What is a Pedal Point?

A pedal point is a sustained or repeatedly played note that continues while the harmony above it changes. This note is usually held in the bass and remains constant even as different chords move around it, creating tension when the note temporarily clashes with the changing harmony.

Pedal points are commonly found in the lower voice of a musical texture, which is why they are often called pedal tones, a term that comes from organ music where long notes could be held with the foot pedals. As the chords change above the sustained note, the harmony may briefly become dissonant, but it typically resolves when the harmony returns to a chord that includes the pedal note.

This technique is widely used in classical, rock, jazz, and film music to build tension and create a strong sense of tonal center. Pedal points can add dramatic effect, reinforce the key of a piece, and provide a stable foundation while the upper voices move through different harmonic progressions.