Melisma

5 ways to write magical melodies using melisma

Mariah Carey is always on the radio or playlists around the Christmas season. But do you ever listen to vocalists like her and find yourself dazzled by their ability to sing a single syllable for what seems like forever? When done skillfully, these extended vocal lines—melisma—can mesmerize listeners. Here, I will break down the art of writing songs with melismatic melodies that help singers showcase their pipes. Get ready for some vocal acrobatics!

What is melisma?

Melisma describes holding one syllable of text while moving between multiple notes in succession. This lets vocalists display musicality separate from the lyrics. By transforming a syllable into an epic vocal run, singers can add drama and flair. For example, check out how Adele blows up the words/phrases of “easy/feel the world around” in the chorus of “Easy On Me” here The technique clearly signals her technical prowess and emotional investment.

Now let’s explore some key tips for employing melisma effectively in your own songwriting:

1. Set up the melisma

Don’t spring a sudden melisma on listeners without preparation. Establish its place in the track’s musical narrative. For instance, you might precede a melismatic climax with a stripped back section or series of long notes. This way the vocal explosion earns its payoff. In “I Have Nothing” here Whitney Houston sings a sparse opening lyric in the first verse and chorus, setting up that dazzling second verse until the final refrain.

2. Spotlight the vocal star

Melisma presents the perfect chance for vocal grandstanding, so keep accompaniment minimal. Let the voice remain front-and-center against delicate strings or piano arpeggios. You can also use drums to punctuate certain notes within a melismatic cascade. For example, the instrumentation drops away each time Mariah Carey revs up in her classic melismatic manifesto “Emotions” here.

3. Write smooth melodic lines

Don’t overcomplicate things. Conjure flowing, idiomatic melodies singers can easily traverse. Stick to scales, arpeggios, and stepwise connections between notes. This way melismatic phrases seem graceful rather than disjointed. Beyonce’s mega-hit “Listen” here weaves effortless melismatic beauty.

4. Align lyrics intelligibly

While melisma elongates syllables, lyrics should remain discernible so listeners understand the words within vocal acrobatics. Condense accompanying verses to mostly one syllable per note. Then on a key emotional concept—like “want,” “fly” or “love"—unpack that across more notes sung quickly like a tongue twister. Christina Aguilera strikes this balance ingeniously in “Come On Over Baby” here.

5. Make strategic choices

Less is more. Limit melismas so you have greater freedom with those you do include. Build contrast by interspersing simpler phrases where lyrics drive the line. That way melismas pop when deployed. Short melismas also keep listeners hooked wondering what will unfold. Brendon Urie walks this tightrope flawlessly in chorus of “This Is Gospel” here.

Vocal throwdowns

Wielding melisma powerfully transforms tunes into musical magic. Follow the guidelines above as you experiment injecting this vocal technique into your songwriting. Keep accompaniment tailored and lyrics coherent within cascading runs and riffs. Soon you’ll have singers flaunting their impressive abilities while staying intelligible, thanks to strategic melismas. Who knows—you might birth the next Mariah Carey showstopper!

Questions

Now it’s your turn. Three questions that might help your own workflow:

1. Which lyrics or emotional moments would work well spotlighted with a melisma?

2. How can I set up a melismatic climax dynamically in my song structure?

3. Have I simplified the surrounding lyrics enough to feature the melisma intelligibly?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com