Good melodies balance ascent and descent and alternate between stepwise and leapwise motion

Melodic contour refers to the shape of a melody over time. The standard principles: (1) balance rising and falling motion — a sustained ascent should be compensated by descent of similar magnitude; (2) after stepwise motion (adjacent notes), leap in the opposite direction, and after a leap, resolve by step in the opposite direction; (3) the highest pitch (peak note) typically occurs once, not multiple times, and often on a metrically strong position. Melodies that follow these principles feel balanced and complete; those that violate them without intent feel aimless. Many compelling melodies deviate from these guidelines intentionally, but understanding the baseline is prerequisite to productive deviation.

Examples

A melody rises stepwise C–D–E, then leaps down to G (leap following steps). The G then resolves back up by step to A. The overall arc is upward to a peak and then downward — a balanced contour.

Assessment

Transcribe the contour of a melody you admire (mark each note as up-step, down-step, up-leap, down-leap, or same). Identify whether it follows the balance principles. Where does it deviate, and does the deviation feel intentional?