What is the primary function of a "Passing tone" in a melodic line?

A passing tone, often known as a passing note or passing tone, serves as a melodic embellishment that connects two main tones or chord tones. Its primary role is to create a smoother and more fluid flow in a melodic line, allowing for seamless transitions between pitches. By filling in the gaps between these prominent tones, passing tones provide a sense of movement and contribute to the overall expressiveness of the melody.

While they can occasionally create dissonance as they move away from the established chord tones, that dissonance is typically short-lived since passing tones resolve to consonant notes. They do not create harmony on their own; rather, they enhance the harmonic framework set by other notes. Additionally, they do not stabilize the melody but add interest and complexity. Thus, the function of a passing tone is fundamentally to embellish the melody, enriching its character and making it more engaging.