Themes and Motifs

The musical theme refers to the dominating idea in a piece of work. In music, the theme refers to a melodic subject. Musials motifs are a related concept, but it is the smallest subdivision of a theme or phrase. However, the parallel terms in notecharting, chart theme or chart motif, are used more loosely. These refer to patterns that repeat with the musical themes and motifs.

Picking a pattern for each motif in a piece can be tricky. Just as strong motifs in the song are catchy and memorable, so should the notes that reflect it. Pick strong patterns, such as symmetrical patterns, and then make sure that the pattern itself is clearly felt when the motifs occur. If the song uses variations of the motif, it might be a good idea to change up your motif slightly as well to reflect that.

The vocal sample that goes "missing you" always follows the same pattern on the right hand: a long hold on 6, followed by an 8th hold on 5 and a tap note on 4. In both sections of the song where this appears, this pattern appears consistently.

The first highlighted section sets up the pattern theme of the chart. Whenever you hear that particular guitar lick, you should expect some kind of similar pattern: specifically, large symmetrical 4-chords. The second highlighted section is the chorus, where that pattern is put to use more heavily. The third section is the next chorus, and repeats the same concept. The last highlighted chorus section deviates slightly, to signal a climax and slightly different musical quality and rhythm in the song.