The main sequence of single notes you hum — the memorable tune of a song.
A melody is a succession of single notes played or sung one after another that the ear hears as a single, coherent line — it is the part of a song you whistle, hum or remember most. Melody is the horizontal dimension of music, moving through time, in contrast to harmony, which stacks notes vertically. A strong melody balances repetition and variation: phrases that return give it familiarity, while small changes keep it interesting. Melodies live within a key and scale, rise and fall in pitch to create shape and tension, and sit in rhythm against the beat. Writing a memorable melody is often considered the hardest and most valuable skill in songwriting.
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