{"id":39044,"date":"2024-08-28T13:06:53","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T12:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=39044"},"modified":"2024-08-28T13:07:27","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T12:07:27","slug":"what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do the Pedals on a Piano Do? Here\u2019s the Rundown"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#Our_piano_pedal_suggestions\" >Our piano pedal suggestions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#What_are_piano_pedals\" >What are piano pedals?\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#What_do_the_pedals_on_a_piano_do\" >What do the pedals on a piano do?\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#The_sustaindamper_pedal\" >The sustain\/damper pedal\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#The_sostenuto_pedal\" >The sostenuto pedal\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#The_soft_pedal\" >The soft pedal\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#Digital_pedals\" >Digital pedals\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#How_to_use_piano_pedals\" >How to use piano pedals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#When_to_use_piano_pedals\" >When to use piano pedals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#What_are_the_three_pedals_on_a_piano\" >What are the three pedals on a piano?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#Do_beginners_use_piano_pedals\" >Do beginners use piano pedals?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#Should_a_piano_have_two_or_three_pedals\" >Should a piano have two or three pedals?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">piano<\/a><\/strong> features two main components, the keys and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pedals<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"> While you need to press the keys to make a sound, you also need to push the pedals to create the right tone and texture of your music. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">However, if you&#8217;re not well-versed in keys, you may be asking, &#8220;<strong>W<\/strong><\/span><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">hat do the pedals on a piano do<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"><strong>?<\/strong>&#8221; <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">In this article, we discover the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">different types<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"> of piano pedals and how to use the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">m<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Our piano pedal suggestions&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_piano_pedal_suggestions\"><\/span>Our piano pedal suggestions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here are our recommendations for some pedals to add to your digital piano setup.<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-245\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-245\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Yamaha FC35 Triple Piano Pedal<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Has the ability to enable half-pedalling.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Yamaha-FC35-Triple-Piano-Pedal\/60EA\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Casio SP-3 Sustain Pedal<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Lightweight and slim - perfect for gigging players.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Casio-SP-3-Sustain-Pedal\/2LPB\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Viscount Pedalboard 18-Notes<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Specifically used for tonewheel organs - includes expression pedals for added musical control.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Viscount-Pedalboard-18-Notes\/63DX\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><strong>Universal Piano Sustain Pedal by Gear4music<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Features authentic weighted resistance.<\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Keyboards-and-Pianos\/Universal-Piano-Sustain-Pedal-by-Gear4music\/16B7\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check the current price<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-245 from cache -->\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP PIANO PEDALS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP PIANOS &#038; KEYBOARDS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What are piano pedals? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_piano_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are piano pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano pedals are levers at the base of the piano that affect the instrument&#8217;s sound and expression. Typically, pianos have three pedals, though some older models may only have two (sustain and soft pedals).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each pedal serves a unique purpose. The sustain pedal, on the right, allows notes to ring out longer. The soft pedal, on the left, reduces the volume and softens the tone. The middle pedal, usually the sostenuto, selectively sustains certain notes while others are unaffected.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These pedals allow you to enhance the emotional depth and dynamics of your music<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It&#8217;s also worth noting that not all pedals have a sostenuto, some pianos instead have a practice pedal which essentially dampens the strings to a more extreme level than a soft pedal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What do the pedals on a piano do? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_the_pedals_on_a_piano_do\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What do the pedals on a piano do?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_sustaindamper_pedal\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sustain\/damper pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The pedal on the right is the sustain pedal, and it&#8217;s the most commonly used. It&#8217;s called the damper pedal because when you press it, the pedal lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing the note to ring out, essentially sustaining them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You should use this pedal if you want a richer, more textured sound, especially if you&#8217;re playing in legato. To be honest, you&#8217;d be hard-pressed to find a piece of music that doesn\u2019t require the sustain pedal, as it\u2019s essential for connecting notes smoothly<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It&#8217;s also used for phrasing, and without it, notes can sound jumpy and separated. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even older pianos will feature a sustain pedal &#8211; showing how important they&#8217;ve always been in piano music.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_sostenuto_pedal\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal is similar to a sustain pedal, however, this time, it&#8217;s the least commonly used pedal. Located in the middle, the sostenuto pedal offers unique control over your sound by sustaining only the notes being held down at that precise moment. Any notes played after the pedal is pressed are unaffected, allowing you to selectively sustain specific notes or chords. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This pedal is particularly useful in complex pieces of music where you want to hold certain notes while playing others normally to create intricate textures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-39108 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals.jpg\" alt=\"Piano pedals\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_soft_pedal\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The soft pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The soft pedal, the una corda pedal, is the leftmost pedal on a piano. Unlike the sustain pedal, which affects the duration of notes, the soft pedal alters the tonal quality of the sound. When you press the soft pedal, it shifts the entire keyboard mechanism slightly to the right on a grand piano. