Piano Pedals - What They Are and How to Use Them

A part of the piano that casual players overlook is the Piano Pedals. However, professional players understand the position these pedals hold while playing music. Taking online piano classes will teach you that these pedals are essential tools that allow pianists to change the sound and response of a piano in various ways. Most pianos have three pedals; however, some can have just two. 

What are Piano Pedals?

Piano pedals are mechanical pedals located at the base of the piano. They are operated by the player’s feet, allowing them to change the sound and response of a piano to enhance expressiveness and dynamics. The pedals typically consist of three, each altering specific parts of the piano, like the duration of sound (sustain), the volume and timbre (softening), and the particular sustenance of notes. You will slowly master these pedals while going through online piano lessons.

Most modern pianos have three pedals - the ‘Sustain Pedal’ (right pedal), the ‘Soft Pedal’ (left pedal) and the ‘Sostenuto Pedal’ (middle pedal). 

The Different Pedals 

As stated before, modern pianos normally have three pedals. However, pedals didn’t appear until the 19th Century, and these pedals controlled various aspects of a piano, like the volume and timbre. The pedals even imitated other instruments such as a lute, bassoon, and more. 

But, let’s focus on modern-day pianos. Suppose you take a piano online course. Here you’ll have the chance to learn what their pedals do. Let’s find out!

Sustain Pedal: This is the right pedal and the most commonly used one. Its purpose is to lift all the dampers off all the strings, which allows them to vibrate freely. This allows the note to keep playing but also allows for more ‘sympathetic’ notes to join in. It adds a different level of depth to the sound that is produced. 

Sostenuto Pedal: This is located in the middle and allows for the sustaining of specific notes. The pedal selectively sustains only the notes that are being played when the pedal is depressed. Due to this, certain notes or chords can be held while others remain unaffected. This provided a higher level of nuance and expression. It is normally used for more classical pieces. By taking piano classes, you will slowly master this. 

Soft Pedal: This is the left-most pedal and deals with softening or quieting the sound of the piano. It modifies the tune of the piano to produce a more softer and delicate sound. This pedal is especially useful for creating dynamics that feel subtle and is usually employed in pieces that are softer and gentle. 

How to Use the Pedals 

To blend the notes, press down on the sustain pedal right after playing a note or chord and release it just before playing the next one. Be careful not to overuse the pedal, as it can cause the notes to sound muddy. 

While holding down the sostenuto pedal, all the notes that you played are sustained. However, the ones you play after are not. This allows you to maintain a constant harmony below the melody and keep the melodic line clear. 

With the soft pedal, press down on it to produce a quieter, more intimate sound. This allows you to create the right mood that you want. 

Conclusion 

Mastering piano pedals can transform your music, adding depth and control to each note. For anyone eager to learn, Artium Academy offers a structured, engaging way to build this skill. Their expert instructors make the learning journey accessible and enjoyable, providing the tools you need to master challenging techniques. Take the first step with Artium Academy by booking a free trial session, and discover how their personalized approach can elevate your piano skills and enrich your musical journey!