Pedals On A Piano: What Do They Do

Piano pedals are an essential part of playing the piano. They allow pianists to create a wide range of sounds, from subtle nuances in dynamics to bold changes in tone. Understanding the function and use of each pedal is crucial for any aspiring pianist.

Modern acoustic or digital pianos usually come with three pedals: the sustain pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the una corda pedal.

Learning the proper technique for using each pedal can greatly enhance a pianist’s playing and help them achieve the desired sound. Additionally, different types of pianos may have different pedal mechanisms, and understanding these differences can help pianists adapt to different instruments.

What do the Pedals on a Piano do?

The pedals on a piano serve to enhance the sound and expression of the instrument by controlling sustain, softness, and other aspects of the sound. These pedals offer pianists a wide range of expressive possibilities to convey emotions through their music.

Sustain Pedal

The sustain pedal is the most commonly used pedal on a piano, and it is located on the right side. When pressed, it lifts the dampers from the strings, allowing the notes to resonate and sustain even after the pianist releases the keys. This pedal is used to create a legato effect, which is essential in playing classical music.

Soft Pedal

The soft pedal, also known as the una corda pedal, is located on the left side of the piano. When pressed, it shifts the entire keyboard slightly to the right, so the hammers hit only one or two strings instead of three. This results in a softer, quieter sound, which is useful in creating a more intimate and delicate sound.

Sostenuto Pedal

The sostenuto pedal is located in the middle of the piano, and it is not commonly found on all pianos. When pressed, it sustains only the notes that are being held down at the moment the pedal is pressed. This pedal is useful in creating a sustained bass note while playing staccato notes in the treble.

The Sustain Pedal

The sustain pedal, also known as the damper pedal, is an essential part of a piano. It allows pianists to sustain the sound even when they aren’t holding the notes anymore. When you press down on the sustain pedal, all of the felt dampers lift up from the piano strings, allowing the strings to resonate freely. This results in a more full and resonant sound that can be heard even after you release the keys.

The sustain pedal is particularly useful in slower music or when transitioning to another chord. By using the sustain pedal, you can create a legato effect, where notes are smoothly connected to each other. This is done by pressing down on the pedal before playing the first note of a phrase and holding it down until the last note is played. This creates a seamless transition between notes, resulting in a more fluid and expressive performance.

It’s important to note that the sustain pedal should not be used indiscriminately. Overuse of the pedal can result in a muddy and indistinct sound that can detract from the overall quality of the performance. It’s important to use the pedal judiciously, only when it is appropriate and adds to the overall musicality of the piece.

In addition to the standard sustain pedal, some pianos also have additional pedals that can be used to create different effects. For example, some pianos have a rhythmic pedal that can be used to create a percussive effect, while others have a simultaneous pedal that can be used to sustain certain notes while playing staccato notes with other fingers.

The Sostenuto Pedal

The middle pedal on a grand piano is called the sostenuto pedal. It is often confused with the sustain pedal, but it is different. The sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes that are being played at the moment it is pressed. This means that the pianist can hold down certain notes while other notes are allowed to fade away. The sostenuto pedal is sometimes called the “selective sustain pedal” for this reason.

The sostenuto pedal is not found on all pianos. Some upright pianos do not have it, while some grand pianos have it but use a different mechanism. The sostenuto pedal is not used as frequently as the other pedals, but it can be useful in certain situations. For example, if a pianist wants to sustain a chord while changing the other notes, they can use the sostenuto pedal to hold the chord while playing the new notes.

The sostenuto pedal was invented in the 1840s by Jean-Louis Boisselot, a French piano maker. It was originally intended to be a selective sustain pedal that would sustain only the bass notes, but it was later modified to sustain any notes that were being played at the moment it was pressed. The sostenuto pedal is not as common as the other pedals, but it is an important part of the piano’s mechanism.

The Una Corda Pedal

The una corda pedal, also known as the soft pedal or the left pedal, is one of the three standard pedals on a piano. It is located to the left of the sustaining pedal and is operated by the left foot. The Italian term “una corda” means “one string,” which refers to the fact that depressing the pedal shifts the hammers slightly to the right, causing them to strike only one of the two or three strings that each key normally strikes.

The una corda pedal is used to create a muted and softer tone on the piano. When the pedal is depressed, the hammers strike fewer strings, causing the sound to be quieter and more delicate. However, it is important to note that the una corda pedal does not simply reduce the volume of the sound produced by the piano; it also changes the tone quality. The muted tone created by the una corda pedal can be used to add color and nuance to a piece of music, and it is often used in slow and lyrical passages.

It is worth noting that the una corda pedal is not a simple on/off switch. Rather, it is a multi-layered pedal that can be used to achieve a variety of sounds. By varying the degree to which the pedal is depressed, pianists can create a range of different tones, from a barely-audible whisper to a more pronounced muted sound. Additionally, the una corda pedal can be used in combination with the other pedals to create even more complex and nuanced sounds.

In some cases, the una corda pedal may be marked “tre corda,” which means “three strings.” This marking indicates that the pedal should be released, allowing the hammers to strike all three strings again. The tre corda marking is typically used in passages where a brighter and more powerful sound is desired.

