A good melody tells a story – without the words.

Of course I’m not saying it tells a literal story.  But a good melody often takes you on a condensed journey with a satisfying Act 1, Act, 2, and Act 3.  Just like in a traditional movie or play, Act 1 presents the situation, Act 2 develops the conflict, usually reaching a climax at the end of the Act, and Act 3 restates the themes and all issues (harmonic and melodic, in this case) are usually resolved.

This is not the only way to put together a melody. In fact, the examples sited are pretty traditional and old-school.  But they’re great illustrations of the idea that, to work, A Good Melody Tells A Story (and doesn’t just wait around for the words to do the storytelling).

I’ve found the simplest way to understand this idea is in your basic 8 bar melody, which often includes 4 phrases (2 bars each) –

1) Statement of the main theme (Act 1);

2) Restatement with slight variation (Act 2a);

3) Main Variation (Act 2b);

4) Restatement and/or Resolution of the main theme (Act 3).

Conceptually, pretty straightforward.  Some examples (think about them without the words):

Yesterday (Paul McCartney) – Starts with a simple 3-note descending phrase.  Next it rises up by scale tones to a higher statement of that  phrase.  Then descends by scale tones to a lower restatement.  Then a final phrase that resolves with three notes going in the other direction (down-up-up).

Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin) – First phrase: statement of theme.  Second: slight variation.  Third: A longer, passionate phrase that leads to the highest point (both melodically and emotionally).  Fourth: resigned resolution.

Allentown (Billy Joel) – Tremendous soaring melody.  The first two phrase are structurally very similar to those in Yesterday.  But the third phrase is double the usual length, allowing it to either loop around – back to another verse – or add a 2 bar phrase (bars 9 & 10) that restates the first phrase (and the title).

Smoke On The Water (Deep Purple) – not the vocal melody; the guitar riff! Think about it… Statement – slight variation – restatement – resolution.  All with 4 notes.

There are thousands of other examples of all different styles and genres.  I’m not recommending that your melody follow the patterns above.  I am suggesting that thinking about melodies as having a drama of their own can help yours stand out.

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