Neighbor Tone

Definition

A neighbor tone is a non-harmonic tone that is approached by step from a chord tone and then resolves back to that same chord tone. This embellishment adds color and variety to melodies, creating tension and release as it temporarily moves away from the established harmony before returning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neighbor tones are also referred to as auxiliary or neighbor notes, highlighting their role as embellishments in melodic lines.
2. They typically occur in pairs: one moving away from the chord tone and then returning, which enhances the expressive quality of the melody.
3. Neighbor tones can be either accented, occurring on the beat, or unaccented, occurring off the beat, affecting their rhythmic emphasis in the melody.
4. These tones are common in various musical styles and can be used to create lyrical phrases or intricate counterpoint.
5. When analyzing music, identifying neighbor tones helps in understanding the melodic structure and the relationship between harmony and voice leading.

Review Questions

• How do neighbor tones function within a melodic context, and why are they important?
  • Neighbor tones function as embellishments that add interest and complexity to melodies. They create tension by stepping away from a chord tone and then resolving back to it, making the melodic line more engaging. This interplay between tension and resolution enriches the listener's experience and enhances the expressive qualities of the music.
• Compare and contrast neighbor tones with passing tones in terms of their roles in melody construction.
  • Both neighbor tones and passing tones serve as non-harmonic embellishments in melody construction, but they have different functions. Neighbor tones move away from a chord tone and return to it, while passing tones connect two chord tones by stepping between them. While neighbor tones emphasize the return to established harmony, passing tones create smooth transitions between notes, enriching melodic continuity.
• Evaluate how understanding neighbor tones can enhance one's ability to analyze and compose music effectively.
  • Understanding neighbor tones allows musicians to analyze how melodies are constructed and how they interact with harmonic structures. By recognizing these embellishments, composers can craft more intricate and expressive lines that resonate with listeners. This knowledge also aids in recognizing stylistic techniques across different genres, enabling composers to incorporate effective ornamentation into their own works.

Related terms

Passing Tone: A passing tone is a non-harmonic tone that connects two chord tones by step, filling in the gap between them to create a smoother melodic line.

Suspension: A suspension is a type of non-harmonic tone that occurs when a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating tension until it resolves down to a consonant tone.

Appoggiatura: An appoggiatura is a non-harmonic tone that is approached by leap and resolved by step to a chord tone, often creating a strong sense of dissonance followed by resolution.