The Practice Pedal

The practice pedal, also known as the mute pedal, is a pedal found on upright pianos. It is typically located on the left side of the instrument, and when pressed, it places a strip of cloth or a piece of felt between the hammers and strings. This reduces the volume of the piano, making it ideal for late-night or quiet practice sessions.

The practice pedal is particularly useful for beginners who are still developing their playing technique. It allows them to practice without disturbing others in the same room or building. It also enables them to focus on playing softly and with greater precision, which is essential for developing good habits.

While the practice pedal is not found on grand pianos, some digital pianos have a similar function that can be activated with the touch of a button. However, it is important to note that the quality of the sound produced by a digital piano when the practice function is activated may not be the same as that of an acoustic piano with a practice pedal.

Pedal Mechanism

The pedals on a piano are foot-operated levers that change the instrument’s sound in various ways. Each pedal has a unique function that affects the sound produced by the piano. In this section, we will discuss the pedal mechanism and how it works.

The pedal mechanism is responsible for controlling the hammers and dampers inside the piano. When you press a key on the piano, a hammer strikes a set of strings, causing them to vibrate and produce sound. The dampers, which are felt-covered wooden blocks, are responsible for stopping the strings from vibrating when you release the key.

The right pedal, also known as the sustain pedal or damper pedal, is the most commonly used pedal on the piano. When you press this pedal with your right foot, all of the dampers inside the piano are lifted, allowing the strings to vibrate freely and sustain the sound. This creates a rich, full sound that is ideal for playing legato passages.

The left pedal, also known as the soft pedal or una corda pedal, is located on the left side of the piano. When you press this pedal, the entire keyboard is shifted slightly to the right, causing the hammers to strike only two of the three strings in each group. This produces a softer, more muted sound that is ideal for playing delicate passages.

The middle pedal, also known as the sostenuto pedal, is less commonly used than the other two pedals. When you press this pedal, it sustains only the notes that are being held down at the moment the pedal is pressed. This allows you to play a melody and sustain it while playing other notes without sustaining them.

Pedal Techniques

Pedal technique is an essential aspect of playing the piano. It involves using the pedals to manipulate the sound of the piano, adding depth and nuance to the music. Here are some of the most common pedal techniques used by pianists:

• Half Pedal: This technique involves pressing the sustain pedal halfway down, allowing some of the dampers to remain on the strings while others lift off. This creates a softer, more muted sound that is ideal for delicate passages.
• Preliminary Pedal: The preliminary pedal is used to dampen the sound of the piano before playing a note. This involves pressing the sustain pedal down before striking a key, which creates a softer, more subdued sound.
• Bass Sustain: The bass sustain pedal, also known as the una corda pedal, is located on the left side of the piano. When pressed, it shifts the entire keyboard so that the hammers strike only one or two strings instead of three. This creates a softer, more intimate sound that is ideal for slow, expressive pieces.
• Fourth Pedal: Some pianos come equipped with a fourth pedal, which is used to enhance the sound of the instrument. This pedal can be used to adjust the volume, tone, and sustain of the piano, providing greater control and flexibility for the pianist.

In order to master these techniques, it is important to practice using the pedals regularly. This will help you develop a feel for the instrument and learn how to use the pedals to create the perfect sound for each piece of music.

With time and practice, you can become a master of pedal technique and take your piano playing to the next level.

Pedals in Different Piano Types

The pedals on a piano are an essential part of the instrument, and they serve different purposes based on the type of piano. While most pianos have three pedals, the way they function can vary between grand pianos and upright pianos.

Grand Pianos

Grand pianos have three pedals, from right to left: the sustain pedal, the sostenuto pedal, and the una corda pedal. The sustain pedal, also known as the damper pedal, is the most commonly used pedal in the grand piano.

When the sustain pedal is pressed, all the dampers are lifted, allowing the strings to vibrate freely, creating a more resonant sound. The sostenuto pedal is used to sustain specific notes while allowing others to be played without sustaining. The una corda pedal, also known as the soft pedal, shifts the hammers slightly to one side, reducing the volume of the sound.

Upright Pianos

Upright pianos also have three pedals, but they function differently from grand pianos. The right pedal on an upright piano is the sustain pedal, which works the same way as the sustain pedal on a grand piano.

The left pedal on an upright piano is the una corda pedal, which shifts the hammers closer to the strings, creating a softer sound. Some upright pianos have a middle pedal, which is used as a practice pedal to reduce the volume of the sound without affecting the tone.

Acoustic Pianos

Both grand and upright pianos are acoustic pianos, meaning they use hammers and strings to produce sound. The pedals on an acoustic piano are essential for controlling the sound and tone of the instrument. While digital pianos may have pedals, they function differently as they use electronic sound production.

Pedals and Piano Music

The pedals on a piano are essential for creating a wide range of sounds and effects in piano music. Each pedal has a specific function that can be used to enhance the expression and dynamics of the music being played.

The most commonly used pedal is the sustain pedal, also known as the damper pedal. When pressed, this pedal lifts all of the felt dampers from the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely and sustain the sound. This creates a fuller, richer sound that is ideal for playing chords and creating a legato effect.

