Nonharmonic tones (or non-chord tones) are notes that do not belong in a certain chord.
Non-harmony notes (or nonharmonic tones) are notes that do not belong in a certain chord.
In this example, the F is a nonharmonic tone because it does not fit into the I chord (which contains C, E, and G).
In this example, the F is a non-harmony note because it does not fit into the I chord (which contains C, E, and G).
Before discussing the different types of nonharmonic tones, we need to define two terms:
Before discussing the different types of non-harmony notes, we need to define two terms:
A step is equal to an interval of a generic second.
A skip is equal to an interval of a generic third or more.
A leap is equal to an interval of a generic third or more.
A passing tone (PT) is approached by step and then continues by step in the same direction.
A passing note is approached by step and then continues by step in the same direction.
If a passing tone occurs with the second chord (instead of in the middle of the two chords), it is called an accented passing tone (>PT).
If a passing note occurs with the second chord (instead of in the middle of the two chords), it is called an accented passing note.
A neighboring tone (NT) is approached by step and then returns by step to the original note.
An auxiliary note (or neighbour note) is approached by step and then returns by step to the original note.
If it occurs with the second chord, it is called an accented neighboring tone (>NT).
If it occurs with the second chord, it is called an accented auxiliary note (>NT).
An anticipation (Ant.) is approached by step and then remains the same. It is basically a note of the second chord played early.
An anticipation is approached by step and then remains the same. It is basically a note of the second chord played early.
Anticipations are not accented.
An escape tone (ET) is approached by step and then skips in the opposite direction.
Escape tones are not accented – they occur in between the two chords.
An appoggiatura (App.) is approached by skip and then steps in the opposite direction.
An appoggiatura is approached by leap and then steps in the opposite direction.
Appoggiaturas are accented – they occur with the second chord.
Some theorists use a broader definition: “an accented non-harmony note that resolves by step”.
They would categorize both of these examples as appoggiaturas (the second example could also be categorized as an accented passing note).
A suspension (Sus.) keeps a note the same and then steps downward.
A suspension keeps a note the same and then resolves by step (commonly downward).
A retardation (Ret.) keeps a note the same and then steps upward.
Suspensions can also resolve upward. Sometimes this is classified as a “retardation”.
Both the retardation and suspension are accented.
In either case, the suspension is an accented non-harmony tone.
Finally, changing tones (CT) use two nonharmonic tones in succession.
The first nonharmonic tone is approached by step and then skips in the opposite direction to the second nonharmonic tone.
The second nonharmonic tone then resolves by step.
They are sometimes called double neighboring tones or a neighbor group.
Changing notes use both steps and leaps and are not accented.
Changing notes can also comprise multiple non-harmony notes.
A special type of changing note is the escape note. It is approached by step and then skips in the opposite direction.
Escape tones are not accented – they occur in between the two chords.
While the named non-harmonic tones discussed in this lesson are the most common, composers may choose to use others.