Pedal Tone

Definition

A pedal tone is a sustained or repeated note, usually in the bass, while the harmonies above it change. It creates a sense of stability and can add tension or release depending on how it interacts with the changing harmonies.

Related terms

Suspension: A suspension occurs when a note from a previous chord is held over into the next chord, creating dissonance that resolves by moving down to a consonant note.

Ostinato: An ostinato is a repeating musical pattern or phrase that remains consistent throughout a piece of music.

Drone: A drone is similar to a pedal tone, where one or more notes are continuously sounded as other melodies or harmonies move around it.