5

Is there a music theory term to describe when a melody revolves around one key repeated note?

For example, in a piece I am playing, the melody is: F C G C Ab C Bb C. Or, in my version of "spatial awareness" ( an exercise a lot of front ensembles seem to play) , we play a blues scale, but we play a C in between each note of the scale (Eb C F C F# C G C Bb C and so on).

So, in both of those situations, what would that C be called, if anything?

|improve this question
  • 3
    I'm not sure what you mean by "revolves around". What is the key signature of this melody? Perhaps you are referring to the tonic note of the key. – user1044 Jun 24 '15 at 4:01
  • The word "revolving" in the original question might be misleading, if it really is an alternating and non-sustained note then I've always known these as pedal tones. So I've gone for Dom's answer. – Andy Jun 24 '15 at 9:18
7

Depending on how you are using it, pedal point/tone or drone may be the right terms for it.

A pedal point is typically a sustained bass note where the melody changes over it, but it can also be a repeated note between itself and other notes as shown in the example below similar to what you describe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedal_point#/media/File:Pedal_tone_example.png

A drone is very similar in nature, however it is more to establish tonality and typically will be throughout an entire piece or section where as a pedal point is typically much shorter in nature.

|improve this answer
  • From pitches given by the OP, it is a pedal point, which also happens to be the tonic. +1 – Josiah Jun 24 '15 at 14:12

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.