Meaning of Passing Notes in Music
In music theory, a passing note, also known as a passing tone or non-harmonic tone, is a note that is foreign to a harmony and is introduced between two successive chord tones in order to produce a melodic transition. It serves as a bridge to connect two tonal notes and is typically a stepwise movement in the same direction Passing notes are often short and occur on unemphasized parts of the beat.
Passing notes are used to create melodic interest and smooth transitions between chord tones. They add movement and color to a melody by providing a melodic connection between two harmonically significant notes. These notes are not part of the prevailing chord but are used to create a melodic line that connects the chord tones The passing note is approached by a chord tone a step above or below it and is resolved by continuing in the same direction stepwise to the next chord tone.
Passing notes are commonly found in various musical genres and can be used in both instrumental and vocal music. They contribute to the overall expressiveness and flow of a musical composition by creating melodic tension and release.
Example of Passing Notes:
To illustrate the concept of passing notes, let's consider a simple example in the key of C major. Suppose we have a chord progression that goes from C major to G major. The melody line could include a passing note between the notes C and B:
- C (chord tone)- **B** (passing note)- G (chord tone)
In this example, the passing note B is not part of the C major chord or the G major chord, but it serves as a melodic transition between the two chord tones.
Conclusion:
Passing notes, also known as passing tones or non-harmonic tones, are melodic notes that are introduced between two successive chord tones to create a smooth melodic transition. They are not part of the prevailing chord but serve as a bridge to connect two tonal notes. Passing notes add movement, color, and melodic interest to a musical composition.
A passing note is a non-harmonic note that appears between two notes in stepwise motion in part writing. Usually a passing note is a link between a melodic interval of a third in one of the voices.
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