Linear progression

In music, particularly Schenkerian analysis, a linear progression (Auskomponierungszug or Zug, abbreviated: Zg.)

is a passing note elaboration involving stepwise melodic motion in one direction between two harmonic tones.

"[5] In German Zug may be combined with prefixes to create related words such as Untergreifzug, a linear progression rising from a lower voice, Uebergreifzug ("reaching over"), a linear progression overlapping another, or Terzzug, linear progression through a third.

[6] The term Zug may best be translated as "a direct, unimpeded motion from one place to another.

[8] Note that in the Mozart example above the passing tones are dissonant and unable to be embellished; however, in the Urlinie example to the right the passing tone is supported harmonically, allowing for embellishment.

Urlinie : scale degree 3 - scale degree 2 - scale degree 1 over I- V -I Play ⓘ .
Decorated third progression [ 1 ] Play ⓘ . Whereas originally D5 was the nonchord tone in E5-(D5)-C5, here it becomes a chord tone because it is supported by G3 in the bass, and this chord itself is elaborated D5-(C5)-B4, where C5 is the nonchord tone.
Linear progression in Mozart 's Piano Sonata in G major , KV 283, no. 3 "Presto" [ 1 ] Play ⓘ . Original shown below, Schenkerian analysis shown above.