What are non harmonic tones in music?

Answer 1

Nonharmonic tones, or non-chord tones, are notes that belong to the melodic aspect of a piece of music, not the harmonic aspect. They are called non-chord tones because they do not fit into the harmony or chord occurring. Although non-chord tones do not fit into the sonority they are played over, they instead have other effect on the music separate from harmony. This can be to smooth out voice leading in the form of a passing tone, to add tension in the form of an appoggiatura, or to achieve many other musical goals.

In short, nonharmonic tones are notes that do not belong to a chord that create the melody of a piece.

Answer 2

Notes played together can sound dissonant or consonant or anywhere in between. Dissonant(non-harmonic) notes sounds like they are fighting each other and consonant(harmonic) notes sound like they belong together. Adding non-harmonic (dissonant) notes can add color, shades and interest to the music. It makes the music much more expressive.

One time when Mozart was very little his father heard him playing many different combinations of notes together. Father asked Mozart "What are you doing son?" Mozart said "I'm finding music friends!" In other words consonant notes! When you listen to his music, it is much more consonant than most - especially some 20th century classical composers.

Answer 3

Non harmonic tones (or non-chord tones) are notes that do not belong in a certain chord. Non-harmony notes or non harmonic tones are notes that do not belong in a certain chord. In this example, the F is a non harmonic tone because it does not fit into the I chord (which contains C, E, and G.