What do we call notes that exist in music but do not fit within the implied harmony?

The term for notes that exist in music but do not fit within the implied harmony is known as nonharmonic tones. These are notes that add color and complexity to a piece of music without being part of the underlying chord structure. Nonharmonic tones serve various purposes, such as creating tension, embellishing melodic lines, and facilitating smooth voice leading between chords. Common examples of nonharmonic tones include passing tones, neighbor tones, and appoggiaturas, which enrich the harmonic language of the music.

Accidental notes refer to notes that are altered by sharps, flats, or naturals not indicated in the key signature, and while they can create dissonance, they are not necessarily considered nonharmonic; they may still belong to the prevailing harmony in certain contexts.

Chord extensions involve adding extra tones to a chord (like adding a 7th, 9th, 11th, or 13th) that complement the harmony rather than contradict it, so they do not fit the definition of notes that lie outside of the implied harmony.

Vocal tones pertain to sounds produced by singing and do not specifically relate to how notes relate to harmonic structure in music theory. Therefore, nonharmonic tones is the most accurate choice for