A
nonchord tone (
NCTs),
nonharmonic tone, or
embellishing tone is a
note in a piece of
music that is not part of the implied
chord within the
harmonic framework. Similarly, a
chord tone is a note that is a part of the
functional chord (see:
factor (chord)). Nonchord tones are most often discussed in the context of the
common practice period, but can be used in analysis of other types of
tonal music as well.