Musical Drones and Pedal Tones [Theory and Songwriting]

The Chord Progression Codex is NOW AVAILABLE! shorturl.at/bouLV
My pro theory + songwriting course: bit.ly/2J2Nctn
Enroll in my Rhythm Training Course at ANY price! bit.ly/3wDacU4
/ signalsmusicstudio
Droning sounds simple right? Welp, yeah, but it can be way complex too! The pedal tone opens up a whole door of amazingly weird progressions and effects, and this lesson should walk you through what those might feel, sound, and look like.
TAKE NOTE- When I say "Western Mainstream", I'm speaking from an American Pop Music perspective. There are more styles of drone music than those from India- I did not mention the Hurdy Gurdy or the Bagpipes, two heavyweights in the world of droning. The bagpipes themselves drone on a single note while the rest of the pipes are tuned to a mixolydian scale relative to the drone. This is the second time I have likely offended the Scots, and twice now I must beg their forgiveness.
I also did not mention the importance of pedal tones as they apply to metal, since I went over that topic in my video on the Metallica Scale • How To Write Metal Rif... and also in my video on Mixolydian Rock • How To Make A Classic ... .
Wanna jam over the same note for 10 minutes, you weirdo? Well so do I. Here's the track.
signalsmusicstudio.com/harmon...
If you run into one of my patreon subscribers, give them a big hug for me. If you are one of my patreon subscribers, THANK YOU!
00:00 INTRO
00:30 A Brief History Of Drone
04:45 Guitar Drones and Modern Acoustic Songs
06:29 Bass Pedal Tones
10:42 Writing with a Melody Pedal Tone
14:52 Infinite Scale Possibilities
16:50 6 Scales 1 Drone
18:30 Pedal Point

[@EC2727]

"You have a deep desire to smash that like button" I am already so in

[@nabhchandra_]

"im already so in" huh, that's what she said 😏

[@ShirubaGin]

14 people didn't want to learn music theory

[@lowandodor1150]

@@nabhchandra_ I only know "Are you in yer?" ˘U˘

[@lowandodor1150]

How did he make the like button light up just as he said that? Pure magic!

[@mos6507]

The one cultural reference you missed was celtic (example: bagpipes).

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

I tried to explain this omission in the description, still, it should have made an appearance but I couldn't find a way to edit it in

[@bouzoukiman5000]

Bagpipes are not Keltic. Found everywhere in the world from cultures much older than Kelts

[@HazeMotes]

Also the medieval Hurdy-gurdy. Armenian Duduks and other Middle Eastern instruments and musical traditions also use drones. There are probably a ton left out of this one video.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

@@HazeMotes Absolutely true

[@phrankus2009]

@@bouzoukiman5000 You are a major wind-bag!

[@frigginjerk]

"I wrote a solo using six different scales." You've gone mad.

[@andersjjensen]

I was like: "Oh, only six? Then I probably know them from the Riffing With Modes series"... But of cause I didn't... I only knew Phrygian...

[@lizziewicked]

There’s nothing mad about that. Yr view says more about u

[@LaureanoMuller]

Jake, you are an incredible musician and an excellent teacher. I've learned probably 90% of what I know about music from your channel. I wanted to say thank you for all the knowledge you've given and keep on giving us!

[@johnp.johnson1541]

Agreed. Jake truly is an excellent teacher. Jake throws out no b.s. His love for music and for others to learn the love of music comes through.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

I left out a few important things, but did include them in the description so do check :) ALSO at 12:58, I'm missing some Sharp signs to build the proper triads :(

[@calvindewolff9177]

Pin this comment!

[@RP-vq4wd]

Thank you! Big hug from Serbia!

[@RP-vq4wd]

It is easy for me to compose a great melody/theme over a pedal tone (e.g. A minor or some other mode). But I find it very difficult to connect this melody/theme (a loop/sequence) to another bass pedal tone and find the right mode/scale for that movement. Any advice on that? :) Thank you!

