Chord Passing Tones

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that moves stepwise between two chord tones. It is usually used to connect two chord tones that are a third or fourth apart.

Passing tones can serve all of the above functions. They can add melodic interest to a chord progression, create tension and release, and connect two chord tones that are a third or fourth apart.

Upper neighbor tones, lower neighbor tones, escape tones, and anticipation tones are all common types of passing tones.

Passing tones can be identified by the fact that they are non-chord tones, they move stepwise between two chord tones, and they are usually shorter in duration than the chord tones.

Passing tones move stepwise, while neighbor tones move by leap. Passing tones are usually shorter in duration than neighbor tones. Passing tones are more common than neighbor tones.

Passing tones move stepwise, while appoggiaturas move by leap. Passing tones are usually shorter in duration than appoggiaturas. Passing tones are more common than appoggiaturas.

Passing tones move stepwise, while escape tones move by leap. Passing tones are usually shorter in duration than escape tones. Passing tones are more common than escape tones.

Passing tones move stepwise, while anticipation tones move by leap. Passing tones are usually shorter in duration than anticipation tones. Passing tones are more common than anticipation tones.

The C in the C major chord in the progression C-G-Am-F, the D in the G major chord in the progression G-D-Em-C, and the E in the Am chord in the progression Am-F-G-C are all examples of passing tones.

Passing tones can be used to add melodic interest to a chord progression, create tension and release, and connect two chord tones that are a third or fourth apart.

Common mistakes to avoid when using passing tones include using too many passing tones, using passing tones that are too long in duration, and using passing tones that are too dissonant.

You can practice using passing tones by listening to music that uses passing tones, analyzing the music you listen to for passing tones, and experimenting with using passing tones in your own music.

You can learn more about passing tones by reading music theory books, visiting music theory websites, and watching music theory videos.

Passing tones can add melodic interest to a chord progression, create tension and release, and connect two chord tones that are a third or fourth apart.

Passing tones can be difficult to use effectively, identify, and notate.