What is an Appoggiatura (Harmony)?

An appoggiatura in harmony is a non-chord tone that leans on a chord by creating temporary dissonance before resolving to a chord tone by step. The term comes from the Italian word meaning “to lean,” because the note briefly leans on the harmony before resolving.

An appoggiatura is typically approached by a leap and then resolved by step, usually in the opposite direction. It usually occurs on a strong beat, making the dissonance more noticeable and expressive. The note does not belong to the underlying chord, but it resolves smoothly to a nearby chord tone.

For example, if a melody leaps to D over a C major chord, the D creates tension because it is not part of the chord. When it resolves down to C, the harmony feels stable again. Appoggiaturas are widely used in classical, opera, and expressive vocal music to add emotional intensity and melodic emphasis.