Learn When and How to Use the Damper, Sostenuto, and Una Corda Pedals on Piano

An Overview of Piano Pedals

Modern pianos typically have three-foot pedals that perform crucial functions:

• Damper pedal – Sustains notes and creates legato phrasing
• Sostenuto pedal – Selectively sustains certain notes
• Una corda pedal – Softens the piano’s sound

Understanding the purpose and ideal use of each pedal will transform your piano capabilities. Let’s explore the pedals in detail!

What is the Damper Pedal?

The damper pedal, also called the sustain pedal, is the most frequently used piano pedal. It is the rightmost pedal.

Pressing the damper pedal lifts all the dampers off the strings inside the piano. This allows any played notes to vibrate freely. Their sound rings out and sustains until the pedal is released.

Using the damper pedal enables you to connect notes smoothly. This creates the singing and legato phrasing that works so beautifully on the piano.

How the Damper Pedal Works

To understand the damper pedal, it helps to visualize what happens inside the piano:

• Strings are struck by hammers connected to the keys.
• Dampers rest on the strings, stopping vibration when keys are released.
• Pressing the pedal lifts all dampers off the strings.
• Strings vibrate freely until dampers return once the pedal is released.

This mechanism allows musical legato phrasing far beyond what the fingers alone can produce.

Damper Pedal Symbols

Composers use the following symbols to indicate the use of the damper pedal:

• Pedal down: * or Ped.
• Pedal release: * or Ped.
• Flutter/quick pulses: ——

These symbols guide appropriate pedal use but the ear is the best judge for changes.

Musical Uses of the Damper Pedal

Here are some key musical effects achieved with the damper pedal:

• Allowing melodies and accompaniments to ring out fully
• Blending successive notes into a legato line or phrase
• Building dynamic resonance as notes layer together
• Adding harmonic richness by sustaining overtones
• Smoothing out finger legato when changing notes
• Sustaining fermata pauses
• Connecting rests between notes

Often, the difference between expert phrasing and amateur choppiness comes down to proper damper pedal use. This pedal executes the musical legato that takes piano playing to the next level. How to Teach Kids About Music.Effective methods and approaches for introducing children to the world of music. Read More

Types of Damper Pedal Techniques

There are several common damper pedal techniques:

Synchronized pedaling – Pedal changes precisely with harmonic shifts

Legato pedaling – Held through smaller shifts to smooth legato

Rhythmic pedaling – Quick changes mirroring rhythms

Partial pedaling – Pedal depressed partially, not fully

Flutter pedaling – Rapid depression and release

Each technique shapes phrasing distinctively. Learn them all for maximum expressivity!

Damper Pedal Technique Tips

Master these techniques for beautiful damper pedal phrasing:

• Press the pedal down completely so all notes vibrate freely. Partial pedaling can make sound fuzzy.
• Release the pedal completely on chord/harmony changes to avoid muddiness.
• Pedal with the rhythmic structure of the music, changing as harmonic shifts dictate.
• Use half-pedaling to sustain overtones and enrich tone color while allowing some decay.
• Experiment with flutter pedaling (quick on/off) for atmospheric effects.

Proper damper pedal technique colors and shapes the music, preventing blurred sound. Use your ear to determine the ideal placement.

Advanced Damper Pedal Tips

Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore advanced techniques:

• Vary depth and speed of pedal presses for greater control
• Use light, shallow flutter pulses for resonant effects
• Combine legato and sync pedaling for longer phrases
• Weave damper and una corda pedals together
• Add pedal on rests between phrases to connect musically
• Pedal through large leaps to maintain continuity

With experience, pedaling becomes an intuitive way to enhance musicality.

What is the Sostenuto Pedal?

The sostenuto pedal is the middle pedal on most pianos. It offers a specialized capability:

Sostenuto allows you to sustain certain notes selectively, while other notes decay naturally. It “catches” only the notes being held at the exact moment you depress the pedal.

This middle pedal adds resonance and legato for targeted notes within chords, enriching the sonic palette. Used skillfully, the sostenuto pedal can make piano textures more complex and compelling.

