What is Passing Dissonance?

Passing dissonance is a type of dissonant note that occurs when a melody moves stepwise between two consonant notes, creating a brief dissonant interval with another voice in the process. The dissonant note functions as a passing tone that connects the surrounding consonant tones smoothly.

In traditional counterpoint, passing dissonances usually appear on weaker beats and are approached and left by step in the same direction. For example, if a melody moves from C to E, the note D may appear between them as a passing tone, briefly forming a dissonant interval before resolving to the next consonant note.

Passing dissonance is widely used in Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint, where dissonant intervals are carefully controlled and resolved. By allowing brief dissonances within stepwise motion, composers can create melodic flow and harmonic tension without disrupting the overall stability of the music.