[Guitarbite1985]

Pedal point was used primarily by many classical composers, especially Bach. This technique is reference around a tone, which is usually bass, while other tones are played around it. This technique was primarily used by organs because of their sustaining properties, and was later carried over to the guitar by using the "pedal tone" as a reference every other note.

Some music today still incorporate this technique, even contemporary worship. Below are some examples.

Ex. 1

Here is an intro riff from AC/DC's Thunderstruck which incorporates pedal point. Alternate pick this riff.

e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B--0-4-0-7-0-4-0-7-0-4-0-7-0-4-0-7-0-5-0-8-0-5-0-8-0-5-0-8-0-5-0-8-0--
G----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ex. 2

Here is a classical phrase used by Yngwie Malmsteen. Alternate pick this.

e--12-10-12-8-12-7-12-------
B------------------------------10--
G-----------------------------------

Ex. 3

Here is a typical pedal point phrase that you might hear in worship. Play this over a G-D-Em-D-C chord progression.

----G------------------------D-------------------------Em-----------------------D--------------C--------------
e--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B--8-----8-----8-----8-----7-----7-----7-----7-----8-----8-----8-----8-----10-----10-----8------8------
G-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-----7-------7-------7-----7------7--
D-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------