What is a Pedal Tone?

A pedal tone is a sustained or repeatedly played note that continues while the chords and harmonies above it change. This note is usually held in the bass, but it can appear in other voices as well. The pedal tone often remains constant even when the surrounding harmony moves through chords that do not include that note.

At first, the pedal tone typically belongs to the chord being played. As the harmony changes, the note may temporarily clash with the new chords, creating tension. Eventually, the harmony returns to a chord that includes the pedal tone, resolving the tension and restoring a sense of stability.

The term comes from organ music, where long bass notes were often held using the organ’s foot pedals. Pedal tones are widely used in classical, rock, jazz, and film music to reinforce the tonal center, build tension, or create a dramatic musical effect while the harmony shifts above the sustained note.