In terms of melodies, Miao folk songs often use the modal backbone framework of the third structure to run in decomposed chords, resulting in more jumps in the melody. At the same time, the melodies of folk songs in various places revolve around core tones, and the basic role of core tones is very prominent.

In terms of beat and rhythm, Miao folk songs adopt two forms: loose-ban and Youban. The latter is dominant, and non-functional equal rhythm is more common. There is mostly even rhythm in one beat.