Embellishing Tones: Identifying Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones

Abigail Young
7 min read
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers embellishments and non-chord tones for the AP Music Theory exam. Key topics include: Introduction to embellishments and non-chord tones (diatonic/chromatic), passing tones (diatonic/chromatic/accented/unaccented), neighbor tones (upper/lower/diatonic/chromatic), preparation and resolution of non-chord tones, ornamentation (including trills), and final exam focus (high-priority topics, question types, strategies, and common pitfalls). Practice questions covering multiple-choice and free-response are also included.

How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve
Question 1 of 12
๐ Embellishments in music are like:
The main course ๐ฒ
The basic rhythm
The spices ๐ถ๏ธ
The foundation of harmony