A melody is the central line of a song, a sequence of pitches and durations laid out over time. The term covers not only the line that is sung but also the lead line carried by an instrument.
The basic idea
A melody moves by rising, falling, staying on the same note, or resting. Grouping it into phrases makes it easier for listeners to remember.
Its role in writing and performing
The melody conveys the song’s emotion and words most directly. Which notes you choose over the chord progression changes the brightness and the tension.
How to check it in your DAW
Write a short four-bar melody in the piano roll and try singing it before you add more notes. Placing the important notes on chord tones helps it sit with the accompaniment.
How it differs from related terms
The melody is the lead line, and the accompaniment is the part that supports it. Lead sometimes refers to the sound or the part that carries the melody.
The starting point is a flow you can hum and natural places to breathe, rather than a large number of notes.
