• Nonharmonic tones (or non-chord 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).
• Before discussing the different types of nonharmonic tones, 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 passing tone (PT) 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).
• A neighboring tone (NT) 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).
• An anticipation (Ant.) 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.
• Appoggiaturas are accented -- they occur with the second chord.
• A suspension (Sus.) keeps a note the same and then steps downward.
• A retardation (Ret.) keeps a note the same and then steps upward.
• Both the retardation and suspension are accented.
• 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.
• While the named non-harmonic tones discussed in this lesson are the most common, composers may choose to use others.