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.

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
I›C
90 BPM
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.

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
V›G
100 BPM

Variation

Another way the pattern shows up in real music.

C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
i›Cm
117 BPM

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.

Related topics

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One-Chord Vamps
When the groove IS the progression
modal
Modal Progressions
Progressions that confirm a mode
device
Descending Bass Lines
The lament, the line cliché, and the Pachelbel descent