Embellishments and NCTs

I have recently been studying the use of non-chord tones (NCTs) in music. I learned that there are really just three major types of NCTs.

First, and NCT is a note that is played within a chord, but is not typically a part of that chord. For example, the occurrence of an F in a C Major chord (C E G) is considered an NCT because it is not a part of the chord.

The first type of NCT is called a passing tone. A passing tone is simply a note between two other notes, moving one step at a time. I will give examples of all of these at my presentation to clarify.

The second type of NCT is called a neighbor tone. A neighbor tone is a note right next to the note in the chord, but rather than continuing on up the scale as in the case of a passing tone, the note "returns to sender" and goes back to the original note.

Finally, the third type of NCT is a suspension. Suspensions are the epitome of music because they create the tension and release. A suspension occurs with dissonance on the downbeat of a note, followed by the resolution to a note in the chord.

If your confused…good. I'll explain more. Please ask questions!