passing tone
Noun: A passing tone is a nonharmonic note (a note not belonging to the current chord) that connects two harmonic notes (notes that are part of the chord) by stepwise motion, typically moving by a whole or half step. It creates a smooth melodic transition and is a fundamental element of melodic decoration in Western music theory.
The term is used to analyze and describe melodic movement within a musical composition. It identifies specific notes that serve a connective, decorative function rather than a harmonic one. - It is a core concept in species counterpoint and voice leading. - It is often abbreviated as "P" in musical analysis. - A passing tone can be accented (falling on a strong beat) or unaccented (falling on a weak beat).
- In the melody C - D - E over a C major chord (C-E-G), the D is a passing tone connecting the harmonic notes C and E.
- "The composer used a passing tone on the fourth beat to create a more fluid line between the two chord tones."
- "Analyze the soprano line and circle all the passing tones."
- Double Passing Tones: Two consecutive passing tones moving in parallel motion to connect two harmonic notes a third apart.
- Chromatic Passing Tone: A passing tone that moves by a half step but uses a pitch outside the diatonic scale (e.g., F to F# to G in C major).
- Unaccented vs. Accented Passing Tone: The distinction is based on metric stress. An unaccented passing tone occurs on a weak beat, while an accented passing tone occurs on a strong beat, creating more tension.
- Neighbor Tone (Auxiliary Tone): A different type of nonharmonic tone where a note steps away from a harmonic tone and returns to the same tone.
- Appoggiatura: A type of accented nonharmonic tone that is approached by leap and resolved by step.
- Suspension: A harmonic tone that is held over (sustained) from a previous chord, creating a dissonance, and then resolves down by step.
- Passing Note (chiefly British English)
- Transient Note (less common, more general)
- Nonharmonic Tone / Non-chord Tone: The general category to which passing tones belong. Other types include neighbor tones, escape tones, and anticipations.
- Voice Leading: The study of how individual melodic lines (voices) move and interact, where passing tones are a key device for smooth motion.
- Embellishment / Melodic Decoration: A general term for ornamental notes like passing tones, trills, and mordents.
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a nonharmonic note inserted for transition between harmonic notes
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