What Are Embellishing Tones?
Embellishing tones (also called non-chord tones) are notes that do not belong to the underlying harmony but are used to decorate or enhance a melodic line. They create movement, tension, and resolution within a chordal framework.
Types of Embellishing Tones
1. Passing Tone (PT)
- Definition: A note that connects two chord tones by step (either ascending or descending).
- Classification:
- Unaccented Passing Tone: Occurs on a weak beat.
- Accented Passing Tone: Occurs on a strong beat.
- Example: In C major, moving from C (chord tone) → D (passing tone) → E (chord tone) over a C major chord.
2. Neighbor Tone (NT)
- Definition: A note that steps away from and returns to the same chord tone.
- Types:
- Upper Neighbor: Moves up by step and back.
- Lower Neighbor: Moves down by step and back.
- Accented/Unaccented: Depending on beat strength.
- Example: Over a C major chord, C → D → C (upper neighbor).
3. Suspension (SUS)
- Definition: A note from the previous chord is held over, creating dissonance, then resolves downward by step.
- Structure:
- Preparation: Chord tone is held.
- Suspension: The same note becomes dissonant against the new chord.
- Resolution: Moves down by step to a chord tone.
- Example: In a G → C progression, holding D (from G major) over the C chord, then resolving to C.
4. Appoggiatura (APP)
- Definition: A leap into a dissonance followed by a stepwise resolution.
- Characteristics:
- Accented (strong beat).
- More expressive than a passing tone.
- Example: In C major, leaping from G to A (non-chord tone over F major) then resolving to G.
5. Escape Tone (ET)
- Definition: A step up from a chord tone, followed by a leap in the opposite direction.
- Characteristics:
- Unaccented (weak beat).
- “Escapes” the harmony briefly.
- Example: Over C major, moving C → D (escape tone) → G (leap down).
6. Anticipation (ANT)
- Definition: A note from the next chord is played early, resolving by repetition.
- Characteristics:
- Often unaccented.
- Creates a forward-driving motion.
- Example: Before moving to an F major chord, playing C → A (anticipation of F major).
7. Pedal Tone (Ped.)
- Definition: A sustained or repeated note (usually in the bass) while harmonies change above it.
- Example: Holding a low C while chords change from C → G7 → C.
How Embellishing Tones Enhance Chordal Frameworks
- Add Melodic Interest: Prevent static harmony.
- Create Tension & Release: Suspensions and appoggiaturas introduce dissonance before resolution.
- Smooth Voice Leading: Passing and neighbor tones connect chords naturally.
- Rhythmic Vitality: Accented non-chord tones add syncopation.
Conclusion
Understanding embellishing tones is crucial for AP Music Theory students to analyze and compose harmonically rich music. By mastering passing tones, suspensions, appoggiaturas, and other non-chord tones, musicians can create more expressive and dynamic chord progressions.
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