What is a Passing Tone?

A passing tone is a type of non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by moving stepwise between them. It appears between two notes that belong to the harmony and fills the gap in a smooth melodic motion. Passing tones are commonly used to create flowing melodies and to avoid large jumps between chord tones.

Passing tones usually move by step either upward or downward. For example, if a melody moves from C to E while a C major chord is being played, the note D may appear between them as a passing tone. In this case, C and E are chord tones, while D is the passing tone that briefly connects them.

In many musical styles, including classical, jazz, and pop music, passing tones help make melodies sound more natural and expressive. By filling the space between chord tones with stepwise motion, composers and performers can create smoother melodic lines and add subtle tension that resolves when the melody lands on a chord tone.