Pedal Points Part 3: Inner-Voice Fretted Pedals

This masterclass explores the inner (or middle voice) pedal point designated to fretted notes. Most often pedal points are employed either in the lowest or highest voice of a chord or chord progression.

The use of inner pedals in one’s chordal playing adds a unique and very satisfying sound sometimes with an abstract harmonic underpinning.

Working with inner pedals are great for building left hand technique and coordination between left and right hands.

These exercises can be used as intros/interludes and endings but also as compositional textures for original music. Once the concepts are studied it will be easy to create your own inner voice fretted pedals.

The examples range in styles and consonance/dissonance.

Some of the harmonies are purposely ambiguous yet harmonically interesting. There are a wide variety of pedals used in the examples, many are pedal 5 and pedal 1 but you’ll notice pedal 2 (or 9) and more.

Many of the PDF examples in this class feature contrary motion between the outer two voices in the three-part harmony, a most satisfying sound. There are also chapters on diminished and whole tone exercises, as well as examples of minor blues and dominant blues progressions.

Some examples demonstrate finger gymnastics of the fretting hand. The exercises will do wonders for left hand finger dexterity and right and left hand coordination.

The use of inner pedals can open up a whole other realm in one’s playing.

Learn a very useful concept that will inspire creativity and offer some new and exciting textures.

• 14 pages of PDF examples with TAB and standard notion
• Running time: 80 minutes