[2] These songs typically include themes of the supernatural, fright, and folklore, and may be intended to arouse fear in listeners.
Classic and hard rock music also included sinister themes, and as such have been associated with Halloween.
Songs such as "Highway to Hell" and "Sympathy for the Devil", which are both often considered to be Halloween music, feature blues notes and blues-inspired chord progressions.
[5] Ostinato is used to create suspense in Halloween music, with a famous example being the repeated notes in the theme song of Jaws.
[3] Halloween music often features certain instruments as well, such as the theremin and ondes Martenot, which were both in part popularized by horror film soundtracks.