Which term is described as being approached by step and left by step in the same direction?

• A. Neighbor Tone
• B. Passing Tone
• C. Anticipation Tone
• D. Appoggiatura

Answer: (B)

A passing tone is a nonharmonic note that fills the gap between two chord tones by step, and it is approached by step and left by step in the same melodic direction. This means the melody moves in the same direction (both steps up or both steps down) from the first chord tone to the next, using the intervening note to create a smooth line. For example, in a C major context, moving from C up to E with D in between uses D as a passing tone: C – D – E. The D note isn’t part of the underlying harmony, but it connects the chord tones without altering the harmony. This differs from a neighbor tone, which is approached by step and left by step in the opposite direction (C – D – C). An appoggiatura is approached by a leap and left by step, typically in the opposite direction, and an anticipation occurs when a note that belongs to the next chord is heard early.