An ascending passing tone is a non-chord tone that connects two chord tones by step, moving upward. It adds melodic interest by creating a smooth transition between two notes in a melody, often occurring between the second and third scale degrees in a diatonic context. This type of passing tone enriches the harmonic texture and enhances the overall flow of the music.
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An ascending passing tone is typically approached and resolved by stepwise motion, which means it connects two notes that are adjacent in pitch.
It often appears in melodic lines to create smoother and more flowing passages, enhancing musical expressiveness.
The use of ascending passing tones can also help create tension before resolving to a more stable chord tone.
In a scale context, ascending passing tones often appear between the second and third degrees or between the fourth and fifth degrees.
Composers frequently use ascending passing tones to create a sense of movement in both harmonic progressions and melodic lines.
Review Questions
How do ascending passing tones function within a melody, and what effect do they have on musical phrases?
Ascending passing tones serve as connectors between chord tones, typically moving upward by step. This motion creates a sense of fluidity in melodies, allowing for smoother transitions and adding melodic interest. By linking chord tones in this way, ascending passing tones enhance the musical phrase's overall expressiveness and can contribute to building tension before resolving to stable notes.
Discuss the role of ascending passing tones in relation to other non-chord tones like neighbor tones. How do they differ in their functions?
While both ascending passing tones and neighbor tones are classified as non-chord tones, they serve different functions within a melody. Ascending passing tones connect two chord tones by step in an upward direction, filling in the gap between them. In contrast, neighbor tones move away from a chord tone by step and then return to it. This fundamental difference affects how each type of non-chord tone contributes to musical texture and movement within phrases.
Evaluate how ascending passing tones can affect harmonic progressions and the overall emotional impact of a piece of music.
Ascending passing tones can significantly influence harmonic progressions by providing smooth transitions between chords, thereby enhancing the emotional impact of a piece. They create a sense of movement that can evoke feelings of tension or resolution depending on their placement within a melodic line. When used effectively, these passing tones can deepen listener engagement by adding layers of complexity and emotional nuance to both the melody and harmony.
Related terms
Passing Tone: A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones, filling in the space between them, either ascending or descending.
Neighbor Tone: A non-chord tone that moves away from a chord tone by step and returns to the original chord tone.
Diatonic Scale: A seven-note scale consisting of five whole steps and two half steps, forming the basis of much Western music.