space

Melodies should be easy to sing. Using space in a melody allows the singer to breathe and provides contrast from sections that might be more active. Rests and sustains have been added to the four-measure phrase to add space.

 

Listen

HEARING MELODIC RHYTHM

Listen to the melodic rhythm of the vocal lines in this country playlist.

  • Identify syncopation, repetition, and space within phrases.

  • Pay attention to instrumental solos as well. Soloists use melodic rhythms as well to craft their solos into hooks that can also stay in the listener’s ear.

  • Challenge yourself by pausing the music after a phrase and trying to repeat the rhythm of the melody out loud. This skill is vital to melodic transcription and will help you in composition and improvisation as well.

 

Analyze

MELODY ANALYSIS

OPEN IN NOTEFLIGHT

 

Improvise

MELODIC RHYTHM IMPROVISATION

  • Add a keyboard instrument by clicking on add new track -> piano and keyboard track.

  • Listen to the drum, bass, and synth loop.

  • Improvise a melodic rhythm using the note C on the piano keyboard.

  • Make sure to include syncopation, repetition, and space in your rhythm.

OPEN IN SOUNDTRAP

 

Compose

MELODIC RHYTHM COMPOSITION

Write a four-measure rhythm that uses syncopation, repetition, and space.

  • Practice improvising melodic rhythms using the drum loop below.

  • Complete the Melodic Rhythm Organizer →

  • Record a performance of your melodic rhythm in the Soundtrap project.

 

    1. Add new track > Drum and beats track.

    2. Disable the looping function by double-clicking on the purple bar over the timeline.

    3. Use the “U” key on the typing keyboard or C1 on the MIDI keyboard to play along with the test.

    4. Press record and test your ability to keep a steady beat.

    5. Check your work by clicking on piano roll and zooming in on your notes.