An ostinato is a short melody, rhythm, or bass line that keeps repeating. It creates a steady foundation so that the other parts can change over it.
The basic idea
Because the same pattern continues, it clearly communicates the beat and the key to the listener. Since there is little variation, use tone, dynamics, and the relationship with the chords to avoid monotony.
Its role in writing and performing
A repeating bass or piano figure supports the groove of a song. Even if you change only the melody above it, the foundation stays in place and the song keeps its cohesion.
How to try it in a DAW
Make a one- or two-bar pattern, loop it, and layer a chord progression over it. Dropping notes in the second half, changing the octave, or moving a filter creates development while the repetition remains.
How it differs from related terms
A riff is also a short repeated phrase, but the word ostinato focuses on its role as a sustained foundation for the accompaniment.
Repetition is not monotony; it is the footing of a song. Decide what changes and what stays.
