Which term describes a sustained or repeated tone in the bass that underlies changing harmonies?

Which term describes a sustained or repeated tone in the bass that underlies changing harmonies?

• A. Drone
• B. Ostinato
• C. Ground Bass
• D. Organ Point/Pedal Point

Answer: (D)

A pedal point (organ point) is a single bass note kept steady while the chords above it change. This creates a grounding anchor as harmony shifts, giving a sense of tension and continuity. A drone is also a sustained pitch, but it isn’t tied specifically to a bass line under changing harmonies. Ground bass and ostinato involve repeating bass lines or patterns, rather than a single sustained bass tone beneath evolving chords. So the term that fits best is organ point/pedal point.

A pedal point (organ point) is a single bass note kept steady while the chords above it change. This creates a grounding anchor as harmony shifts, giving a sense of tension and continuity. A drone is also a sustained pitch, but it isn’t tied specifically to a bass line under changing harmonies. Ground bass and ostinato involve repeating bass lines or patterns, rather than a single sustained bass tone beneath evolving chords. So the term that fits best is organ point/pedal point.