If a melody only used notes from the underlying chords, it would sound very stiff and "blocky." Great composers use notes *outside* of the chords to create tension and motion. These are called Non-Chord Tones (NCTs).

What are Non-Chord Tones?

An NCT is a note heard in the melody that is not part of the harmony currently being played. They are decorative notes that eventually "resolve" into chord tones.

Types of Non-Chord Tones

1. Passing Tones (PT)

The most common NCT. It fills in the gap between two chord tones.
Example: In a C Major chord (C E G), moving from C to E by playing D in between. D is the passing tone.

2. Neighbor Tones (NT)

A note that moves up or down a step and then returns to the original chord tone.
Example: C → D → C.

3. Suspensions (Sus)

A note from a previous chord is held over into a new chord where it doesn't belong, creating tension before resolving downward. This is the classic "haunting" sound in church music and film scores.

4. Appoggiaturas

A note that is reached by a large "leap" and then resolves by a step. It creates a sudden, expressive "sigh" in the music.

Try it in Your Writing

Next time you write a melody, look at your chord tones. Try "bridging" them with passing tones or "circling" them with neighbor tones. You'll hear your melodies transform from simple exercises into flowing musical phrases.