For beginner piano players, the pedals at the base of the instrument might seem like a mystery. With names like “sustain pedal” and “soft pedal,” these tools have specific functions that can add depth and emotion to music, allowing even simple melodies to sound richer and more expressive. This guide will explore each pedal, explaining its purpose and when a beginner might start using it.
What Do Different Pedals on a Piano Do? Full Breakdown.
The Right Pedal: The Sustain Pedal (or Damper Pedal)
The sustain pedal, located on the right, is the most commonly used pedal and often the first one a beginner learns. When pressed, it lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing notes to resonate and sustain even after you release the keys. This effect can make your music sound fuller and more continuous, as notes blend together rather than stopping abruptly.
For a beginner, the sustain pedal is essential for creating flowing melodies and adding depth to the sound. It’s frequently used in almost every genre of music, from classical to pop, making it a crucial tool for expressive playing.
Pro Tip: The sustain pedal should be used sparingly to avoid muddying the sound. Press it when you want to connect phrases or highlight certain notes but release it before moving to a new set of notes.
The Left Pedal: The Soft Pedal (or Una Corda Pedal)
The soft pedal, located on the left, shifts the piano’s hammers slightly to one side so that they strike fewer strings. This reduces the volume and softens the tone, giving the music a more intimate, muted sound. In Italian, “una corda” means “one string,” referring to the soft pedal’s original design, which allowed the hammers to strike only one string for each note.
This pedal is especially useful for delicate passages or when you want to play quietly without losing control. For beginners, learning to use the soft pedal can enhance expression, especially in quieter pieces. Although it’s not essential at the start, it becomes a helpful tool as players grow more confident in controlling dynamics.
Fun Fact: On some upright pianos, the soft pedal moves the hammers closer to the strings rather than shifting them to the side. While this doesn’t create the exact same effect, it still reduces the sound’s volume.
The Middle Pedal: The Sostenuto Pedal (on Some Pianos)
The sostenuto pedal, typically found on grand pianos, is the least used of the three. It sustains only certain notes that are played while the pedal is pressed, allowing them to resonate while other notes remain unaffected. This gives the pianist more control, particularly in complex pieces where some notes need to linger while others are played staccato.
Not all pianos, especially smaller or beginner models, have a sostenuto pedal. On some upright pianos, the middle pedal functions differently, sometimes muting the sound for quiet practice rather than sustaining specific notes. For many beginners, this pedal is not immediately necessary, but as players advance, it can be useful for more intricate compositions.
Did You Know? The sostenuto pedal was introduced in the 19th century to give pianists additional control over resonance, making it a relatively recent addition in the history of piano design.
Why Do Pianos Have Pedals?
Pedals allow pianists to shape the sound of their instrument in different ways. They can make notes last longer, soften the volume, or sustain specific notes while playing others. While early pianos were often pedal-free, modern pianos typically have three pedals, each serving a unique function. For beginners, it’s common to start with one pedal and add others as they become more comfortable with the piano.
Different Pedals for Different Pianos
Not all pianos have three pedals, and on some, the middle pedal may have different functions. For example, some modern pianos have a harmonic pedal, which is designed to create a layered sound effect by holding certain harmonics longer than others. Similarly, digital pianos and some upright models may only come with one or two pedals, usually focused on the sustain function. This setup is typically sufficient for beginners, who don’t need all three pedals to start learning.
It’s also common for entry-level keyboards to come with a single sustain pedal or a detachable pedal unit. These simpler setups allow beginners to focus on the basics without being overwhelmed by additional controls.
Do Beginners Need to Use All Three Pedals?
For a new player, learning the basics of finger placement, rhythm, and reading music can be challenging enough without introducing pedals right away. The sustain pedal, however, is often the first to be introduced, as it’s the most commonly used and has an immediate impact on the sound. It helps players achieve a more connected, musical sound and makes practicing scales and chords more enjoyable.
As a beginner progresses, they may start experimenting with the soft pedal to add subtlety and emotion to their music. The sostenuto pedal, however, can be saved for later, when the player has gained more confidence and is ready to tackle complex compositions that require controlled resonance.
Tip: If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to master all three pedals. Focus on the sustain pedal first, and gradually introduce the others as you become comfortable.
Top Piano Keyboard Sustain Pedals
1. Universal Sustain Pedal For Piano Keyboard
2. Alesis ASP-1 MKII Universal Sustain Pedal
3. Casio SP-34, Portable 3 Pedal
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