What does a musical Pedal Note look like?

A musical pedal note is a sustained or repeated note, typically found in the bass, that remains constant while harmonies or melodies change above it. Visually, it appears as a single note held across measures in sheet music, often notated in the bass clef. This technique creates a sense of tension and resolution, grounding the piece while allowing for harmonic exploration above. Commonly used in classical, jazz, and contemporary music, it adds depth and complexity to the composition.