Which nonharmonic tone steps above or below the chord tones?

Study for the CM Piano Theory Level 10 Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The choice of Neighbor Tone is correct because it specifically refers to a nonharmonic tone that is approached by step from a chord tone and then resolves back to that chord tone, either above or below it. This characteristic of moving stepwise away from a chord tone and returning makes the Neighbor Tone distinct within the context of nonharmonic tones.

In contrast, a Passing Tone connects two chord tones by stepping between them, but it does not return directly to the same tone it originated from; rather, it continues to the next chord tone. A Suspension involves holding onto a note from the previous chord while the harmony changes, typically resolving downwards, but it does not move away from the chord tone in the manner that a Neighbor Tone does. Diminution is not a type of nonharmonic tone; instead, it refers to a decorative technique or rhythmic variation rather than a specific tonal relationship.

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