Passing Tone

Definition

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, creating a smooth melodic line. It typically occurs between two consonant tones and can add embellishment and movement to a melody, enhancing the overall flow of the music. Passing tones can appear in various musical contexts, helping to create tension and resolution, and are especially significant in two-part writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passing tones are typically approached and resolved by step, meaning they move to and from adjacent notes within the scale.
2. They can occur on strong or weak beats, but their placement often affects the perceived tension and motion within the phrase.
3. In two-part writing, passing tones can help create smoother counterpoint between the two voices, allowing for more intricate and connected melodies.
4. Passing tones do not belong to the underlying harmony; thus, they create moments of dissonance that require resolution to chord tones.
5. Composers often use passing tones as a way to enhance melodic interest and maintain forward momentum in their compositions.

Review Questions

• How do passing tones contribute to the overall smoothness of a melodic line?
  • Passing tones connect two chord tones by step, filling in the gaps between them and creating a sense of flow in the melody. By introducing these non-chord tones, composers can make transitions between notes sound less abrupt and more fluid. This smoothness is essential for maintaining listener interest and emotional engagement throughout a musical piece.
• Discuss how passing tones function differently compared to other non-chord tones like neighbor tones or suspensions within a musical context.
  • Passing tones differ from neighbor tones in that they serve specifically to connect two chord tones sequentially, whereas neighbor tones move away from a chord tone before returning. In contrast, suspensions hold a note from the previous chord into the next, creating tension before resolving downward. Each type of non-chord tone has its unique role in shaping musical phrases, contributing to the harmonic texture and emotional narrative of the music.
• Evaluate the impact of using passing tones in two-part writing on melodic interaction between voices.
  • In two-part writing, passing tones significantly enhance melodic interaction by allowing both voices to move more seamlessly together. When one voice utilizes passing tones while the other voice maintains chord tones, it creates a rich interplay that adds depth and complexity to the composition. This technique not only enriches the texture but also allows for greater expressiveness and dynamic contrast within the music, showcasing how effective passing tones can be in developing thematic material.

Related terms

Neighbor Tone: A neighbor tone is a non-chord tone that steps away from a chord tone and returns to the original tone, creating a decorative effect in a melody.

Suspension: A suspension is a non-chord tone that is held over from the previous chord, creating tension until it resolves down to a chord tone in the following chord.

Chord Tone: A chord tone is any note that is part of the underlying harmony of a given chord, forming the basic structure upon which melodies and harmonies are built.