How the Sostenuto Pedal Works

Here’s how the Sostenuto pedal mechanism functions:

• Depress notes you want to be sustained first.
• Then press the pedal to catch and sustain those notes only.
• Any new notes played decay naturally.
• Release pedal to end sustain of held notes.

Proper timing is key! Practice until the motion is mastered.

Sostenuto Pedal Symbols

Composers use these symbols to indicate sostenuto pedal:

• Pedal down: Sost. or Ped.
• Pedal release: * or Ped.

Listen for selective sustain effects versus the damper pedal’s global sustain.

Musical Uses of the Sostenuto Pedal

Here are some key uses for the sostenuto pedal:

• Sustaining bass notes or melody tones while other notes decay
• Holding specific notes of chords or intervals to enrich harmony
• Highlighting inner voices selectively to bring out moving lines
• Enhancing legato passages by connecting sustained tones
• Building crescendos through manipulated resonance

The sostenuto pedal brings your phrasing capabilities to another level compared to the damper pedal alone. Unlock its full expressive potential.

Sostenuto Pedal Technique Tips

Use proper sostenuto pedal technique:

• First hold down notes to be sustained, then press the pedal. Timing is crucial.
• Use sparingly and isolate notes to avoid an overly muddy sound.
• Choose when to pedal depending on desired musical phrasing and effects.
• Combine with the damper pedal to sustain certain notes even longer.
• Release pedal once sustained notes are no longer needed.

With practice, you’ll learn to lock into this pedal’s satisfying and subtle capabilities.

Advanced Sostenuto Pedal Tips

Once comfortable, explore advanced techniques:

• Sustain staccato notes for sharp detached resonance.
• Hold low bass notes while brushing higher notes.
• Use half-pedaling for partial or fading sustain effects.
• Weave sostenuto with a damper pedal for new combinations.
• Add sostenuto sustain to pauses between phrases.

Mastering the sostenuto pedal greatly multiplies your expressive options at the piano.

What is the Una Corda Pedal?

The leftmost piano pedal is the una corda, meaning “one string.” When pressed down, this soft pedal subtly mutes the sound.

The una corda pedal shifts the piano’s action slightly sideways. This causes hammers to strike just one string (una corda) or two strings per note instead of the usual three strings.

Striking fewer strings results in a muted, muffled tone. The soft pedal reduces volume and creates tonal shifts for expressive color.

How the Una Corda Pedal Works

Here is how the una corda pedal mechanics function:

• Pedal moves action left so hammers only hit 1-2 strings.
• Striking fewer strings creates a muted, softened sound.
• Releasing pedal returns action to normal 3-string strike.
• Volume and brightness return to normal tone.

Use una corda pedal for temporary muffled color shifts.

Una Corda Pedal Symbols

Composers use these markings for the una corda pedal:

• Pedal down: Una corda or Ped.
• Pedal release: Tre corde or Ped.

Listen for the subtle softening effect on particular notes.

Musical Uses of the Una Corda Pedal

Consider using the una corda pedal when you want:

• A softened dynamic effect, without true quietness
• More muted tones for atmospheric passages
• New tone colors that add depth and interest
• Sudden muffled contrasts within a melody line
• Gentle accompaniments behind a solo voice

This versatile pedal offers many options for shading your playing with new personalities of sound.

Una Corda Pedal Technique Tips

Master use of the una corda pedal with these technique pointers:

• Press the pedal gradually to create a seamless, creeping softness.
• Use for selective passages, as the muted effect sounds unnatural if prolonged.
• Experiment with combining una corda with the sustain pedal for new sounds.
• Consider speed and duration when softening with the pedal.
• Keep keys depressed even when the pedal is released for a fading, ethereal effect.
• Return to the original position promptly so notes speak again.

Add this unique softening capability thoughtfully to expand the piano’s range of tone colors.

Advanced Una Corda Pedal Tips

Once comfortable, explore advanced una corda techniques:

• Vary depth of pedal press for different levels of softening.
• Use flutter pulses for atmospheric, dreamlike effects.
• Combine with the sostenuto pedal to selectively mute certain notes.
• Weave una corda pedal with damper pedal for new colors.
• Press and release una corda mid-phrase for stark contrasts.

