Passing Tones

Definition

Passing tones are non-chord tones that connect two chord tones in a melodic line, creating smooth transitions between pitches. They serve to fill in the gaps between the notes of the underlying harmony, often adding richness and fluidity to a melody. These tones can enhance both harmonic progression and melodic harmonization by introducing a sense of movement and continuity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Passing tones typically move stepwise between two chord tones, often occurring on weak beats or offbeats in the rhythm.
2. They can be classified as either diatonic (within the key) or chromatic (outside the key), with diatonic passing tones being more common in traditional tonal music.
3. When passing tones are used effectively, they help create a more cohesive and flowing melodic line that supports the harmonic structure.
4. In voice leading, passing tones play a crucial role in connecting voices smoothly, enhancing the overall texture of the music.
5. While passing tones are often seen as embellishments, their strategic use can significantly impact the emotional expressiveness of a piece.

Review Questions

• How do passing tones function within a melodic line and contribute to harmonic progression?
  • Passing tones function by connecting two chord tones, allowing for smooth transitions between pitches in a melodic line. They create stepwise motion, which enhances the flow of the melody while still aligning with the underlying harmony. By filling in gaps between notes, passing tones help maintain a sense of movement within harmonic progressions, making them essential for effective melodic writing.
• Analyze how passing tones differ from neighbor tones and their respective roles in melodic harmonization.
  • Passing tones differ from neighbor tones in their function and placement within a melody. While passing tones connect two chord tones by stepping through notes, neighbor tones move away from a chord tone and return to it. In melodic harmonization, passing tones create smooth lines that enhance progression, while neighbor tones add decoration and embellishment to a melody. Both serve important but distinct purposes in developing thematic material.
• Evaluate the impact of using chromatic versus diatonic passing tones on the overall emotional quality of a composition.
  • The use of chromatic passing tones can introduce tension and unexpected color to a composition, while diatonic passing tones tend to maintain stability and coherence within the key. When evaluating their impact, chromatic passing tones can evoke feelings of excitement or drama due to their deviation from the expected tonal framework. In contrast, diatonic passing tones support the prevailing harmony and contribute to a more serene or flowing emotional quality. Balancing these elements strategically can greatly influence how listeners perceive the emotional narrative of the music.

Related terms

Chord Tones: Notes that are part of a chord and harmonically stable, forming the foundation of a harmonic progression.

Neighbor Tones: Non-chord tones that step away from a chord tone and return to it, creating a decorative effect in the melody.

Suspensions: A type of non-chord tone where a note from a previous chord is sustained while the harmony changes, creating tension that resolves when it moves to a chord tone.