Neighbor tone

Definition

A neighbor tone is a non-chord tone that embellishes a chord by stepping away from a chord tone to an adjacent note and then returning to the original chord tone. This creates a sense of motion and adds expressiveness to melodies, allowing for greater melodic interest. Neighbor tones are typically used in both melodic lines and harmonic structures, serving as an important tool in music composition and voice leading.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neighbor tones can be approached by step from the chord tone they embellish and are typically resolved back to the same chord tone.
2. They can occur on strong or weak beats, but their placement can significantly affect the perceived tension and resolution in a musical phrase.
3. In two-part writing, neighbor tones often appear in one voice while the other voice maintains a steady harmonic backdrop.
4. Neighbor tones can be categorized as either upper neighbor tones (stepping up) or lower neighbor tones (stepping down), each providing unique harmonic color.
5. These tones enhance melodic lines by creating movement and can lead to more complex harmonies when used effectively in composition.

Review Questions

• How do neighbor tones contribute to the overall structure of a melody in music composition?
  • Neighbor tones contribute to melody by adding embellishment and creating motion within a musical line. They provide contrast against the stable chord tones, making melodies more interesting and expressive. By stepping away from a chord tone and returning, they create a temporary tension that resolves back into the harmony, enhancing the listener's experience of the melody.
• Discuss the role of neighbor tones in two-part writing and how they interact with other voices.
  • In two-part writing, neighbor tones are crucial for creating rich textures. One voice might introduce neighbor tones while the other maintains harmonic stability, allowing for a counterpoint that highlights melodic interest. The interplay between the moving voice with neighbor tones and the stationary harmonic voice can produce engaging and intricate musical conversations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using neighbor tones in creating harmonic interest compared to other non-chord tones.
  • Neighbor tones are particularly effective in adding subtleties and nuances to harmonic progression when compared to other non-chord tones like passing tones or suspensions. While passing tones connect two stable notes seamlessly, neighbor tones create distinct moments of tension followed by resolution. This characteristic allows composers to add layers of complexity to their melodies, making neighbor tones essential for enriching both harmonic texture and melodic lines in composition.

Related terms

non-chord tone: A note that is not part of the underlying chord but is used to create tension or embellishment in a melody.

passing tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by moving stepwise, filling in the space between them.

suspension: A non-chord tone that creates a momentary tension by holding over a note from the previous chord into the next chord, resolving down to a chord tone.