While the keys of a piano are responsible for the notes you hear, the pedals are responsible for the soul of the sound. Most modern pianos come with three pedals located at the feet of the player. From right to left, they serve very different purposes in changing the tone, volume, and resonance of the instrument.
Here is a breakdown of what each pedal does.
1. The Right Pedal: The Damper Pedal (Sustain Pedal)
The right pedal is the most frequently used and is often simply called the “Sustain Pedal.”
- How it works: Inside a piano, there are small felt pads called “dampers” that rest on the strings to stop them from vibrating. When you press this pedal, all the dampers lift off the strings at once.
- The Effect: Notes will continue to ring out even after you take your fingers off the keys. It also allows other strings to vibrate sympathetically, creating a rich, full, and “echoey” sound.
- When to use it: Musicians use it to connect notes smoothly (legato) or to add a sense of grandeur and atmosphere to a piece.
2. The Left Pedal: The Soft Pedal (Una Corda)
The left pedal is used to modify the “color” and volume of the sound.
- How it works (Grand Piano): On a grand piano, pressing this pedal shifts the entire internal action (the hammers) slightly to the right. Usually, a hammer hits three strings for a single note; with the pedal down, it hits only two. This is why it is called the Una Corda (Latin for “one string”).
- How it works (Upright Piano): On an upright, the pedal moves the hammers closer to the strings, so they have less distance to travel and strike with less force.
- The Effect: It makes the sound quieter, but more importantly, it changes the timbre. The sound becomes thinner, more ethereal, and “veiled.”
- When to use it: Use it when a passage needs to be played very softly (pianissimo) or when you want a dreamier, muted tone.
3. The Middle Pedal: (It Depends on Your Piano!)
The middle pedal is the most “mysterious” because its function changes depending on the type of piano you are playing.
A. On a Grand Piano: The Sostenuto Pedal
- How it works: This is a selective sustain pedal. It only sustains the notes that your fingers are already holding down at the exact moment you press the pedal. Any notes you play after pressing the pedal will not sustain.
- The Effect: It allows you to hold a low bass note (like a ringing bell) while keeping your hands free to play short, crisp notes over the top.
B. On an Upright Piano: The Muffler (Practice) Pedal
- How it works: On most upright pianos, pressing the middle pedal drops a thick strip of felt between the hammers and the strings. It usually has a notch so you can “lock” it into place.
- The Effect: It reduces the volume significantly—almost like a “mute” button.
- When to use it: This is purely for practicing in apartments or late at night so you don’t disturb your neighbors!
Summary Table
| Pedal Position | Common Name | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Right | Damper / Sustain | Sustains all notes; adds resonance. |
| Middle | Sostenuto (Grand) | Sustains only specific, chosen notes. |
| Middle | Muffler (Upright) | Drastically quiets the piano for practice. |
| Left | Soft / Una Corda | Softens the volume and changes the tone. |
Pro Tip: If you are just starting out, focus on mastering the Right Pedal first. It is the key to making your piano playing sound professional and fluid!