[@chrisegg7936]

"Beatles..." "Trips..." "Influence..." mhmm yes I hear what you're saying

[@thehealingguy1503]

I m an Indian. And 18 yrs old and has a passion of creating music. So i just watch your videos for information on song writings and you never disappoint. I have got only acoustic guitar and also i learn guitar by myself and channels like your. One day i will be a great musician.😇

[@philipm3173]

Keep playing!

[@velvetsteele]

Jake, it’s gotten to a point that all I need to see is the title of your video and I know I’m going to love it. Again. I haven’t even watched it yet but I know it’s gonna be awesome. Drones!! Yes!!

[@Wind-nj5xz]

I've gotten to a point where i only need to see that a video was made by Jake and i know i'm already going to love it.

[@textnumbers22]

Never thought I'd see the day where Jake mentions Sunn o)))

[@ShredmasterScott]

Sorry Jake, I zoned out...I mean droned out during this video muhaha

[@galladebutcooler8645]

I knew you were here somewhere.

[@OurgasmComrade]

Black Sabbath's "Wheels of Confusion" from '72 is mostly based around a drone power chord and Ozzy sings in the mixolydian mode. There are some riffs and fills later in the song but they function as breaks for interest

[@xrealluzion638]

This is the definitely one of the most solid music channels out there... Consistent high quality work, great creativity, pedagogy, and beautiful music theory put to practice. Thanks Jake

[@reesebunker1996]

I was waiting until sunn 0))) was mentioned. That band took the droning and ran with it

[@sayanmandal2246]

Me too 😂 As soon as he said drone metal I knew sunn o))) was going to be mentioned 😂

[@Afurthyclays]

Had to check them out..... WOW! Why hadn’t I heard of these guys earlier? 🤘❤️

[@sniffrat3646]

I'm just impressed how you can play a song and speak at the same time!

[@juicysuit7195]

next level skills

[@JustSomeGuy]

The dance song sounds unintentionally like Hans Zimmer's An Ideal of Hope.

[@drphdmd7064]

Eyyyy, nice to see you here. I've been watching a good amount of your content lately.

[@Izzythedestryr]

Yoooo whut up!

[@g.mantua1195]

Today I learned that there is such a thing as a Hungarian Minor scale. Thank you Signals Music Studio.

[@MoonWalkerTexsRanger]

and it quiet simple to get it. Juste raise the 4th on your classic harmonic minor scale and boom, hungarian minor scale! Those 2 are pretty cool to improvise over gypsy jazz.

[@JohnM-cd4ou]

Your videos keep getting better man

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

thank you, I honestly think this is the best lesson I've made yet!

[@FabioLovaglio]

That intro was so good!

[@happiness1772]

If anyone's interested that riff he's playing around 19 minutes in is "Fearless" by Pink Floyd. I thought that song was in open G tuning. Have I been wrong all this time?

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

Not sure how it was recorded, but I'm very lazy about retuning my guitar so I always just played it in G :P

[@happiness1772]

@@SignalsMusicStudio I completely understand that. I'll try to get Gilmour on the phone so we can solve the mystery.

[@frigginjerk]

I knew that sounded familiar. Thanks for solving the riddle for me. It would have bugged me all day.

[@phloog]

@@happiness1772 Is that you, Rick Beato? ;)

[@happiness1772]

@@phloog If I was Rick I would have known the tuning and been able to accurately predict the chord progression within the first two strings being strummed. Alas, I am not Rick.

[@JoHe_SonicBanana]

That chords vs. static bass example after 10:00-> has that "going for the final boss in a video game" feeling!

[@harpo5420]

Try some La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Spacemen 3, My Bloody Valentine, Godspeed You Black Emperor... ...all the drones you can eat!

[@chases7896]

Post rock and shoegaze have made my favorite drone. Flying saucer attack is phenomenonal droning shoegaze

[@viridianloom]

avant-garde metal band "Kayo Dot" has a song called "Gemini becoming the Tripod" which incorporates a violin and vocal drone throughout the center piece of the song. :)

[@whycantiremainanonymous8091]

3:00 John Cale has been doing a lot of drone music. Velvet Underground's "Venus in furs" is an early example.

