Creating Tension with Pedal Points (Ep: 191)
Jazz Piano School - A podcast by Brenden Lowe : Professional Jazz Pianist and Jazz Piano Educator
A pedal point is when you keep the same note in the bass while changing the chords on top. Doing this for a series of measures creates a sense of both connection and tension. Using pedal points builds energy so that when the bass note finally changes, the harmonies of the tune seem to burst forth like a waterfall breaking through a dam. This lesson explores how to incorporate pedal points into your own playing.