Inside This Unit: The Full Breakdown
Harmony III covers non-chord (embellishing) tones, motives, sequences, and melodic devices.
Why it matters
Identifying embellishing tones is a recurring analysis skill.
Key concepts
- Non-chord tones: passing, neighbor, suspension, appoggiatura, escape, anticipation.
- Suspensions resolve down by step.
- Sequences repeat a pattern at new pitch levels.
Embellishing Tones
Classify non-chord tones by how they are approached and left: passing (step–step), neighbor (step away and back), suspension (held over, resolves down), appoggiatura (leap in, step out), escape (step in, leap out). Recognize pedal points, motives, and sequences.
AP exam tip
To label a non-chord tone, examine the notes before and after it — approach and resolution determine its name.
Connections to other units
- Unit 4: Embellishments decorate functional harmony.
- Unit 8: Motives drive musical form.
