What do the piano pedals do?

If you’ve ever sat at a piano, you may have noticed the three pedals at your feet.

Initially, they might seem like footrests, but these piano pedals are essential for enhancing the expressive potential of your playing. They allow you to transform simple notes into something truly magical.

In this article, we’ll explore the purpose and function of each pedal and how they can elevate your piano performances to new heights.

The three pedals: An overview

Most modern pianos feature three pedals: the damper pedal (right), the sostenuto pedal (middle), and the una corda pedal (left). Each of these pedals has a distinct role, offering you different ways to shape and colour the sound of your music.

1. The damper pedal (right pedal)

The damper pedal, also known as the sustain pedal, is the most frequently used pedal on the piano.

When you press it down, it lifts the dampers off the strings, allowing them to vibrate freely and produce sound even after you’ve released the keys.

This creates a rich, resonant, and sustained tone that can fill a room with sound.

How it works:

Sustaining notes: When you play a note and press the damper pedal, that note will continue to resonate long after you’ve lifted your finger from the key. This is invaluable for creating legato passages, where smooth transitions between notes are essential.

Blending harmonies: The damper pedal allows you to blend chords and harmonies, creating a lush and full-bodied sound that can enhance the emotional impact of a piece.

Tips for use:

Timing is key: The damper pedal requires precise timing. Pressing it too early or too late can result in muddied or disjointed sounds. Practise coordinating your pedal use with your playing for a seamless effect.

Half-pedalling: Experienced pianists often use half-pedalling techniques, where the pedal is pressed down only partially. This allows for more subtle control over the sustain, enabling delicate nuances in the music.

2. The sostenuto pedal (middle pedal)

The sostenuto pedal is the least commonly used but provides a unique capability that is particularly useful in more complex compositions.

When you engage this pedal, it sustains only the notes that are being held down at the moment the pedal is pressed, allowing you to play new notes without them being sustained.

How it works:

Selective sustain: Imagine you’re playing a chord and press the sostenuto pedal. That chord will continue to ring out while the rest of the keyboard is free for you to play new notes without sustaining them. This allows you to create layers of sound, with some notes sustained and others not.

Creating complex textures: The Sostenuto pedal is excellent for pieces that require intricate textures and careful balancing of sustained and nonsustained notes.

Tips for use:

Practise with purpose: The sostenuto pedal can be challenging to master, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. Take time to practise with specific passages that call for this pedal to fully understand its capabilities.

Use in classical and contemporary pieces: While not all music requires the sostenuto pedal, it can be particularly effective in both classical compositions, where intricate textures are needed, and in contemporary music that explores new sonic possibilities.

3. The una corda pedal (left pedal)

The una corda pedal, also known as the soft pedal, is often misunderstood but can add a beautiful dimension to your playing.

When pressed, this pedal shifts the entire action of the piano slightly to one side, causing the hammers to strike fewer strings (in a grand piano) or change the point of contact (in an upright piano).

The result is a softer, more muted sound with a change in timbre that can add warmth and intimacy to your performance.

How it works:

Softening the sound: The una corda pedal is ideal for passages that require a gentler, more delicate sound. It’s not just about lowering the volume; it alters the quality of the tone, giving it a more intimate and nuanced character.

Shifting timbre: In grand pianos, pressing the una corda pedal shifts the hammers so that they strike only one or two of the three strings assigned to each note, producing a different timbre. On upright pianos, the action is slightly different but still results in a softer sound.

Tips for use:

Enhance quiet passages: Use the una corda pedal during softer sections of a piece to add depth and emotion to your playing. It’s particularly effective in creating contrasts within the music.

Experiment with sound: The una corda pedal can produce surprising results in familiar pieces. Try using it in different contexts to discover new expressive possibilities.

Additional tips for using piano pedals

While each pedal has its primary function, the art of using pedals is about subtlety and control. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Practise with the pedals: Spend time practising scales, arpeggios, and simple pieces while focusing solely on pedal usage. This will help you develop the coordination needed to use the pedals effectively.

Listen to the music: Use your ears to guide your pedal usage. Pay attention to how the sound changes as you engage and release each pedal, and use this to shape the music.

Pedal notations in music: Many pieces include pedal markings in the sheet music. Familiarise yourself with these notations and follow them carefully, especially when learning a new piece.

Conclusion

Understanding and mastering the use of piano pedals can greatly enhance your musical expression.

Each pedal offers unique tools to help you create a wide range of sounds, from the sustained resonance of the damper pedal to the selective sustain of the sostenuto pedal and the delicate softness of the una corda pedal.

By incorporating these pedals into your practice and performance, you can add new layers of depth and emotion to your music.

So, next time you sit down at the piano, remember to take full advantage of those three magical pedals beneath your feet. With practice and experimentation, you’ll unlock their potential and take your piano playing to a whole new level.

Happy playing!