Why are some melodies instantly "catchy" while others are forgotten in seconds? The answer often lies in Melodic Contour—the visual "shape" the melody makes as it rises and falls in pitch. In this guide, we'll break down the five most common melodic shapes and how they affect the human brain.

1. The Arch (The Most Common)

The "Arch" melody starts low, rises to a peak (usually on an important word or emotion), and then falls back down. This shape feels natural, complete, and fulfilling. Thousands of pop and folk songs use this because it mimics the natural arc of a spoken sentence.

2. The Inverted Arch (The Valley)

The opposite of an arch—starting high, dipping low, and ending high again. This can create a sense of "diving" into an emotion or a brief moment of intimacy before returning to strength.

3. The Ascending Staircase

These melodies keep moving upward. This is a classic tool for building Tension. As the pitch gets higher, our ears perceive it as a "reaching" toward a goal, making the listener wait for a resolution.

4. The Descending Line

Melodies that fall gradually often evoke sadness, resignation, or peacefulness. Think of a sigh—it starts with high energy and releases it downward.

5. Stationary / Oscillating

Some melodies stay on one or two notes for a long time. This creates a sense of stasis, boredom, or intensity (like a heartbeat). It can be used effectively to build anticipation for a more complex melody in the next section.

Summary

A great melody is like a landscape—it needs hills, valleys, and horizons. By being intentional about your melodic contour, you ensure your music has a visual logic that the listener's brain can effortlessly follow.