1. AP Music Theory Mr. Silvagni
Non-chord Tones
AP Music Theory
Mr. Silvagni

2. Non-chord tones
Non-chord tones (non-harmonic tones) are parts of a melody that are not part of the harmony
They can be found in any voice and are used to embellish the music
They may be accented (on a downbeat) or unaccented (on an upbeat)
Three parts: Preparation (note before), NCT, resolution (note after)

3. Passing Tones
Passing tone (PT) is approached and left by step in the same direction (i.e. C – D – E or E – D – C)
Can be accented or unaccented
Can be diatonic (part of the scale) or chromatic (non-diatonic, specifically in half steps [C – C# - D])

4. Neighbor Tones
Neighbor tone (NT) is approached by step and left by step back to the original note (i.e. C – B – C or C – D – C)
Can be accented or unaccented
Can be diatonic or chromatic (again specifically half step)
Incomplete neighbor or cambiata – approached by leap and resolved by step in opposite direction in “weak rhythmic position”
Neighbor group or changing tone – two consecutive NCTs above and below original note (i.e. C – D – B – C)

5. Other NCTs
Appoggiatura (App) – a specific incomplete neighbor that is approached by leap up and resolved by step down
It is only accented…may sound like a suspension
Escape tone or échappée (ET) – a specific incomplete neighbor that is approached by step and resolved by leap in the opposite direction
It is only unaccented
Anticipation (Ant) – approached by step and resolved with the same note
The Ant. must not be part of the previous chord but must be part of the next chord

6. Suspensions and Retardations
Suspension (Sus) – approached by the same note and resolves by step down
A note in the preparation chord is held over and becomes a NCT, which is then resolved by step into a chord tone
Suspensions are labeled by their intervallic relationship from the bass note (i.e. 9-8, 7-6, 4-3)
They may be connected by a tie…if not, they are rearticulated suspensions
Retardation (Ret) – approached by same note and resolves by step up
Not very common, suspension with upward resolution