A melody is not just the chord
If a melody only ever played the notes of the chord underneath it, it would sound like an exercise. Real melodies decorate the chord with extra notes that are not in it. Those notes are called non-chord tones (or "embellishments"). They are tense for a moment, then resolve to a note that is in the chord.
The patterns
- Chord tone: a note that belongs to the chord.
- Passing tone: a non-chord note that connects two chord tones by step, in one direction.
- Neighbour tone: a non-chord note a step above or below a chord tone, which leaves and returns to the same note.
- Appoggiatura: a non-chord note reached by a leap and left by step (usually down), often on a strong beat: it "leans" on the chord tone it resolves to.
- Escape tone: a non-chord note reached by step and left by a leap in the opposite direction: it "escapes" the chord.
Look at how the melody gets to the note and how it leaves it. That tells you which kind it is:
- Step in, step out, same direction → passing tone.
- Step in, step out, back where it started → neighbour tone.
- Leap in, step out → appoggiatura.
- Step in, leap out the other way → escape tone.
Strong and weak beats
Passing and neighbour tones usually fall on weak beats and are barely noticed. Appoggiaturas and suspensions fall on strong beats, so they sound expressive and tense. In the drill all notes are crotchets (quarter notes), so judge by the shape.
Why it matters
Knowing which notes are chord tones tells you which notes you can land on and which you must move away from. It is also the key to harmonising a melody: choose the chord that contains the melody's strong-beat notes, and ignore the passing ones.
How to practise
- Warm-up: chord tones, passing tones and neighbour tones in C major.
- Working set: adds appoggiaturas and other keys.
- Heavy lift: adds escape tones.
You will want to read the staff quickly first (staff reading drill) and know your triads (triad builder). The Melody and Form program teaches this step by step, and song form shows how phrases fit together.
Frequently asked questions
What is a non-chord tone?
A melody note that is not in the chord sounding underneath. Non-chord tones create small moments of tension that resolve to a chord tone, which is what makes melodies sound alive instead of just spelling out chords.
What is the difference between a passing tone and a neighbour tone?
A passing tone connects two different chord tones by moving in one direction (E–D–C over a C chord). A neighbour tone steps away from a chord tone and comes back to the same note (C–D–C).
What is an appoggiatura?
A non-chord tone that is approached by a leap and resolved by step, usually on a strong beat. The word means "leaning": the melody leans on the dissonance before settling.
What is a suspension?
A note held over from the previous chord that clashes with the new chord, then steps down to resolve. It is the same idea as a sus chord, spread over time.
How do I know which notes are chord tones?
Write out the chord (C = C E G) and check each melody note against it. Notes on strong beats are usually chord tones; non-chord tones usually sit on weak beats and move by step.