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AP Music Theory Practice Quiz: Embellishing Tones: Identifying Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 9 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 9

According to the provided text, what is a primary purpose of using embellishing tones in music?

All Questions (9)

According to the provided text, what is a primary purpose of using embellishing tones in music?

A) To change the key of the piece

B) To simplify the rhythmic structure

C) To enrich a chordal framework and intensify expression

D) To ensure all notes belong to the prevailing chord

Correct Answer: C

The text explicitly states, 'To expand individual lines and/or intensify expression, composers often enrich a chordal framework with various types of decorative notes, or embellishing tones.'

An embellishing tone is specifically called a "nonharmonic tone" when it:

A) is the highest note in a melodic phrase.

B) lies outside the pitch content of the prevailing chord.

C) is played only by string instruments.

D) resolves by a leap.

Correct Answer: B

The text defines nonharmonic tones as embellishing tones that 'lie outside the pitch content of the prevailing chord.'

What two factors are most important for classifying a nonharmonic tone as a specific type, such as a passing tone?

A) The tempo of the music and the dynamic level

B) The key signature and the composer's era

C) The instrument playing the note and its timbre

D) Its melodic approach/resolution and its rhythmic placement

Correct Answer: D

The text states that nonharmonic tones are classified based on 'the way the nonharmonic tone is melodically approached and resolved' and its 'Rhythmic placement... whether it falls directly on a beat or on a division between beats.'

The distinction between an "accented" and an "unaccented" nonharmonic tone is determined by:

A) whether the note is played loudly or softly.

B) its melodic direction (ascending or descending).

C) its rhythmic placement on a beat or between beats.

D) whether it resolves to a stable or unstable chord.

Correct Answer: C

The content specifies that 'Rhythmic placement of a nonharmonic tone—i.e., whether it falls directly on a beat or on a division between beats—serves to further define its classification, namely whether it is accented or unaccented.'

Which of the following is explicitly mentioned in the text as a common classification of a nonharmonic tone?

A) Anticipation

B) Suspension

C) Neighbor tone

D) Appoggiatura

Correct Answer: C

The text lists 'passing tones (accented and unaccented) and neighbor tones (including lower neighbor and upper neighbor)' as common classifications. The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

Based on the text, in what two forms of musical representation can embellishing tones be identified?

A) Major keys and minor keys

B) Performed music and notated music

C) Vocal music and instrumental music

D) Homophonic and polyphonic textures

Correct Answer: B

The first point in the content states that one should be able to 'Identify types of embellishing tones... in—a. performed music b. notated music.'

The classification of neighbor tones into 'lower neighbor' and 'upper neighbor' primarily describes the nonharmonic tone's:

A) rhythmic duration compared to other notes.

B) melodic position relative to the chord tone it embellishes.

C) harmonic importance within the overall progression.

D) placement on a strong or weak beat.

Correct Answer: B

The terms 'upper' and 'lower' inherently describe a melodic relationship of position. This aligns with the text's statement that classification is based on how a nonharmonic tone is 'melodically approached and resolved.'

A composer writes a melody over a C major chord. The melody contains the notes C-D-E. The note D is not part of the C major chord. Based on the classifications provided, what type of nonharmonic tone is the D?

A) An upper neighbor tone

B) A passing tone

C) An accented nonharmonic tone

D) A lower neighbor tone

Correct Answer: B

The text identifies passing tones and neighbor tones as common types. A passing tone connects two different chord tones by step, as the D connects C and E. A neighbor tone would depart from and return to the same chord tone (e.g., C-D-C).

If a nonharmonic tone is placed directly on a beat to intensify expression, it is best described as:

A) a chordal skip.

B) an unaccented passing tone.

C) a resolution tone.

D) an accented nonharmonic tone.

Correct Answer: D

The text states that the purpose of embellishing tones is to 'intensify expression' and that rhythmic placement 'directly on a beat' defines a nonharmonic tone as 'accented.'