Non-Chord Tones (NCTs)
None-chord tones (NCTs) are melodic notes that are not part of the underlying harmony or chord. They add tension, color, and movement to music by creating temporary dissonances that resolve to consonances. Here are the 10 types of non-chord tones and their definitions:
1. Passing Tone (PT)
Definition: A passing tone fills the melodic space between two chord tones, moving stepwise in the same direction.
Example: In the progression C (C-E-G) → G (B-D-G), the note D could act as a passing tone between C and E in the melody.
2. Neighbor Tone (NT)
Definition: A neighbor tone embellishes a chord by stepping away and returning to the original tone. It can be:
(a) Upper Neighbor: Steps up from the chord tone and back.
(b) Lower Neighbor: Steps down and returns.
Complete Neighbor Tone
Definition: CNT is a melodic embelishment. CNT is between the same two stable tones. CNT movement is stepwise. CNT can be on the accented or unaccented part of the beat.
Incomplete Neighbor Tone (INT)
Definition: An incomplete neighbor is approached by leap and resolved by step (or vice versa), often occurring in weak rhythmic positions.
INT can only be on the unaccented or part of the beat. INT is approached by leap and resolves by step.
Double Neighbors or Double Neighbor Tones
Definition: Also called “Canging Tone (CT)” or “Neighbor Group” are two successive non-chord tones: the first step away from the chord tone, leaps to another non-chord tone, and then resolves back to the original chord tone.
DN begins and ends on the same stable tone. There are two embelishing tones. DN is typically on the unaccented part of the beat.
3. Suspension (SUS)
Definition: A suspension delays the resolution of a chord tone by sustaining it into the next chord, creating a dissonance that resolves downward by step.
Components:
(a) Preparation: The tone is part of the first chord.
(b) Suspension: It creates a dissonance.
(c) Resolution: It resolves downward to a chord tone.
4. Retardation (RET)
Definition: Similar to a suspension, but the resolution is upward instead of downward.
Appoggiatura (APP)
Definition: An appoggiatura is an accented non-chord tone approached by a leap and resolved by a step, typically in the opposite direction.
Escape Tone (ET)
Definition: An escape tone is approached by step and resolved by a leap, usually in the opposite direction.
Anticipation (ANT)
Definition: An anticipation occurs when a note from the next chord is played early, creating a momentary dissonance before the chord arrives.
Pedal Point (PED)
Definition: A pedal point is a sustained or repeated note, usually in the bass, that creates dissonance with changing chords above it but resolves when the harmony aligns.
These non-chord tones (NCTs) have been crucial in creating expressive and dynamic melodic lines in any genre of music throughout the centuries.
Yi-De Chen, Composer 