Passing Tones

A passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs between two chord tones. It is usually approached and left by step.

The primary function of a passing tone is to add melodic interest. It can also be used to create tension or resolve tension, but this is not its primary function.

There are two types of passing tones: upper and lower. An upper passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs above the previous chord tone, while a lower passing tone is a non-chord tone that occurs below the previous chord tone.

Passing tones are usually approached and left by step. This means that they move from one chord tone to the next by the interval of a second.

The main difference between a passing tone and a neighbor tone is that passing tones are approached and left by step, while neighbor tones are approached and left by leap.

A common example of a passing tone is the note C in the melody of the song "Happy Birthday to You". This note occurs between the chord tones G and D.

A common example of a neighbor tone is the note C in the melody of the song "Mary Had a Little Lamb". This note occurs before the chord tone D.

Passing tones can be used in all musical styles. They are a common melodic device that can be found in music from all over the world.

Passing tones are not always dissonant. They can be consonant or dissonant, depending on the context in which they are used.

Passing tones can be used to create tension. This is because they are non-chord tones, and they can therefore create a sense of instability.

Passing tones can be used to resolve tension. This is because they can move to a chord tone, which can create a sense of stability.

Passing tones are not always approached and left by step. They can also be approached and left by leap.

Passing tones are not always diatonic. They can also be chromatic.

Passing tones are not always used in pairs. They can also be used singly.

Passing tones are not always found in the melody. They can also be found in the harmony.