Rhyme Schemes 101
AABB, ABAB, ABCB and beyond. Learn how patterns shape the feel of your bars.
What is a rhyme scheme?
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of end-rhymes across lines, labeled with letters. Lines that rhyme share a letter. 'AABB' = couplets, 'ABAB' = alternating, 'ABCB' = ballad-style where only lines 2 and 4 rhyme.
Why patterns matter
AABB feels punchy and conclusive — great for punchlines. ABAB feels suspended and melodic — great for storytelling. ABCB lets one line breathe without a rhyme partner, which adds surprise.
Example (AABB)
I write at night when the city sleeps (A) / Bars stacking up in concrete heaps (A) / Pen on paper, ink on the page (B) / Every line is a fight with the cage (B).
Quiz
0/3 answeredQ1.Which scheme is a pair of couplets?
Q2.In ABCB, which lines rhyme?
Q3.Best scheme for a snappy punchline ending?
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