Download non–chord tones - KIMBERLY CHOIRS

KIMBERLY HIGH SCHOOL | AP MUSIC THEORY
NON–CHORD TONES
• Non–chord tones (NCTs) (or non–harmonic tones) are notes
that do not belong in a certain chord.
• A step (ST) is equal to an interval of a generic second.
• A skip (SK) is equal to an interval of a generic third or more.
• A passing tone (PT) is approached by step and then continues
by step in the same direction. If a passing tone occurs with the
second chord (instead of in the middle of the two chords), it is
called an accented passing tone (>PT).
• A neighboring tone (NT) is approached by step and then
returns by step to the original note. If it occurs with the second
chord, it is called an accented neighboring tone (>NT).
• An anticipation (ANT.) is approached by step and then remains
the same. It is basically a note of the second chord played early.
Anticipations are not accented.
• An escape tone (ET) is approached by step and then skips in
the opposite direction. Escape tones are not accented; they
occur in between the two chords.
• An appoggiatura (APP) is approached by skip and then steps in
the opposite direction. Appoggiaturas are accented; they occur
with the second chord.
• A suspension (SUS) keeps a note the same and then steps
downward.
• A retardation (RET) keeps a note the same and then steps
upward.
Both the retardation and suspension are accented.