Non-Chord Tone

Definition

A non-chord tone is a note that does not belong to the underlying chord being played at a given moment. These tones create tension or movement in the music and resolve to chord tones, enhancing the emotional expression and harmonic interest of a piece. They are essential for adding complexity and depth to melodic lines and can be found in various musical contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-chord tones can be categorized into several types, including passing tones, neighbor tones, suspensions, appoggiaturas, and escape tones, each serving different functions in music.
2. In part writing, it is important to resolve non-chord tones correctly; for example, suspensions should typically resolve down by step to a consonant interval.
3. Non-chord tones often appear in rhythmic patterns that may emphasize their function within the melody or harmonic progression.
4. When writing secondary leading-tone chords, it's common to encounter non-chord tones that help transition smoothly into the tonic or dominant harmonies.
5. Non-chord tones can enhance expressiveness in music, allowing composers to create more dynamic and engaging melodies through tension and release.

Review Questions

• How do non-chord tones enhance the function of additional 6/4 chords in a musical composition?
  • Non-chord tones play a vital role in enhancing additional 6/4 chords by adding melodic interest and creating tension that leads to resolution. When these chords are used, non-chord tones can connect the 6/4 structure to surrounding harmony, helping to establish movement towards stronger resolutions. This creates a more engaging musical line and emphasizes the transition between chords, making the overall harmony richer.
• In what ways do non-chord tones affect the voice leading when writing the iii chord within a progression?
  • When incorporating the iii chord into a progression, non-chord tones can create smoother transitions between chords and contribute to effective voice leading. For instance, using passing tones or neighbor tones around the iii chord can help connect it seamlessly to neighboring chords while maintaining melodic flow. The careful placement of these non-chord tones supports harmonic movement and enriches the overall texture of the music.
• Analyze how non-chord tones contribute to the character of secondary leading-tone chords and their resolutions.
  • Non-chord tones are crucial in defining the character of secondary leading-tone chords by introducing tension that seeks resolution towards the tonic or dominant. For example, when a secondary leading-tone chord appears, using suspensions or appoggiaturas can create significant forward momentum as they resolve into consonant intervals. This resolution not only enhances harmonic interest but also highlights the function of secondary leading-tone chords as pivotal moments within harmonic progressions.

Related terms

Passing Tone: A passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, typically moving from one chord tone to another in a sequential manner.

Neighbor Tone: A neighbor tone is a non-chord tone that is approached by step from a chord tone and then returns to that same chord tone, creating a decorative effect.

Suspension:

A suspension is a specific type of non-chord tone where a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating tension that resolves when it moves down to a chord tone.