Nonchord tone

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.