A pedal in jazz, more precisely referred to as a pedal point, is a musical technique where a single note, typically in the bass, is sustained or repeated while the harmonies above it change.
Understanding Pedal Points
The term "pedal" relates to the foot pedals on an organ, where a low note can be sustained. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
- Definition: A pedal point is a held or repeated note, often in the bass, that persists through changing chords.
- Function: Initially, the pedal note is part of the current chord. However, as the harmony changes, it becomes a non-chord tone.
- Location: Pedal points are most common in the bass voice but can appear in other voices.
How Pedal Points Work
The core of a pedal point lies in its interaction with the surrounding harmony:
- Chord Tone Start: A pedal point begins as part of the prevailing chord, fitting harmonically with the initial chord structure.
- Harmonic Shift: As the underlying harmony changes, the pedal note no longer matches the new chords and becomes a dissonance, or a "non-chord tone."
- Tension and Release: This creates harmonic tension as the pedal note clashes with the new chords, which can subsequently lead to a release as the music moves to a consonance.
Example of Pedal Point
Imagine a chord progression that starts with a C major chord, then moves to an F major chord, and finally a G major chord. If a low C note is held through all those changes, that C note is a pedal point:
| Chord | Notes | C Pedal Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| C Major | C, E, G | C | Chord Tone |
| F Major | F, A, C | C | Chord Tone |
| G Major | G, B, D | C | Non-Chord Tone |
Practical Insights
- Creating Stability: Pedal points often give a sense of stability or grounding while the harmony around it is moving.
- Enhancing Movement: They create a contrast between static bass and evolving harmony, adding dynamic interest.
- Building Tension: They can build up tension that will eventually need to be resolved, which can be used for dramatic effect.
In summary, a pedal point is a note that is held through changing harmonies, starting as a chord tone before becoming a non-chord tone, and they are frequently in the bass part of the music.
