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A drone is a sustained or repeatedly sounding note that continues while the melody and harmony change above it. Drones are found in many musical traditions and create a strong sense of stability, tension or atmosphere.
What is a drone?
A drone is most often played in the bass and is usually the tonic or the fifth of the key. Because the note remains constant while the harmony changes, it creates a distinctive musical effect that can sound calm, hypnotic or dramatic depending on the context.
In Western music theory, a sustained bass note that continues while the harmony changes is often called a pedal point or pedal tone.
How is a drone used in piano playing?
Piano players can create a drone by holding a low note with the sustain pedal or by repeating the same bass note rhythmically with the left hand. The right hand is then free to explore melodies, scales and harmonies above the fixed note.
Drones are commonly used in folk music, modal music, film scores and improvisation, where they provide a stable musical foundation while adding atmosphere and tension.