Guide · Songwriting
Rhyme schemes in songs
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of which lines in a verse end with matching sounds. Each letter stands for a sound: ABAB means lines one and three rhyme and lines two and four rhyme. The common schemes are AABB, ABAB and ABCB.
Updated 20 Oct 2026
The common schemes
| Scheme | Pattern | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| AABB | Lines 1 and 2 rhyme, lines 3 and 4 rhyme | Bouncy, simple, can sound like a nursery rhyme if overdone |
| ABAB | Lines 1 and 3 rhyme, lines 2 and 4 rhyme | Balanced, very common in pop |
| ABCB | Only lines 2 and 4 rhyme | Relaxed, easy to write, common in folk and country |
| AAAA | All four lines rhyme | Heavy, rarely used for a whole verse |
| ABBA | Lines 1 and 4 rhyme, lines 2 and 3 rhyme | Wraps around, less common in songs |
Types of rhyme
- Perfect rhyme: the same ending sound ("night", "light").
- Near rhyme: a similar but not identical sound ("home", "alone"). Often sounds more natural.
- Internal rhyme: a rhyme inside a line, not at the end.
- Multisyllable rhyme: several syllables match ("remember", "December").
How to choose a scheme
- Start with what you want to say. Do not bend the meaning to fit a rhyme.
- Pick ABAB or ABCB if unsure. They give shape without forcing every line to rhyme.
- Use the same scheme across matching verses. It keeps the melody and the lines fitting.
- Break the pattern on purpose. Leaving a rhyme out at a key moment can stand out.
Tips for finding rhymes
- Write the line you mean first, then adjust the last word.
- Try a near rhyme if the perfect one sounds forced.
- Rhyme the important words, not the leftover ones.
- Say it out loud: a rhyme should feel natural when sung.
Write it down with the song
Count the lines with the syllable counter, and keep the lyrics with the recording. In songdrafts the lyrics live on the same song as every take of it. It has no rhyming dictionary; it is a place to keep your words.
Common questions
What is the most common rhyme scheme in songs?
ABAB and ABCB are both very common. AABB is also used, especially in simple songs.
Do all songs rhyme?
No. Many good songs rhyme loosely or not at all.
What is a near rhyme?
Words that sound similar but do not match exactly, like "home" and "alone".
What does ABAB mean?
Lines one and three rhyme with each other, and lines two and four rhyme with each other.
How do I find rhymes for a word?
Say the word, think of words with the same ending sound, or use a rhyming dictionary. Check they sound natural when sung.
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