The AABA Formula for Writing Melodies

A pattern, not a set of notes

Melody writing can feel mysterious, but many memorable melodies share a simple underlying pattern. It’s called AABA. Each letter stands for a short melodic phrase: an A phrase, the same phrase repeated, a contrasting B phrase, then a return to A. Importantly, the pattern has nothing to do with particular pitches or rhythms. It’s about the balance of repetition and variation.

The pattern shows up in pop songs such as “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, “Firework” by Katy Perry, and “High Five” by Sigrid, and in the verse melody of “Ladies of the Canyon” by Joni Mitchell. Hearing it so often, in such different music, is a good sign of how well it works.

Starting with something simple

The A phrase can be anything, and it doesn’t need to be complex. Keppie plays two simple chords and finds a short phrase using notes that sit close together, then repeats it exactly. You don’t need to be an amazing singer, because the pattern does the work.

Creating contrast

The B phrase needs to break the pattern. Three easy ways to create contrast are changing the shape or direction of the melody (if A climbs, B might start high and fall), changing the pace of the notes, and changing the length of the phrase. The difference isn’t random. It answers what came before.

Coming home to the familiar

Finally, the melody returns to A. It can repeat exactly, or, because the listener has already heard it twice, it can carry a small variation for a touch of surprise. Other patterns, such as AABB and AB, are worth listening for too. Listening for repetition and variation gives you a new way to hear melodies, and to write your own.