Which term refers to a quick, nonharmonic tone that leads to a chord tone?

The term that refers to a quick, nonharmonic tone leading to a chord tone is the acciaccatura. This ornament typically plays an important role in adding embellishment to a melody. An acciaccatura is usually approached by a leap and resolved to a chord tone, typically played very quickly before the principal note, making it a brief, decorative note that enriches the musical line without changing the underlying harmony.

In contrast, other options present different types of nonharmonic tones with varying characteristics. For instance, an appoggiatura is generally approached by a leap and resolved stepwise, creating a different rhythmic and melodic emphasis. A neighbor tone, on the other hand, is a nonharmonic tone that moves step away from a chord tone, returning to the original note, which creates a different type of melodic decoration. Lastly, a passing tone connects two chord tones by filling in the musical space between them, typically moving stepwise. Understanding these distinctions highlights how the acciaccatura stands out as a quick ornamentation that enhances melodic expression.