What is a lead/melody?

**Kazkox** · 10-10-2014, 07:57 AM

I'm confused a little with making a lead melody. What does exactly term ' lead' in a song means? From my understading it is a melody or an arpeggio that fills in the gaps. But for example if I have to make a chord progression and a lead melody what will be the difference between them?

This is related to house or similar music. Thanks.

**Tarekith** · 10-10-2014, 09:03 AM

Usually they are called lead's because they are the main focus of the song, the lead instrument if you will. For me it's the strongest, most memorable part of the track, not a fill at all.

**ImNotDedYet** · 10-10-2014, 10:14 AM

What Tarekith said...similar to lead vs. backing guitars or vocals.

Keep in mind that in house, your chord progression could also be your lead, especially in jazzy-type house where the 7ths are your lead. Leads don't necessarily have to be single-noted melodies, but they should be the main focal musical point to your song.