What is an Ostinato?

An ostinato is a short musical pattern that is repeated continuously throughout a section of a piece. The repeating pattern can be rhythmic, melodic, or harmonic, and it often serves as a foundation that supports other musical elements such as melody or harmony.

Ostinatos can appear in many different parts of the music. For example, a bass line might repeat the same pattern over and over while the melody changes above it. In other cases, a rhythmic figure in percussion or a repeating chord pattern in accompaniment may function as the ostinato. Because it repeats consistently, the pattern creates a sense of stability and momentum in the music.

This technique is widely used across many musical styles, including classical music, jazz, rock, electronic music, and film scores. Ostinatos help establish groove and structure, and they are often used to build tension or maintain energy while other musical parts develop and evolve around the repeating pattern.