Chord Progressions
Pedal Points
Sustained tones under moving harmony · (tonic or dominant sustained in bass)
Tonic and dominant pedals — Bach to Billie Jean, the bass that unifies while everything moves above.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
Toggle voice leading in the player to hear it smooth out, or learn voice leading →
Formula(tonic or dominant sustained in bass)
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits sustained, anchoring presence
Common in"Billie Jean" — Michael Jackson · Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor · "Clocks" — Coldplay
Famous"Billie Jean" — Michael Jackson · Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor · "Clocks" — Coldplay
The slate and graphite palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — pedal points maps to slate and graphite, reflecting its sustained, anchoring presence.
About Pedal Points
Tonic and dominant pedals — Bach to Billie Jean, the bass that unifies while everything moves above.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Famous songs & pieces
- "Billie Jean" — Michael Jackson
- Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor
- "Clocks" — Coldplay
Frequently asked questions
What is a pedal points progression?
Tonic and dominant pedals — Bach to Billie Jean, the bass that unifies while everything moves above.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.