Rhyme+Patterns

abab
An interlocking rhyme scheme. Rhyme line 1 with line 3; also line 2 with line 4. A classic, often-used rhyme scheme.

xaxa
This scheme’s a little looser and less predictable than some of the others. Rhyme lines 2 and 4; make sure that lines 1 and 3 //don’t// rhyme. The two non-rhymed lines will allow you some freedom–and save mileage on [|your rhyming dictionary].

aabb
This scheme divides a section of four lines into two rhymed couplets, each of which sounds kind of complete unto itself.

aaaa
This one’s tough to pull off. To relieve monotony, you might try making some of the lines much shorter than the others—varying line length will make it sound less predictable.

axaa
Line 2 is all alone, left hanging. This scheme contains a bit of tension–try it and see.

abba
A rhyming pair sandwiched inside of another rhyming pair.

axxa
Like **XAXA** above, **AXXA** is a wild card. The two middle lines are unpredictable; they don’t rhyme with each other or any other line in the stanza. This one’s a personal favorite of mine; I like the way those two middle lines keep the audience in suspense. I also like the way the last line releases the tension.

http://nicholastozier.com/have-you-mastered-all-six-of-these-basic-rhyme-schemes/