Arts >> Music >> Music Genres

What is the difference between tune melody and song?

A tune is a succession of notes that form a recognisable melody. It is the main musical theme of a song or piece of music. A melody is a series of notes that are played one after another, usually in a recognisable pattern. It is the part of a song that you sing or hum. A song is a piece of music that has both lyrics and a melody. It is usually sung by a singer, and may be accompanied by instruments.

Here is a table summarising the key differences between a tune, melody, and song:

| Feature | Tune | Melody | Song |

|---|---|---|---|

| Definition | A succession of notes that form a recognisable melody | A series of notes that are played one after another, usually in a recognisable pattern | A piece of music that has both lyrics and a melody |

| Function | The main musical theme of a song or piece of music | The part of a song that you sing or hum | A complete piece of music that can be sung or played |

| Example | "Happy Birthday to You" | "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" | "Imagine" by John Lennon |

In general, a tune is a shorter and simpler musical phrase than a melody. A song is a more complete piece of music that includes lyrics and a melody.

Music Genres

Related Categories