With finesse, the una corda pedal becomes an invaluable tool for dynamic flair. How to Read Sheet Music for Beginners. A beginner’s guide to understanding and reading sheet music. Read More

Pedaling Tips for Specific Musical Contexts

Now that you understand the three main piano pedals, let’s explore how to apply them skillfully in various musical contexts.

Pedaling in Rapid Passages

For speedy scale runs or arpeggios:

• Use very brief flutter pulses of the damper pedal to connect notes.
• Time pulses quickly in rhythm with the passage.
• Keep pulses shallow to avoid blurring.
• Finger control should lead, pedal follows.
• Too much pedal causes mushiness at fast tempos.

Pedal just enough to shape without sacrificing clarity in rapid runs.

Pedaling in Textures and Chords

When playing layers, chords, or harmonies:

• Use lots of damper pedals to build resonant textures.
• Fully depress and completely release pedal with harmonic shifts.
• Weave the sostenuto pedal to selectively sustain melodic tones.
• Add dashes of una corda to highlight certain melodic lines.
• Return to full damper pedal for rich chordal resonance.

Pedaling in Contrapuntal Music

In Bach or polyphonic works with interweaving lines:

• Use subtle synchronization pedaling.
• Barely flutter the damper pedal to connect linear phrasing.
• Highlight independent voices with selective sostenuto pedaling.
• Keep textures clean without blurring parts together.
• Una corda softens judged use of damper pedal.

Pedaling in Impressionistic Music

For atmospheric works by Debussy, Ravel, and others:

• Use lots of una corda and flutter damping.
• Weave pedals together for color shifts.
• Vary depression speed and depth.
• Allow tones to shimmer with resonance.
• Avoid over-blurring with too much sustain.

Immerse the listener in color and texture.

Pedaling in Jazz Styles

When playing jazz, pop, or ragtime works:

• Use syncopated damping to swing rhythms.
• Flutter-sustain upbeats for momentum.
• Keep damping rhythmic but brief to prevent muddiness.
• Use sostenuto to make melodies pop from textures.
• Una corda adds nice mutes if used selectively.

Capture the lively, colorful drive of the style.

Effective Exercises to Practice Pedaling Technique

Dedicated pedaling exercises will help master these skills and integrate them into your playing:

Five-Finger Exercises

• Practice basic five-finger patterns.
• Add pedal on each note change to connect.
• Use all pedals and combinations.

Scales and Arpeggios

• Play scales and arpeggios in all ranges and speeds.
• Add synchronized damping on each new note/chord.
• Focus on seamless legato phrasing.

Hymns and Songs

• Pedal familiar hymns and melodies.
• Concentrate on legato, shaping phrases.
• Isolate pedaling skills from reading notes.

Chord Progressions

• Practice chord sequences like I-IV-V-I.
• Use pedals to sustain and connect harmonies.
• Control resonance and overtones.

Octave Drills

• Play repeated octaves.
• Add different pedaling to each repetition.
• Practice una corda, sostenuto, half-pedaling effects.

Repertoire Excerpts

• Extract solo melodies, textures, and rapid passages from the repertoire.
• Practice integrating ideal pedaling into each excerpt.
• Build skills applying techniques in a musical context.

Target your pedaling weak spots with mindful, focused exercises. How to Choose the Right Piano Teacher. Guidance on finding a piano teacher that matches your skill level and goals.

Developing Pedaling Independence

Mastering the pianistic skill of pedaling independently from the hands takes diligent practice:

Dissociate Hands and Feet

• Physically warm up feet, ankles, and legs before starting.
• Focus on keeping hands/feet movements isolated during exercises.
• Avoid tense legs or pointing toes which hinders control.

Eyes on the Music

• Keep your eyes on the score when pedaling.
• Avoid looking down at feet which disrupts coordination.

Mental Concentration

• Listen constantly, use your ear to judge pedal use.
• Think about each pedal technique without looking down.
• Let mental awareness guide your feet.

Repetition Drills

• Practice technical exercises hands alone, then add pedaling.
• Repeat until pedaling feels integral, not “added on.”
• Build memory through repetitive practice.