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It works slightly differently on an upright piano. When you press the soft pedal, it inserts a piece of felt between the hammers and strings, reducing impact and producing a soft sound. This causes the hammers to strike fewer strings &#8211; typically two instead of three.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The result is a softer, more muted sound that&#8217;s great for delicate pieces of music. If you want to create a gentle atmosphere for a quieter passage of music, use this pedal.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Digital_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital pedals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Digital pedals<\/a><\/strong> are essential accessories for keyboards and digital pianos. They&#8217;re basically designed to replicate everything we&#8217;ve just discussed, particularly the sustain pedal. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These pedals typically connect to the instrument via a jack and mimic the function of an acoustic piano&#8217;s sustain pedal by allowing notes to ring out even after the keys are released. Most upright digital pianos come with built-in pedals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although digital pedals primarily replicate the sustain function, some advanced models also simulate the effects of soft and sostenuto pedals, providing a more authentic playing experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35464 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand.jpg\" alt=\"SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How to use piano pedals&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_use_piano_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to use piano pedals<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the key things to remember when using piano pedals is that you only need to apply very slight pressure for them to work.<\/p>\n<p>For the sustain pedal, press the pedal just after you strike the keys, and lift it as you play your next phrase or chord. This will create a smooth, flowing sound without being too muddy. Be careful not to overuse it; you don&#8217;t want your music to sound messy and like all the notes are blurring into one.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes being played when the pedal is pressed. You should press it after you&#8217;ve played the notes you want to sustain and lift and press again when you want a new set of notes held.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lastly, the soft pedal, which softens the sound by shifting the hammers inside the piano and causing them to strike fewer strings, should be pressed whilst you&#8217;re playing the keys. Use this pedal during intimate, gentler pieces of music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;When to use piano pedals&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_use_piano_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When to use piano pedals<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano pedals can effectively enhance the emotional depth and expression in your music, but it&#8217;s important to know when to use them! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Different types of pieces often call for specific pedal use. For instance, Romantic-era compositions, like those by Chopin and Debussy, heavily rely on the sustain pedal to create smooth, connected phrases and rich resonances. Modern pop and ballads also frequently use this pedal for similar effects. The soft pedal, on the other hand, is ideal for quieter, more delicate passages, such as those found in intimate classical pieces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow the pedal notation in sheet music as this will tell you when to press and release the pedals. The sustain pedal is often marked as &#8220;Ped.&#8221; with an asterisk indicating when to lift it. &#8220;Una corda&#8221; signals the use of the soft pedal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-39106 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano.jpg\" alt=\"Keys and pedals of a digital piano\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FAQs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_three_pedals_on_a_piano\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the three pedals on a piano?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The three pedals on a piano are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustain pedal (damper pedal)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Located on the right, this is the most frequently used pedal. It lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing notes to resonate even after the keys are released.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Soft pedal (una corda pedal)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Located on the left, this pedal softens the sound by shifting the hammers so they strike fewer strings. It produces a quieter, more muted tone, which is useful for delicate passages.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sostenuto pedal<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Found in the middle, the sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes that are held down when the pedal is pressed. Notes played afterwards are not affected. This allows for selective sustain, enabling more complex sound layering.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_beginners_use_piano_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do beginners use piano pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1152],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beginners use piano pedals; it&#8217;s a good technique to learn very early on. Piano pedals are often introduced once you have a basic understanding of hand coordination and note reading. The most important one to learn is the sustain pedal.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_a_piano_have_two_or_three_pedals\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should a piano have two or three pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1152],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most pianos have three pedals, but some models come with just two. The three-pedal setup is more common and provides greater versatility, especially for more advanced pieces. For beginners or casual players, two pedals &#8211; often the sustain and soft pedals &#8211; are sufficient. However, having three pedals can be beneficial as you progress to more complex compositions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257,&quot;469777462&quot;:[1152],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{%22gcid-45928375-1fd3-4d7e-b1f0-0adee316b54f%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Final thoughts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Piano pedals are a great way to add texture and expression to your playing, and hopefully, our article has answered the question, &#8220;<strong>What do the pedals on a piano do?<\/strong>&#8221; in a clear, helpful way! The sustain pedal is the most common and will make the biggest difference to your music, making it sound fuller and more fluid, so it&#8217;s a great one to learn how to use first.