MusicianCV · TRNeighbour tones and return
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Harmony and melody
A neighbour tone moves one step away from a target and returns to that same target. Upper and lower neighbours move above or below it. Unlike a passing tone, the pattern returns rather than connecting two different targets.
A short neighbour figure can enrich a melody without changing its underlying chord. Keep the target clear and listen to how the ornament’s rhythm affects emphasis. Compare the simple version with the embellished one instead of assuming more notes always improve the phrase.
Example
Over C major, E–F–E can illustrate an upper-neighbour return.
Neighbour tones and returnE → F → E
Try it
In G–F–G, what kind of neighbour is F?
Answer
A lower neighbour: step down and return to G.Related topics
Connecting targets with a passing toneReferences
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Subject-expert review pending.