How Do You Spell PASSING TONE?

1. A passing tone, also known as a passing note, is a melodic ornamentation that occurs between two harmonically significant tones, often found in Western classical music. It is a non-chordal tone that moves by step in a melodic line, transitioning smoothly from one chordal tone to another. The passing tone provides a melodic connection between two adjacent chord tones, forming a stepwise progression.

   In musical notation, a passing tone is usually indicated by a small oblique line connecting the two adjacent notes. It is typically considered a dissonant sound that momentarily disrupts the harmony before resolving to a consonant tone. A passing tone can occur in any voice or instrumental part and is a widely used element in creating melodic interest and motion.

   Passing tones serve several functions in music. They can enhance the overall melodic flow by creating a more linear and connected progression of harmonies. Passing tones also contribute to the rhythmic energy and syncopation within a piece. Additionally, they can initiate melodic variations, adding complexity and unpredictability to a musical line.

   Overall, passing tones play a crucial role in creating melodic and harmonic movement in music. Their purpose is to smoothly connect two harmonically significant tones, adding color, tension, and variety to a composition.

Common Misspellings for PASSING TONE

The word "passing tone" is derived from the musical term "passing" and the English word "tone".

The term "passing" in music refers to a melodic movement from one note to another, typically by step, where the intermediate note is not emphasized and is considered to be passing through between more important tones.

The term "tone" refers to a specific pitch or frequency in music. In music theory, a whole step is often referred to as a "tone", and a half step is referred to as a "half tone" or "semitone".

Therefore, the word "passing tone" combines these two elements to describe a melodic movement that involves an intermediate note passing through between two more important tones.

Similar spelling words for PASSING TONE