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">For more content on pianos, check out the following articles: <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u1\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/the-best-ways-to-learn-piano\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/the-best-ways-to-learn-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'The best ways to learn piano\"><strong>The Best Ways to Learn Piano<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u3\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/semi-weighted-vs-weighted-keys\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/semi-weighted-vs-weighted-keys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'Semi weighted Vs Weighted Keys'\"><strong>Semi-weighted Vs. Weighted Keys<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u5\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/piano-notes\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/piano-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'Piano notes a guide to learning piano and reading music'\"><strong>Piano Notes &#8211; A Guide to Learning Piano and Reading Music<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP PIANO PEDALS&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/pianos-keyboards\/piano-guides\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE PIANO GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The piano features two main components, the keys and pedals. While you need to press the keys to make a sound, you also need to push the pedals to create the right tone and texture of your music. However, if you&#8217;re not well-versed in keys, you may be asking, &#8220;What do the pedals on a piano do?&#8221; In this article, we discover the different types of piano pedals and how to use them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":39107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">The piano features two main components, the keys and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pedals<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"> While you need to press the keys to make a sound, you also need to push the pedals to create the right tone and texture of your music. <\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">However, if you're not well-versed in keys, you may be asking, \"<strong>W<\/strong><\/span><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">hat do the pedals on a piano do<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"><strong>?<\/strong>\" <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">In this article, we discover the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">different types<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\"> of piano pedals and how to use the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">m<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW243383790 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3>Our piano pedal suggestions<\/h3><p>Here are our recommendations for some pedals to add to your digital piano setup.<\/p><p>[table id=245 \/]<\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are piano pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano pedals are levers at the base of the piano that affect the instrument's sound and expression. Typically, pianos have three pedals, though some older models may only have two (the sustain and soft pedals).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each pedal serves a unique purpose. The sustain pedal, on the right, allows notes to ring out longer. The soft pedal, on the left, reduces the volume and softens the tone. The middle pedal, usually the sostenuto, selectively sustains certain notes while others are unaffected.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These pedals allow you to enhance the emotional depth and dynamics of your music<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. It's also worth noting that not all pedals have a sostenuto, some pianos instead have a practice pedal which essentially dampens the strings to a more extreme level than a soft pedal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What do the pedals on a piano do?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sustain\/damper pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The pedal on the right is the sustain pedal, and it's the most commonly used. It's called the damper pedal because when you press it, the pedal lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing the note to ring out, essentially sustaining them. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You should use this pedal if you want a richer, more textured sound, especially if you're playing in legato. To be honest, you'd be hard-pressed to find a piece of music that doesn\u2019t require the sustain pedal, as it\u2019s essential for connecting notes smoothly<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It's also used for phrasing, and without it, notes can sound jumpy and separated. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even older pianos will feature a sustain pedal - showing how important they've always been in piano music.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal is similar to a sustain pedal, however, this time, it's the <em>least <\/em>commonly used pedal. Located in the middle, the sostenuto pedal offers unique control over your sound by sustaining only the notes being held down at that precise moment. Any notes played after the pedal is pressed are unaffected, allowing you to selectively sustain specific notes or chords. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This pedal is particularly useful in complex pieces of music where you want to hold certain notes while playing others normally to create intricate textures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-39108 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Piano-pedals.jpg\" alt=\"Piano pedals\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The soft pedal<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The soft pedal, the una corda pedal, is the leftmost pedal on a piano. Unlike the sustain pedal, which affects the duration of notes, the soft pedal alters the tonal quality of the sound. When you press the soft pedal, it shifts the entire keyboard mechanism slightly to the right on a grand piano. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It works slightly differently on an upright piano. When you press the soft pedal, it inserts a piece of felt between the hammers and strings, reducing impact and producing a soft sound. This causes the hammers to strike fewer strings - typically two instead of three.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The result is a softer, more muted sound that's great for delicate pieces of music. If you want to create a gentle atmosphere for a quieter passage of music, use this pedal.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital pedals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Digital pedals are essential accessories for keyboards and digital pianos. They're basically designed to replicate everything we've just discussed, particularly the sustain pedal. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These pedals typically connect to the instrument via a jack and mimic the function of an acoustic piano's sustain pedal by allowing notes to ring out even after the keys are released. Most upright digital pianos come with built-in pedals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Although digital pedals primarily replicate the sustain function, some advanced models also simulate the effects of soft and sostenuto pedals, providing a more authentic playing experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-35464 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/03\/SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand.jpg\" alt=\"SDP-2-Piano-on-a-stand\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to use piano pedals<\/span><\/h3><p>One of the key things to remember when using piano pedals is that you only need to apply very slight pressure for them to work.<\/p><p>For the sustain pedal, press the pedal just after you strike the keys, and lift it as you play your next phrase or chord. This will create a smooth, flowing sound without being too muddy. Be careful not to overuse it, as you don't want your music to sound messy and like all the notes are blurring into one.<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes being played when the pedal is pressed. You should press it after you've played the notes you want to sustain and lift and press again when you want a new set of notes held.