Pedal Point

by Per Danielsson

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The altering of bass notes and pedal points is a useful technique for experimenting with harmony. By simply changing the bass note of a chord you can completely alter its sound and function. Below is a C triad in second inversion played over different bass notes. Sustain each chord and listen carefully to its sound.

When using a pedal point the bass note stays the same but the chord changes. This tends to give the sound a suspended feel which can be very effective. Play the following example slowly and listen to the sound.

In jazz we frequently use pedal points. In fact, several jazz standards have specific pedal points which are an important part of the tune. There are no defined rules concerning when, or when not to to use pedal points. It is up to the discretion of the player to determine when it is valid. A good tip is to listen to the bass player. When the bass player plays a pedal point, the sound opens up and there is much more freedom to experiment with the harmony.

A couple of obvious places for pedal points are introductions, endings and turnarounds. Often the piano player is asked to supply an introduction. Using a 1-6-2-5 progression over a pedal point is a simple musical option.

The following 3-6-2-5 and 1-6-2-5 dominant progressions can also work as an introduction, ending or turnaround. The dominant chords over the pedal point are more dissonant but very effective.

Compare the sounds of the two versions of the following Major turnaround. Playing the chords over a pedal point creates a very different sound.

After experimenting with the pedal point concept you will see that it can be used almost anywhere, especially if you are looking for a more modal type of sound. The following examples are over standard jazz progressions. Play them at a medium swing tempo and alter the rhythm in both the right and the left hand.

As you have probably already noticed, the pedal notes chosen are also the fifth of the key. That's a safe way to go, but it should not stop you from experimenting with other pedal points. If you think of all the different voicings together with different bass notes, the combinations are endless.

Listen to this C6/9 voicing with different bass notes.

Try other voicings with a similar approach and write down the ones you really like.

Good Luck,
Per Danielsson