The Tradition of Music Theory

Non-Chord Tones

Definition of Non-Chord Tones

Notes that do not fit in the harmonic structure of a melody are called non-chord or non-harmonic tones. Non-chord tones are used to:

• embellish a melody

• to create tension

The type of non-chord tone is determined by its:

• preparation (the note and interval before the non-chord tone)

• resolution (the note and interval immediately after the non-chord tone)

• rhythmic placement, such as a weak or strong beat

Except for special instances, two non-chord tones are never written consecutively.

Types of Non-Chord Tones

Passing tone (pt)

• Prepared by step
• Resolved by step
• The preparation & resolution notes are different pitches
• Rhythmic placement is weak or strong
• In certain situations, two passing tones can be written consecutively. See example below
• Example of a passing tone

Neighbor tone (nt)

• Also called auxiliary tone
• Prepared by step
• Resolved by step
• The preparation & resolution notes are the same pitch
• Rhythmic placement is weak
• Example of a neighbor tone

Neighbor Group (ng)

• Two consecutively written neighbor tones, often written as a turn, or grupetto.
• one note of the neighbor group is a step above the preparation
• The one note of the neighbor group is a step below the preparation
• Rhythmic placement is weak
• Example of a neighbor group

Escape Tone (et) 

• Also called échappée
• Prepared by step
• Resolved by skip in the opposite direction of the preparation
• Preparation and resolution are different pitches
• Rhythmic placement is weak
• Example of an escape tone

Appoggiatura (app)

• Prepared by skip
• Resolved by step in the opposite direction of the preparation
• Preparation and resolution are different pitches
• Rhythmic placement is strong
• Example of an appoggiatura

Cambiata (cb)

• Identical to an appoggiatura, but its rhythmic placement is weak instead of strong
• Very rare

Anticipation (ant)

• Prepared by step
• Resolved by a unison
• Anticipation and resolution are always the same pitch
• Rhythmic placement is weak
• Example of an anticipation

Suspension (sus)

• Prepared by a unison
• Resolves downward by step
• Preparation and the suspension are always the same pitch
• Rhythmic placement is strong
• Suspensions are also created by displaced resolution. They are the only non-chord tone that requires additional analysis. The most common suspensions are: 
  • 4-3
  • 6-5
  • 9-8
• If the suspension resolves upward, then it is called a retardation (ret)
• Example of an suspensions & retardations

Pedal Tone (ped)

• Prepared by unison
• Resolves by a unison
• Preparation, resolution and pedal tone always the same pitch
• Normally occurs in the bottom voice

© Copyright 2007 by David Weirich