What is a melody?

A melody is a sequence of notes that are perceived as a cohesive and memorable musical phrase. This means that it consists of different pitches and lengths of notes that come together to create a tuneful line that stands out within a piece of music. Melodies are typically the most recognizable part of a song, and they convey emotion and meaning, making them essential to music composition and listening experience.

In contrast, a single repetitive note lacks the variation needed to form a melody, while a rhythmic pattern focuses on timing and beat rather than pitch. Lastly, sampling techniques relate to the process of taking portions of existing recordings and reusing them, which is distinct from the creation of a melody. Understanding these distinctions helps appreciate the role of melody in music.