What is a Non-Chord Tone?

A non-chord tone is a note in a melody that does not belong to the chord currently being played in the harmony. These notes are used to add movement, tension, and musical expression to a melody before resolving to a chord tone. While chord tones form the stable foundation of harmony, non-chord tones create interest by briefly stepping outside the chord.

Non-chord tones often appear between chord tones and usually move stepwise, either leading into or away from a stable note. Common types of non-chord tones include passing tones, neighbor tones, suspensions, and appoggiaturas. These notes temporarily create a sense of tension that resolves when the melody returns to a chord tone.

In many musical styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music, non-chord tones help make melodies sound more fluid and expressive. Rather than jumping directly between chord tones, composers and performers use these notes to create smooth melodic lines, decorative flourishes, and expressive phrasing that enrich the overall musical texture.