Where did this type of composition originate and why does it work.

Chords, scales, harmony, melody, etc.
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I've always liked this form of song, don't know what its called, it probably is based off an old classical song but i would really like to make a lot of songs like this, its always has a drone chord that goes throughout the whole song which the rest of the song is relative to. It creates a "Hey what I'm going to sing is really important listen" type of mood, here are some examples, where did it first originate, is it a lullaby a old orchestrial song or something?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU

Bulls on parade doesnt drone throughout the whole song but it has the same effect because he is playing just an octave as a rhythm.

https://youtu.be/3L4YrGaR8E4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLTT3aQshPk

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check this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsfGgz3Lpc

You don't need to (unless you want) to get into all the extensive chord names and theory--just scrub through the vid and check out how he holds pedal tones and plays things against them.

Or do you own search for Pedal Point.

Pedal Point and modal music may be another area of exploration for you.

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Thanks a lot, I've noticed all the favorite songs I've made use that without me knowing it.

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At least in your 3rd example (Sigur Rós - Inní mér syngur vitleysingur) it's more like an Ostinato over changing bass notes. The opposite of Pedal Point. But both ways are great composition tools.
Last edited by Etienne1973 on Thu Aug 30, 2018 11:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Maps is just an awesome song and performance

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlaaJXtUvh8

Wow Ostinatos are awesome at least that one is.


Does the verse of Sweet Disposition count as a Ostinato?

https://youtu.be/jxKjOOR9sPU

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Ok so another question, since pedal point creates tension, What techniques are the best at creating resolution?
Last edited by cj31387 on Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

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oops didnt mean to dupe

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cj31387 wrote:Does the verse of Sweet Disposition count as a Ostinato? https://youtu.be/jxKjOOR9sPU
Absolutely. It's full of repeating patterns (Ostinati).
cj31387 wrote:Ok so another question, since pedal point creates tension, What techniques are the best at creating resolution?
Most common is the functional harmony movement from dominant to tonic. It gives the listener a crystal clear hint what the tonal center is.

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Etienne1973 wrote:
cj31387 wrote:Does the verse of Sweet Disposition count as a Ostinato? https://youtu.be/jxKjOOR9sPU
Absolutely. It's full of repeating patterns (Ostinati).
cj31387 wrote:Ok so another question, since pedal point creates tension, What techniques are the best at creating resolution?
Most common is the functional harmony movement from dominant to tonic. It gives the listener a crystal clear hint what the tonal center is.
Have any links to good youtube videos on functional harmony?

Also if you make your verse tense using pedal points what intervals and chords should you start your chorus with to be very resolved and not tense at all. What are the least tense intervals and chords?

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cj31387 wrote:Have any links to good youtube videos on functional harmony?

Also if you make your verse tense using pedal points what intervals and chords should you start your chorus with to be very resolved and not tense at all. What are the least tense intervals and chords?
Check out Rick Beato book and videos intensively.

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