[@acausalfermion]

Their albums with John Cale laid the groundwork from which post-rock is derived.

[@Heundeullim]

The debut single of TVU is Loop by John Cale. That is drone, plain and simple. I really like Lamonte Young too, he made drone in 1958.

[@JosephElsherbini]

I'm amazed how deep you went with this, from a history in western music, to ways guitarists might already be familiar with it, to bass and melody examples and then exercises. Thank you for designing such awesome lessons!

[@rowsdowertwu5814]

You give the most beneficial and practical uses of music theory of any other guitar channel on here. I had to learn all this theory years ago but it took several more years to put it together because of the way it was taught to me. You explain it a way thats just awesome, and I’m sure it’s benefiting countless amounts of new guitarists.

[@TheKiteless]

My wife & I visited Goa in 2018 and 2019. Listening to some live "trad" Goan music was jaw dropping, because - as you say, Jake - the single note drone gave the musicians a totally blank canvas to work with. The improvisations could, and did, go on for sometimes over an hour. Back home, I discovered the Byzantine scale and that works a treat over a bass drone.

[@jajlertil]

Jake drops video, I drop everything

[@bouzoukiman5000]

You can play happy and melodic over drones too. It's how you style the scale. Taxim's are solos over drones as an intro to songs. Hendrix did it often

[@steed1364]

For you metal heads out there, the intro riff to Hangar 18 is (mostly) hanging on a drone open D string (although strumming it everytime) while ascending chromatically underneath. Very cool stuff!

[@marcusrange5509]

As a bagpiper I'm intimately familiar with drones. I also work in a shop that uses lots of humming machines and any time one of them is running, I find myself humming tunes over the drone of the machine. Great way to brainstorm tunes!

[@crnkmnky]

8:19 "Pretty cool, right?" Indeed. I've been waiting for this moment for all my life. Oh, lord.

[@corkbour7708]

Finally! You’ve explained this with enough substance that it clicks, thank you

[@atomoclast]

I've often thought I couldn't write or compose music, but thanks to your videos, I'm starting to feel more confident in approaching expressing myself musically, and I can't thank you enough. Still a lot to go to feel more confident, but for once I feel like I'm not totally lost in how to connect theory with practice.

[@avjake]

Your use of examples from pop/rock is an excellent way to get the point across. Lots of info packed into a small space. Good stuff. You definitely deserve to cross the 500K threshold.

[@bobhickman4976]

At 75 my brain cannot absorb as well compared to when I was 25. But over the years I have fumbled and stumbled over the connectivity of exactly what you have laid out here so clearly. This video is a years work for me. Thank for this homework!!

[@TrollFunMineMafia]

You should explore some Shoegaze type guitar music, that could be rly interesting

[@TheSquareOnes]

Seconding this, I would love to see Jake dive more into effects and interesting ways to write with them.

[@Ledhoven]

Iv been playing and studying about 20 years properly and every time there’s always something new to learn if you fully apply yourself.

[@MrMatthew151]

Another fantastic lesson! The low tempo progression at 13:43 is like candy to my ears. Thanks, Jake!

[@MrMetalhorse]

Dude what a fun lesson. Made me want to go home and play guitar and write something and that improv at the end was awesome.

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

thx bro!

[@alienpyramid]

Your videos just keep getting better, and better!

[@Cubehead666]

Ugh, I am learning SO MUCH from your channel! Thank you for everything you do, Mister Lizzio!

[@droobie_]

Best theory channel out there; love it! Great video as usual Jake, thank you!

[@BlaziNTrades]

Always learning something new when I watch your videos. Huge thanks.

[@echsecutioner]

Dude, you are amazing! You convey all this complex information in such a graspable and entertaining way! Thanks for your hard work!

