Sequence

A type of repetition in a melody

Ascending sequencea short part of a
melody that is repeated but all the notes
are higher each repetition
Descending sequencesame as above but
repeated lower
Ascending Sequence

Descending Sequence

Melody
Extension
A melody begins as before, but this time is
extended for example: 2 bars now becomes 3

Repetition
A melody or rhythm can be repeated:
Exactly
Or with some changes

Theme from Beethovens Ode to Joy Symphony

These are the only bars

that have been altered.

Fragmentation
A fragment (small part) of the melody is
used
Helps extend the music

Original fragment

Fragment repeated

Riff
Guitar or keyboard plays a catchy short
melody that is repeated often during a song

[Insert well known riff here e.g. Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple]

Augmentation
The melody or rhythm is repeated with

larger note values

Sounds similar but s l o w e r

Every note from the

original is doubled
in value

augmented/ expanded

Diminution
The melody or rhythm is repeated
with smaller note values
Sounds similar but faster

original

halved
Every note from the
original has been halved
in value

Imitation
One part in the music imitates a melody or
rhythm in another part
Usually happens within the next two bars

original

repeated/imitated
in the bass

Pedal Point
(Pedal, Pedal Tone)
A note in the bass that lasts for several
bars
OR
The same note repeated for several bars
Above that note the music moves a
melody and/or a harmony
The melody moves in the
violin above the pedal tone

The double bass

holds the pedal tone

Ostinato
Repeated rhythmic idea or motif, usually
underneath the music
May be played by a percussion instrument or by a melody instrument

motif