Non-Chord Tones Musical Adjectives
Definition of NCT A tone, either diatonic or chromatic, that is not a member of the chord NCT’s are classified by how they are approached and how they are left.
Classification of NCTs NCT name (and abbreviation)Approached byLeft by Passing Tone (p)stepstep in same direction Neighbor Tone (n)stepstep in opposite direction Suspension (s)same tonestep down Retardation (r )same tonestep up Appogiatura (app)leapstep Escape Tone (e)stepleap in opposite direction Anticipation (ant)step or leapsame tone (or leap) Pedal Point (ped)same tone*
Suspensions A suspension holds on to, or suspends a chord tone after the other parts have moved on to the next chord Three parts to a suspension are: preparation, suspension, resolution Most suspensions are dissonant Suspensions are further defined by the vertical intervals created from suspension to resolution
Suspension Types 7-6 4-3 9-8 2-3
NCT Examples