[@janettehill8544]

Great video. Some parts I knew, but other parts I was unfamiliar with. The illustrations were great, both visually and harmonically.

[@omelchuque3490]

One of your bests, Jake. You have opened so many creative doors for me.

[@darleneofthetallpines5742]

I've learned so-o-o-o much from your videos, and I learned LOTS today! You're awesome, Jake!

[@davidbluecame]

Hi, Jake. You blow my mind in every single video, outstanding channel, so concise, to the point and with amazing examples that almost feel like you are doing music magic. Thank you so much for your incredible work and for sharing with us these fantastic videos!

[@joepriestle1024]

I am constantly amazed at the way you come up with great tunes just by employing very practical methods.

[@coastercook]

Thanks, Jake! You are Fearless in your teaching. Great lesson, as always.

[@challism]

Awesome guitar solo at the end! I loved the raking at the end. Very nice!

[@ImNotQualifiedToSayThisBut]

I've had a really hard time finding long lasting motivation to keep doing one thing over the past years and your videos have finally made me able to continue making music for more than just a few weeks. Thank you for that!

[@aptelbruno8316]

I have no word to express how much I like your lesson about drones and pedals - Your musical examples at the end are so beautiful . Thank you Jake.

[@atom-ark]

Jake, this was fantastic, as is all your content, but you are a really good teacher and I always learn a great deal when watching. Thank you for doing what you do. Wishing you peace, health and success!

[@MinorTruth]

I’ve learned more from you than any other guitar teacher on the internet. Really good stuff. Thank you.

[@frankiesunswept]

My man, you have a way of bringing forward ideas that I may have intuitively known and used, but the way you explain them make them clear usable tools for exploration. Cheers to you brotha

[@nick3718]

my sophomore year just ended, gonna chill and watch a signals vid to celebrate the end of a horrific school year.

[@pretentioushab]

congratulations bro!!! High school sucks :(

[@SignalsMusicStudio]

junior year is always more fun than soph

[@hermesbandofficial8551]

@@SignalsMusicStudio can confirm as a junior

[@Mandibularmenace]

@@hermesbandofficial8551 Can confirm as a graduating senior that junior year is the best one under these conditions.

[@nick3718]

@@SignalsMusicStudio 10 months have passed. you were wrong. you were so, so wrong.

[@marcusm9454]

An amazing job of explaining a very complicated subject! Opened my horizons!

[@jordy48]

Jake, I f*cking love all you video intros, they are always funny and original how you get that ideas haha

[@asmith4786]

I found this channel a few weeks ago and it has already helped my songwriting . Your the only person on KZbin that I have found who approaches music education with the composer and artist in mind . Great work . What a tremendous resource for music creation .

[@Greg-om2hb]

How about Sonic Youth’s album Daydream Nation? The Sword often pedals on the open B (de-tuned E) string to great effect.

[@stekikun6854]

There's a very eerie high pedal tone in Genesis' Supper's ready, the high A that rings constantly during the final part of the song, with Hacket soloing and Gabriel singing over it.

[@by_antony]

Hi Jake, I've only been following your videos for a few months now, but you have changed my perspection on some elements of how I approach writing/composing as well as recording my music. Thanks so much, not only for this video, but for many of your others that have helped guide me.

[@serpentinecerberusofficial4698]

This is giving me ideas for my own music. Thank you, Jake.

[@wolfgang4468]

You share one of the most exciting contents on the whole of KZbin, no matter I don't even own a guitar. Thank you very much!

[@alexvillagrana122]

Probably won’t see this, but your videos are my favorite teaching style. Very comprehensive. I will always check if you have a video on a new topic I am learning. Great examples, both existing songs and then new music you make on the spot to demonstrate the concept. Thanks for your hard work.

[@craigshaw141]

For the record, I would like to congratulate you on your excellent content (especially in THIS video). Your delivery, insight and excellent examples, including videos and graphics do a great job of bringing your points home. Although I am a long serving professional musician and producer, I always find inspiration in your lessons, even if it is merely to drive home stuff I know - or should know better! Keep up the great work.