With regular, mindful practice, pedal techniques will become second nature!

Step-by-Step Process for Learning a New Piece with Pedaling

Follow this methodical process when first pedaling a new piece:

Hands Alone Without Pedal

• Learn the notes thoroughly with accurate rhythms and fingering.
• Focus on reading notation without coordinating pedal.

Add Damper Pedal

• Pedal to match harmonic changes.
• Start simply without advanced techniques.

Listen and Adjust

• Assess if pedaling enhances the musical line and phrasing.
• Adjust timing and placement based on listening.

Add Other Pedals

• Try weaving in una corda and sostenuto next.
• Build up pedaling complexity gradually.

Polish Technique

• Once integrated, finesse pedal techniques like half-pedaling.
• Precision comes through controlled repetition.

Memorize with Pedaling

• Ingrain the coordination through memory work.
• Make the pedaling musical and instinctive.

This systematic learning process develops a secure pedal technique. Can You Learn a Musical Instrument at Any Age? Discussing the possibilities and advantages of learning an instrument later in life.

Common Pedaling Pitfalls and Fixes

Avoid these common pedaling mistakes:

Overpedaling – Letting blurred sound build up

Release pedal fully between harmony changes

Underpedaling – Lacking resonance or connection

Listen for gaps and increase pedal use

Uncontrolled pressing – blurred beginnings/endings

Use care pressing and releasing the pedal

Looking at feet – imprecise guidance
Keep eyes on the music and use your ear

Static pedaling – set patterns, not musical
Vary techniques. Listen and adapt.

Asynchronous pedaling – not coordinated with phrase
Sync pedaling precisely with line and harmony

Mindfulness and repetition train instinctive, effective pedaling skills.

Achieving Natural, Expressive Pedaling

With regular practice, pedaling becomes second nature. Follow these tips:

Attentive Listening

• Let your ear expertly guide pedal timing and use.
• Listen for musical phrasing and resonance.

Nuanced Control

• Pedal with dynamic nuance just as you would shape notes.
• Vary pedal depth, speed, and duration.

Automatic Reflexes

• Drill technique until pedaling feels automatic.
• React intuitively without thinking about it.

Study Recordings

• Listen to how great pianists pedal professionally.
• Analyze and emulate

Final Thoughts

The damper, sostenuto, and una corda pedals are powerful expressive tools that elevate piano playing. However, poor pedaling can ruin the music. Developing coordination, control, and musical sensitivity takes diligent practice.

Start by deeply understanding the purpose and mechanics of each pedal. Then integrate exercises focusing on pedaling skills into your routine. Pedal all repertoire mindfully. Listen actively and let your ear refine techniques.

Strive to make pedaling musical and nuanced, not just technically accurate. Master advanced skills like half-pedaling and quick flutter pulses. Eventually, with consistent practice, pedaling becomes second nature and completely natural.

Be patient in developing this coordination independence. Drill the fundamentals. Subtle pedal techniques require finesse and taste that comes with time. Record yourself often to self-assess.

With mastery of pedaling, you unlock the piano’s full resonance, tone, color, and expressivity. Pedaling transforms piano playing to a whole new level of musicality. Dedicate time every day, and the reward will be immense.

FAQ

What is the main purpose of the damper pedal?

The damper pedal sustains notes and enables legato phrasing by lifting the dampers off the piano strings.

How do you prevent blurred pedaling?

Release the damper pedal completely with each chord/harmony change to prevent blurred sound.

When should the sostenuto pedal be used?

Use the sostenuto pedal selectively when you want to sustain certain notes in a chord or texture while allowing other notes to decay naturally.

What musical effects does the una corda pedal create?

Una corda softens the piano’s sound, creating muted and atmospheric tone colors.

How can you develop good pedaling techniques?

Practice pedaling exercises separately from the repertoire. Drill fundamentals until the coordination becomes automatic.

What are some advanced pedaling techniques?

Half-pedaling, quick flutter pulses, combining multiple pedals, and synchronizing pedaling to the musical line and harmony.

How can you avoid poor pedaling habits?

Listen actively, and use your ear to judge results. Vary pedaling techniques. Don’t rely on memorized patterns.