Passing tone

Definition

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, moving in the same direction. It serves to create a smooth melodic line, enhancing musical phrases and adding a sense of motion. Often used in sequences and melodic embellishments, passing tones enrich the texture of music by providing moments of tension and release.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passing tones are typically approached and resolved by step, making them integral for smooth melodic transitions.
2. They are often used to create a sense of forward motion in a melody, connecting two notes within a scale or chord.
3. In harmonic context, passing tones do not belong to the underlying harmony but are essential for melodic fluidity.
4. When writing music, composers use passing tones to add interest and complexity to otherwise simple melodic lines.
5. Passing tones can be both diatonic (within the scale) and chromatic (outside the scale), affecting the tension in the melody.

Review Questions

• How do passing tones contribute to the overall fluidity of a melody?
  • Passing tones enhance the fluidity of a melody by connecting two chord tones through stepwise motion. This creates a smoother transition between notes, which can make the melody more engaging and dynamic. By adding these non-chord tones, composers can introduce moments of tension that are resolved as the melody progresses, enriching the listening experience.
• Compare and contrast passing tones with neighboring tones in terms of their function within a melody.
  • While both passing tones and neighboring tones are non-chord tones that embellish melodies, they have distinct functions. Passing tones connect two chord tones by step in the same direction, leading to a continuous flow. In contrast, neighboring tones approach a chord tone by step but then return to the original chord tone, creating a decorative effect. This difference highlights how passing tones promote motion while neighboring tones provide elaboration around stable notes.
• Evaluate the importance of passing tones in shaping musical phrases and their role in composers' stylistic choices.
  • Passing tones play a critical role in shaping musical phrases by adding complexity and motion within melodies. Composers utilize these non-chord tones to create smoother transitions between notes, making phrases feel more cohesive and dynamic. The choice of whether to include passing tones can reflect a composer’s stylistic intentions—whether aiming for simplicity or intricate layering. This decision ultimately influences how listeners perceive movement and emotional depth in the music.

Related terms

Neighboring tone: A neighboring tone is a non-chord tone that is approached by step from a chord tone and returns to the original chord tone, creating a brief embellishment.

Suspension: A suspension is a non-chord tone that is held over from the previous chord and resolved downward to a chord tone, creating tension before resolution.

Appoggiatura: An appoggiatura is an accented non-chord tone that is approached by leap and resolves by step to a chord tone, creating a strong moment of dissonance.