[@NKRevolution]

Insanely helpful video. One of the best educational music channels on here. This is not just some rote analysis of concepts. This is inspiring.

[@OffKeyAudio]

Thank you! Every video you do is so incredibly helpful. Kudos!!!!!!!

[@mbvmbvmbv]

you’re a great teacher man, seriously. love the videos.

[@kingloser4198]

Every video always inspires me and teaches me a lot - thanks

[@jteichma]

Super lesson, I really love your mix examples at the end.

[@kristopherdetar4346]

You are the most diversified tutor with utter clarity and purpose with no fluff on the internet. I really enjoy your tutelage.

[@davidkelley3800]

I really appreciate your content, positive attitude and ability to teach and share so well!

[@daniloprates]

Such an amazing video, as usual!

[@leeow3n]

you have done such an amazing job and explaining and demonstrating these topics with practical examples

[@nicolasabdelkarim4052]

the intro though xD hilarious! But seriously, thank you so much for these videos jake. They're so well-made and so helpful

[@flowoodpiano717]

Your example of chords over an A drone sounds like early Genesis. YOU CRACKED THE CODE.

[@jwalters1204]

Jake u are amazing! Illustrating theory with delicious examples on all sorts of instruments! Thanks for the lessons

[@flavy1000]

Love the intro jajaja ! One of the best videos about drones and pedals out there..if not the best...!

[@xristoforos1]

Amazing explanation of everything you say, well done!!!

[@darthvaderyan]

That D to Bbmaj7 is in King Crimson's " I talk to the wind." (Up a step) I love that chord change. Nice wardrobe in this one Jake!

[@tango1niner-766]

As always great stuff Jake!

[@user-ko8ht5oj9b]

Outstanding lesson. I’ve seen many concepts more clearly. Thank you

[@robertYTB78g]

I liked the intro.....You are taking us on a journey of note, grasshopper, and although I am not yet ready to leave the temple, my enlightenment levels have been raised significantly.

[@davidviera3347]

Your content is EXTREMLY USEFUL AND AMAZING! Keep doing this bro and thanks for share the knowledge! Saludos desde Cuba

[@olivierorsola]

He is so so good when he explains things. Thanks a lot.

[@timcarr1980]

Love the intro! I'm glad you referenced Blue Jay Way. Sucha great tune.

[@AleksandarBinev]

Every time I watch one of your videos I wanna write a new song with the concept you teach. It's so well explained and your example are great. I am also very jealous of talent :D Great Job !!!

[@saturnsabyss]

I love the examples you used in this one. Tomorrow Never Knows, Pepper, Us and Them. I never really thought to categorize those songs under the drone category since so much else is happening on top but that's very useful for me.

[@mazklassa9338]

The section at 12:30 on building chords around one single note common to all of them was so insightful. I learned something. Thanking you kindly!🙏

[@alexwilley7972]

Great lesson, Jake. And epic solo!

[@solarpixiejournals]

thank you , you just helped me figure out part of the reason why this little song idea I have been playing around with sounds so good.....I love the synchronicity of the algorithm. l

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

Amazing stuff as always

[@thinkandgrowbtch]

I'm convinced you're the best music teacher on KZbin. Thank you for your work.

[@Alex-no3co]

Thanks so much Jake. I always learn new concepts from you.

[@dangerkeith3000]

That Pedal Point lick you played sounded like "Fearless" by Pink Floyd.

[@joeyhardin5903]

well fucking done

[@quixoticindiscipline9524]

One of your best lessons, definitely

[@JonLaWit]

This lesson was great. I make psychedelic music and have started experimenting with drones now. I find using a delay pedal and setting the feedback to 100 then playing notes off the rhythmic pulses it creates works really well. Also, using the volume knob on the guitar can create these swells that goes great with the drone effect.

[@shorthealthfacts3699]

This is HUGE additional on my toolbox of my Composing. Tnx Jake!