Nonharmonic Tones

Nonharmonic Tones
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Nonharmonic Tones
Nonhar moni c t ones (or non-c hor d t ones) 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 st ep is equal to an interval of a generic second.
A sk i p is equal to an interval of a generic third or more.
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Nonharmonic Tones
A passi ng t one (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
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Nonharmonic Tones
called an ac c ent ed passi ng t one (>PT).
A nei ghbor i ng t one (NT) is approached by step and then returns by step to the original note.
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Nonharmonic Tones
If it occurs with the second chord, it is called an ac c ent ed nei ghbor i ng t one (>NT).
An ant i c i pat i on (Ant.) is approached by step and then remains the same. It is basically a note
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Nonharmonic Tones
of the second chord played early.
Anticipations are not accented.
An esc ape t one (ET) is approached by step and then skips in the opposite direction.
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Nonharmonic Tones
Escape tones are not accented they occur in between the two chords.
An appoggi at ur a (App.) is approached by skip and then steps in the opposite direction.
Appoggiaturas are accented they occur with the second chord.
A suspensi on (Sus.) keeps a note the same and then steps downward.
A r et ar dat i on (Ret.) keeps a note the same and then steps upward.
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Nonharmonic Tones
Both the retardation and suspension are accented.
Finally, c hangi ng t ones (CT) use two nonharmonic tones in succession.
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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 doubl e nei ghbor i ng t ones or a nei ghbor gr oup.
While the named non-harmonic tones discussed in this lesson are the most common, composers
may choose to use others.
Nonharmonic Tones
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