Non-Chord Tones

Non-chord tones are notes that do not belong to the harmonic structure of the chord being played. Here are some common types of non-chord tones:

• Passing Tone (P):    

  • Approached by step

  • Resolved by step in the same direction

• Neighbor Tone (N):

  • Approached by step

  • Resolved by step in the opposite direction

• Suspension (S:

  • Approached by same tone

  • Resolved by step down

• Appoggiatura:

  • Approached by leap

• Escape Tone: A tone that is approached by step and resolved by leap in the opposite direction to a chord tone.