Unit 7: Non-harmonic Tones

• Defined by a three note pattern: harmonic tone preceding (note of approach), the
dissonance, and the harmonic tone following (note of resolution)
• Figured Bass spells out all non-chord tones. Chord symbols do not
• If any non-chord tone creates a seventh chord (passes through a note a seventh
above the root), then it must resolve downwards. This would be the same, even if
it is a seventh chord (unless a major seventh).
• When any two non-harmonic tones occur simultaneously, they must be consonant.
• Passing Tone
o It is found stepwise between harmonic tones of a different pitch.
o They may be accented (on the beat/pulse) or unaccented (not on the
beat/pulse or weaker than the preceding note)
o You can have multiple passing tones in a row, although rarely more than
three (two is relatively common).
• Neighbor Tone
o It is found stepwise between two harmonic tones of the same pitch
o There are Upper Neighbors and lower neighbors, both of which can be
accented or unaccented
• Suspension
o It is a non-harmonic tone that is approached by a harmonic tone of the
same pitch and resolved down by stepwise motion.
• Retardation
o A non-harmonic tone that is approached by a harmonic tone of the same
pitch and resolved up by stepwise motion
• Anticipation
o A non-harmonic tone that is approached by step and resolves to the same
pitch.
• Appogiatura
o Approached by leap and resolved by step in the opposite direction
• Escape Tone
o Approached by step and resolved by leap in the opposite direction
• Successive Neighbors
o Two neighbor tones, one is a step from note of approach and one is a step
from note of resolution, and by rule are a third apart.