Editing Melodic motion (section)

[[File:Melodic motion 2x2.png|thumb|Melodic motion: ascending vs. descending X conjunct vs. disjunct]]

'''Melodic motion''' is the quality of movement of a [[melody]], including nearness or farness of successive [[pitch (music)|pitches]] or [[note (music)|notes]] in a [[melody]]. This may be described as conjunct or disjunct, [[Steps and skips|stepwise, skipwise or no movement]], respectively. See also [[contrapuntal motion]]. In a conjunct melodic motion, the melodic phrase moves in a stepwise fashion; that is the subsequent notes move up or down a semitone or tone, but no greater. In a disjunct melodic motion, the melodic phrase leaps upwards or downwards; this movement is greater than a whole tone. 
In popular Western music, a melodic leap of disjunct motion is often present in the chorus of a song, to distinguish it from the verses and captivate the audience.