Non-harmonic Tones

Passing Tone

Approached by step and then continues by step in the same direction. Can be accented if change occurs with the second chord.

Neighboring Tone

Approached by step and returns by step to the original note. Can be accented if it occurs with the second chord.

Anticipation

Anticipates a chord change, always occurs before the second chord, can’t be accented.

Escape Tone

Approached by step then skips in the opposite direction, occurs between two chords and cannot be accented.

Appogiatura

Approached by skip then steps in the opposite direction, occurs with the second chord

Suspension

Keeps the note the same and then steps down, occurs after the chord change.

Retardation

Keeps the note the same then steps up, occurs after the chord change.

Pedal Point

Consistent note throughout chord changes, usually in the bass, approached and left by the same note.

Changing Tones

Two non-harmonic tones in succession, the first harmonic tone is approached by step then skips in the opposite direction to the second harmonic tone which then resolves by step. Sometimes called double neighboring tones or a neighbor group.