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lastly, the soft pedal, which softens the sound by shifting the hammers inside the piano and causing them to strike fewer strings, should be pressed whilst you're playing the keys. Use this pedal during intimate, gentler pieces of music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When to use piano pedals<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Piano pedals can effectively enhance the emotional depth and expression in your music, but it's important to know when to use them! <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Different types of pieces often call for specific pedal use. For instance, Romantic-era compositions, like those by Chopin and Debussy, heavily rely on the sustain pedal to create smooth, connected phrases and rich resonances. Modern pop and ballads also frequently use this pedal for similar effects. The soft pedal, on the other hand, is ideal for quieter, more delicate passages, such as those found in intimate classical pieces.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow the pedal notation in sheet music as this will tell you when to press and release the pedals. The sustain pedal is often marked as \"Ped.\" with an asterisk indicating when to lift it. \"Una corda\" signals the use of the soft pedal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-39106 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Keys-and-pedals-of-a-digital-piano.jpg\" alt=\"Keys and pedals of a digital piano\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FAQS<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the three pedals on a piano?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The three pedals on a piano are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ol><li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustain pedal (damper pedal)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Located on the right, this is the most frequently used pedal. It lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing notes to resonate even after the keys are released.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"multilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Soft pedal (una corda pedal)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Located on the left, this pedal softens the sound by shifting the hammers so they strike fewer strings. It produces a quieter, more muted tone, which is useful for delicate passages.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"multilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sostenuto pedal<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Found in the middle, the sostenuto pedal sustains only the notes that are held down when the pedal is pressed. Notes played afterwards are not affected. This allows for selective sustain, enabling more complex sound layering.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do beginners use piano pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":0,\"335551620\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":257,\"469777462\":[1152],\"469777927\":[0],\"469777928\":[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Beginners use piano pedals; it's a good technique to learn very early on. Piano pedals are often introduced once you have a basic understanding of hand coordination and note reading. The most important one to learn is the sustain pedal.<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should a piano have two or three pedals?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":0,\"335551620\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":257,\"469777462\":[1152],\"469777927\":[0],\"469777928\":[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most pianos have three pedals, but some models come with just two. The three-pedal setup is more common and provides greater versatility, especially for more advanced pieces. For beginners or casual players, two pedals - often the sustain and soft pedals - are sufficient. However, having three pedals can be beneficial as you progress to more complex compositions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"134233117\":false,\"134233118\":false,\"201341983\":0,\"335551550\":0,\"335551620\":0,\"335559738\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":257,\"469777462\":[1152],\"469777927\":[0],\"469777928\":[1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Final thoughts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">Piano pedals are a great way to add texture and expression to your playing, and hopefully, our article has answered the question, \"<strong>What do the pedals on a piano do?<\/strong>\" in a clear, helpful way! The sustain pedal is the most common and will make the biggest difference to your music, making it sound fuller and more fluid, so it's a great one to learn how to use first.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\">For more content on pianos, check out the following articles: <\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u1\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/the-best-ways-to-learn-piano\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/the-best-ways-to-learn-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'The best ways to learn piano\"><strong>The Best Ways to Learn Piano<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u3\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/semi-weighted-vs-weighted-keys\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/semi-weighted-vs-weighted-keys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'Semi weighted Vs Weighted Keys'\"><strong>Semi-weighted Vs. Weighted Keys<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"><a id=\"menur6u5\" class=\"fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn\" title=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/piano-notes\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/piano-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Link 'Piano notes a guide to learning piano and reading music'\"><strong>Piano Notes - A Guide to Learning Piano and Reading Music<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shop Now | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\/accessories\/pedals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Piano pedals<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shop Now | <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/pianos-keyboards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pianos and keyboards<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{\"201341983\":0,\"335559739\":160,\"335559740\":278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[246,147],"tags":[290,171],"class_list":["post-39044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-piano-guides","category-pianos-keyboards","tag-guide","tag-pianos-keyboards"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Do the Pedals on a Piano Do? | Gear4music<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you&#039;re a beginner pianist, you may have asked, &quot;What do the pedals on a piano do?&quot; We explain how piano pedals work and how to use them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Do the Pedals on a Piano Do? | Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you&#039;re a beginner pianist, you may have asked, &quot;What do the pedals on a piano do?&quot; We explain how piano pedals work and how to use them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-28T12:06:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-08-28T12:07:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-What-Do-the-Pedals-on-a-Piano-Do-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Laura\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Laura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/what-do-the-pedals-on-a-piano-do\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Laura\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5c68b638736d83ffb6afdd19811668be\"},\"headline\":\"What Do the Pedals on a Piano Do? 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