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Quick music theory question !

Posted: 09/01/2010 - 8:08
by maverickbna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXt2i9YL-PA

At 05:47 describe the use of dissonance that Tony Banks uses with repeating the same phrase over a differing bass chord - is this a pedal point, or is there a better term to describe it? :help:

Thanks in advance. Skål :)

Re: Quick music theory question !

Posted: 09/01/2010 - 21:20
by analoq
I'm not sure if that'd qualify as a pedal point; I don't really hear much harmony going on, just parallel motion in the melody.

Hopefully you'll get a second opinion, I have a peripheral knowledge of music theory.

Re: Quick music theory question !

Posted: 10/01/2010 - 20:18
by Doddsy
Pedal points are common in modern pop music.

Pedal points are when the bass notes stay on one note to anchor harmonies around it. Its a good technique to build up tension in music.

The youtube video is not the best example. For a clearer understanding listen to In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins. Pedal bass D plays whilst chords are moving over it.