Non-chord tones are what we call notes that don’t “fit” in a chord. Usually, these notes resolve before the next chord, but that distinction has become less important over time. The chart below should help you identify any non-chord tones you come across in the future.
Nonharmonic Tone | Approached by | Resolved by |
Passing Tone | Step | Step in same direction |
Neighbor Tone | Step | Step in opposite direction |
Neighbor Group | Step | Leap in opposite direction then step back |
Appoggiatura | Leap | Step |
Escape Tone | Step | Leap |
Anticipation | Step or Leap | Common tone |
Suspension | Common tone | Step down |
Retardation | Common tone | Step up |
Pedal Point | Common tone | Common tone |