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. This creates tension and release by anchoring the listener's ear to a constant tone amidst shifting chords. The sustained note is usually the tonic (root) or dominant (fifth) of the key, but it can be any pitch, depending on the effect the composer wants.

Harmonically, a pedal point acts as a sort of "pedestal" that supports and sometimes clashes with the chords above it. Initially, it aligns with the harmony, reinforcing the tonality. As the chords change and begin to include notes that do not belong to the pedal tone, dissonance arises, creating a sense of tension. When the harmony finally resolves back to chords containing the pedal note, the tension is released, making the pedal point a powerful expressive device.

Pedal points are commonly found in various musical styles, from classical to jazz and popular music. In classical compositions, organists and composers frequently use pedal points to build climaxes or add depth to a passage. In jazz, pedal points can serve as a static harmonic foundation over which improvisation occurs. The technique helps maintain a tonal center even as the music explores complex or changing harmonies.

In short, a pedal point provides a grounding note sustained beneath changing chords to enhance harmonic interest and emotional impact. Recognizing pedal points can deepen one’s appreciation of how composers create tension and resolution in music.