Rhyme Schemes

A rhyme scheme is the intentional pattern of end rhymes in a stanza or throughout a piece of writing. While these patterns are a cornerstone of formal poetry and classical literature, this guide focuses specifically on how rhyme schemes function within the world of music and songwriting.

In a song, the rhyme scheme is the hidden architecture that gives a lyric its rhythm, its tension, and its ultimate resolution. By choosing a specific pattern, a songwriter can control how fast a story unfolds, which words the listener remembers, and the overall emotional vibe of the track.

It is common for a single song to use several different patterns. One rhyme scheme might be used for the verses to build tension, and then another can be used during the chorus to create a sense of release or a more memorable hook.

How to Read Rhyme Schemes (The Letter System)

To identify a rhyme scheme, we use a simple lettering system where each new rhyming sound is assigned a letter of the alphabet, starting with A.

• A: The first rhyming sound.
• B: The second rhyming sound.
• C: The third rhyming sound, and so on.

When two lines share the same letter, it means those lines rhyme with each other. If a line does not rhyme with anything else in the stanza, it is often assigned its own letter or marked as “X” in some systems.

Rhyme Scheme Example

“Daniel” by Elton John uses the AABB pattern:

Daniel is travelin’ tonight on a plane (A)
I can see the red taillights headin’ for Spain (A)
Oh, and I can see Daniel wavin’ goodbye (B)
Must be the clouds in my eyes (B)

Common Rhyme Schemes

This directory explores the most frequently used patterns in music. Each scheme serves a different purpose, from driving a simple hook to telling a complex story.

• AABB Rhyme Scheme: Also known as the Couplet, this pattern uses consecutive rhyming lines to create a predictable, driving rhythm.
• ABAB Rhyme Scheme: The Alternating rhyme interlaces the sounds, creating more momentum and a poetic, flowing feel.
• ABCB Rhyme Scheme: Often found in ballads and folk music, this scheme is more relaxed, rhyming only the second and fourth lines.
• ABBA Rhyme Scheme: The Enclosed rhyme, where the outer lines “wrap around” an inner couplet.
• AAAA Rhyme Scheme (Monorhyme): Every single line ends with the same sound, often used for a jarring, high-energy effect.

Non-Traditional Structures

• AABA Rhyme Scheme: This rarer pattern uses three rhyming lines interrupted by a single non-rhyming line. While often confused with the AABA Song Form, this rhyme scheme creates a sense of delayed resolution by waiting until the final line to complete the rhyme.
• Variable Verse: Many modern tracks use variable schemes that change from verse to verse, allowing the structure to evolve with the song’s energy.
• Free Verse: This style avoids consistent rhyme entirely to focus on natural speech patterns and raw emotion.

Advanced Rhyming Techniques

Beyond the basic end-of-line patterns, songwriters use specific techniques to add texture and grit to their lyrics.

• Internal Rhyme: This involves placing rhyming words inside the lines instead of just at the end, which speeds up the rhythm.
• Slant Rhyme: Also known as a Near Rhyme, this is the use of words that share similar sounds but aren’t perfect matches (e.g., bridge and grudge).
• Multisyllabic Rhyme: Popular in hip-hop, this technique rhymes phrases with multiple syllables to create a more intricate rhythm than one-syllable rhymes (e.g., “grade school hopscotch” and “state rule nonstop”).

Choosing a Rhyme Scheme

Different patterns produce different psychological effects on the listener. Here is a quick reference for how these schemes are typically utilized:

• Best for storytelling: ABAB or ABCB. These allow for more “room” to breathe and develop a narrative without the constant interruption of a rhyme every two lines.
• Best for high-energy or fast pacing: AABB. This pattern creates a sense of urgency and makes the lyrics feel “tighter.” You can further increase this energy by incorporating Internal Rhyme.
• Best for a classic or nostalgic feel: AABA. This pattern is the hallmark of the Great American Songbook and carries an air of traditional sophistication.

Key Takeaways

• Rhyme schemes are the blueprints that define the structure and “flow” of a song.
• The lettering system (AABB, ABAB) is a simple way to map out how a song is built.
• While these categories provide a foundation, songwriters often mix, match, and break these rules to create unique musical experiences.