What is an Appoggiatura?

An appoggiatura is a type of non-chord tone that creates tension by landing on a note that does not belong to the underlying chord before resolving to a chord tone. It is usually approached by a leap and then resolves by step in the opposite direction. Because it falls on a strong beat and is often held for a noticeable duration, the appoggiatura produces a moment of expressive dissonance before resolving.

For example, if a melody over a C major chord leaps to the note D and then resolves down to C, the D functions as an appoggiatura. Even though D is not part of the C major chord, it creates tension that feels satisfying when the melody resolves to the stable chord tone. This tension-and-release effect is one of the defining characteristics of an appoggiatura.

Appoggiaturas are commonly used in classical, opera, and many other musical styles to add emotional intensity and expressive phrasing. Composers often use them to highlight important moments in a melody, allowing the temporary dissonance to emphasize the resolution that follows.