Another common pedal is the una corda pedal, which is used to soften the sound of the piano. When pressed, this pedal shifts the entire mechanism to the right, so that the hammers only hit two of the three strings. This results in a softer, muted sound that is often used for creating a delicate atmosphere in the music.

The third pedal is the sostenuto pedal, which is less commonly used than the other two pedals. This pedal allows the pianist to sustain only certain notes, while the other notes continue to be played normally. This is achieved by pressing down on the sostenuto pedal while holding down the desired notes on the keyboard.

When reading sheet music, it is important to pay attention to the pedal markings that are indicated. These markings will tell the pianist when to use the pedals and for how long. For example, a line underneath the notes indicates that the sustain pedal should be pressed and held down until the line ends.

In terms of playing specific notes or chords, the pedals can be used to enhance the sound and create a more expressive performance. For example, when playing a bass note, the sustain pedal can be used to create a deeper, richer sound. When playing treble notes, the una corda pedal can be used to soften the sound and create a more delicate effect.

Piano Pedals in Historical Context

The first piano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in the early 18th century, and it featured a primitive damper mechanism that was operated by hand. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that pedals started to become a standard feature of pianos.

The earliest pianos had only one pedal, which was used to sustain the sound of the notes. This pedal was operated by the knee, and it was known as the “damper” or “sustaining” pedal.

Mozart was one of the first composers to make significant use of the sustaining pedal in his piano music, and it became a standard feature of pianos during the classical period.

In the early 19th century, Beethoven and other composers began to experiment with new ways of using pedals to create different sound effects.

Beethoven, in particular, was known for his use of the una corda pedal, which shifts the hammers so that they strike only one string instead of three, creating a softer and more delicate sound. This pedal was operated by a lever that was mounted on the keyboard, and it became a standard feature of pianos during the Romantic period.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, composers like Debussy, Ravel, and Claude Montal began to use pedals in even more creative ways, experimenting with new sound effects and textures.

Debussy, for example, was known for his use of the sostenuto pedal, which sustains only the notes that are being held down at the moment the pedal is depressed, allowing the pianist to create a sustained melody while still being able to play other notes normally.

Today, pianos typically have three pedals: the damper pedal, the una corda pedal, and the sostenuto pedal.

However, some pianos also have additional pedals, such as a practice pedal, which reduces the volume of the instrument so that the pianist can practice without disturbing others.

The Impact of Pedals on Piano Sound

Pedals on a piano are essential for creating a fluid and connected sound that is characteristic of the instrument. They manipulate the resonance, timbre, and sustain of the piano sound, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities that are not possible with just the keyboard alone.

The right pedal, also known as the sustain pedal or damper pedal, is the most commonly used pedal on a piano. It lifts all the dampers off the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely, creating a resonant sound that is sustained for as long as the pedal is held down. This pedal is used to connect notes and chords, creating a smooth, legato sound that is essential for playing classical music.

The middle pedal, also known as the sostenuto pedal, is less commonly used but still an important part of the piano’s sound. This pedal sustains only the notes that are being held down at the moment the pedal is pressed, allowing other notes to be played without sustaining. This creates a more selective sustain that is useful for creating a specific effect or for playing certain types of music.

The left pedal, also known as the una corda or soft pedal, is used to create a softer, quieter sound. When pressed, it shifts the entire keyboard slightly to the right, so that the hammers strike only one or two strings instead of three. This creates a more delicate, intimate sound that is perfect for playing romantic or impressionistic music.

In addition to these three pedals, some pianos also have a practice pedal, which is used to silence the strings so that the pianist can practice without disturbing others. This pedal is often found on upright pianos and is not typically found on grand pianos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Function of The Sostenuto Pedal?

The sostenuto pedal is a middle pedal found on some pianos. It allows certain notes to be sustained while others are not. When a note or chord is played and the sostenuto pedal is pressed, the dampers of only those notes are lifted, allowing them to sustain while the other notes played after are not affected.

How Many Pedals Do Modern Pianos Typically Have?

Most modern pianos have three pedals, but some models have two or even four pedals. The three pedals found on most pianos are the sustain pedal (right pedal), the una corda pedal (left pedal), and the sostenuto pedal (middle pedal).

What Is the Purpose of The Una Corda Pedal?

The una corda pedal, also known as the soft pedal, is found on the left side of the piano. When pressed, it shifts the entire keyboard and action to the right, so that the hammers strike only two of the three strings in each note. This creates a softer and quieter sound.

What Is the Function of The Soft Pedal?

The soft pedal, also known as the una corda pedal, is used to produce a softer and quieter sound. When pressed, it shifts the entire keyboard and action to the right, so that the hammers strike only two of the three strings in each note.

When Should I Use the Different Pedals on A Piano?

The different pedals on a piano are used in different musical contexts. The sustain pedal is used to create a more resonant and connected sound, and is often used in legato passages. The una corda pedal is used to create a softer and quieter sound, and is often used in delicate or expressive passages. The sostenuto pedal is used to sustain specific notes or chords, and is often used in contemporary or modern music.