Inmusic, a passing chord is a chord that connects, or passes between, the notes of two diatonic chords.[3] "Any chord that moves between one diatonic chord and another one nearby may be loosely termed a passing chord. A diatonic passing chord may be inserted into a pre-existing progression that moves by a majororminor third in order to create more movement."[4] "'Inbetween chords' that help you get from one chord to another are called passing chords."[5]
For example, in the simple chord progression in the key of C Major, which goes from Imaj7/iii7/ii7/V7:[4]
As well, particularly in smaller ensembles, such as the organ trioorjazz quartet, the comping (chord-playing) rhythm section instrumentalists (e.g., jazz guitar, jazz piano, Hammond organ) may improvise passing chords. With large ensembles, such as a big band, the comping players may have less freedom to improvise passing chords, because the composer/arranger may have already written in passing chords into the written horn parts, which might clash with improvised passing chords played by a comping musician. The freedom of comping musicians to improvise passing chords also depends on the tempo. In a very slow ballad, if a chord-playing musician adds in an improvised diminished chord for a half a bar, this may "clash" with the melody notes or chords played by other performers. On the other hand, in an extremely up-tempo (fast) bebop tune, a comping musician could add improvised passing chords with more freedom, because each bar goes by so fast.
