Think about your favorite melody. What do you like about it? Is it the way the pitches rise and fall to shape the melody? Well, that’s exactly what melodic contour is about.
In today’s blog post we will be talking about melodic contour, discussing what it is, how it’s used, and how you can use this concept in jazz improvisation.
Let’s begin!
What Is Melodic Contour?
Melodic contour refers to the overall shape and direction of a melody as it progresses through a piece of music. It encompasses the movement of pitches—whether they ascend, descend, or remain fixed—and the types of intervals between notes, including steps (small, adjacent intervals), skips (moderate intervals), and leaps (larger intervals). This contour creates a melody’s distinctive profile, guiding the listener’s journey through rises and falls, tensions, and resolutions.
Steps, Skips And Leaps
Step
A step refers to the movement between two adjacent notes in a scale, either a whole step or a half step. This small interval creates a smooth and gradual change in pitch, contributing to a gentle, flowing contour in a melody.
The image below shows an example of a melody using only steps.
Skip
A skip is an interval between two notes that are separated by one or more scale degrees, typically a third. This means the notes are not adjacent but have a note in between them, for example C to E. (a third)
Skips create a small jump in the melodic contour, adding variety and a sense of movement without the dramatic effect of larger intervals.
Leap
A leap is an interval between two notes that are separated by more than a third, often involving jumps of a fifth, sixth, seventh, or octave and beyond.
Leaps create a dramatic shift in melodic contour, adding excitement and contrast to the melody. Examples of leaps include intervals such as a fifth (C to G) or an octave (C to the next C).
Repeat
Repeated notes are instances where the same pitch is played consecutively without changing. This creates a sense of stability and can serve as a rhythmic or thematic anchor in a melody, often used to emphasize a particular note or to build tension through repetition.
Types Of Melodic Contour
- Ascending Contour: The melody goes higher up in pitch as it progresses. Eg: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland in the opening phrase.
- Descending Contour: The melody becomes lower as it progresses.
- Undulating: Equal movement in both directions
- Tile/Terrace/Cascading: A tile or terrace melodic contour consists of a series of melodic phrases that repeat at
How Can We Use Melodic Contour In Jazz Improvisation?
The concept of melodic contour can be used successfully in jazz improvisation. Let’s take a look at how the types of contour mentioned above can be used in jazz improvisation.
Ascending Contour
- Building Intensity: Ascending lines can be used to build tension. Start lower in your range and gradually move up, creating a sense of anticipation.
- Highlighting Climaxes: Ascending contours are effective for reaching climactic points in your solo. Use them to build towards key moments.
- Motivic Development: Develop motifs that ascend. For instance, play a simple ascending arpeggio and then vary it rhythmically or harmonically.
Descending Contour
- Releases Tension: Use descending lines to resolve tension. This is especially effective after a high-intensity ascending passage.
- Creating Contrast: Alternate between ascending and descending lines to create dynamic contrast in your solo. This keeps the listener engaged.
- Ending Phrases: Descending contours are great for ending phrases or sections, giving a natural sense of resolution.
Undulating Contour
- Creates Movement: Use undulating lines to add a sense of flow and movement to your solo. This contour can give a lively and intricate feel to your improvisation.
- Building Motifs: Develop motifs that undulate, providing a recurring, engaging shape. Vary the motif rhythmically or harmonically for interest.
Terrace Contour
- Creates Structure: Use terrace contours to create clear, structured sections in your solo. Each phrase can start on a different pitch level but maintain the same shape.
- Developing Themes: Develop a theme by repeating a melodic idea at different pitches. This reinforces the motif and creates a sense of progression.
- Building Intensity: Gradually increase the pitch level of each terrace to build intensity.
Tips for Using Melodic Contour in Jazz Improvisation
- Practice Different Contours: Spend time improvising with each type of contour separately. Focus on creating clear, distinct shapes in your solos. It is best to try notating your solos so that you can visually see the contour.
- Combine Contours: Mix different contours within a solo. Start with an ascending line, follow with an undulating pattern, and end with a descending or arc contour.
- Listen and Analyze: Listen to jazz solos by great improvisers and analyze their use of melodic contour. Transcribe solos and map out the contours they use.
- Use Scales and Arpeggios: Practice scales and arpeggios with specific contours in mind. For example, play scales in an ascending or descending pattern or create undulating lines with arpeggios.
- Be Mindful of Harmony: Always consider the underlying chord changes when shaping your melodic contours. Make sure your contours outline the harmony effectively.
- Develop Motifs: Create short motifs with distinct contours and develop them throughout your solo. Use repetition and variation to keep the listener engaged.
Conclusion
Melodic contour is a powerful tool in the jazz improviser’s toolkit, shaping the way melodies are perceived and experienced. By understanding and applying different types of contours, you can create solos that are not only technically impressive but also emotionally engaging.
These contours help in building intensity, releasing tension, and providing dynamic contrast, making music more compelling and memorable.
So, the next time you sit down to improvise, think about the shapes and directions of your lines and how they can enhance your musical storytelling skills.
