key term - Non Chord Tones

Definition

Non chord tones are musical notes that are not part of the underlying chord being played at a given moment. These tones serve as embellishments or decorations to the main harmony, creating tension and resolution as they move to chord tones. Their function is to add interest and complexity to the music by providing melodic color and enhancing the expressiveness of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non chord tones are essential for creating tension in music, which is resolved when they move to chord tones.
2. They can be classified into various types, including passing tones, neighbor tones, suspensions, and appoggiaturas, each serving different functions.
3. The use of non chord tones can significantly enhance melodic lines, making them more expressive and engaging for the listener.
4. Non chord tones often appear in both melodic and harmonic contexts, influencing how chords are perceived when they interact with surrounding notes.
5. Understanding how to effectively use non chord tones can improve compositional skills and help in analyzing complex musical works.

Review Questions

• How do non chord tones function in relation to the harmony of a piece?
  • Non chord tones function as embellishments that add complexity and interest to the harmony of a piece. They create tension by stepping away from the main chords and then resolve back to them, enhancing the expressiveness of the music. By incorporating non chord tones, composers can create more dynamic melodies that engage listeners through contrasting elements of stability and instability.
• Compare and contrast different types of non chord tones and their roles within a musical context.
  • Different types of non chord tones serve unique roles in music. For example, passing tones connect two chord tones by stepping in between them, while neighbor tones provide a brief diversion before returning to the original note. Suspensions create tension by holding onto a note from the previous chord before resolving downward. Each type enhances the overall musical texture and provides different ways to approach melody and harmony.
• Evaluate the impact of using non chord tones on a listener's perception of music and its emotional qualities.
  • Using non chord tones greatly impacts how listeners perceive music by adding layers of tension and resolution that evoke emotional responses. When non chord tones create dissonance against underlying harmonies, they capture attention and heighten dramatic moments within a piece. The subsequent resolutions bring satisfaction and closure, shaping how audiences experience the narrative within the music. This technique not only enriches melodies but also enhances the storytelling aspect of musical compositions.

Related terms

Suspension:

A non chord tone that occurs when a note from a previous chord is sustained into the next chord, creating tension until it resolves down to a chord tone.

Passing Tone: A non chord tone that connects two chord tones by stepping up or down, filling in the space between them.

Neighbor Tone: A non chord tone that is approached by a step from a chord tone and returns to the original chord tone, creating a brief diversion.