05/25/2026
🎹 Piano Pedals Explained!
Ever wonder what those three pedals under the piano actually do? Here's a clear breakdown:
Left Pedal → Soft Pedal
Also called the una corda pedal. It makes the sound much softer and gentler by shifting the hammers so they strike fewer strings (or with less force). Perfect for delicate, intimate playing.
Middle Pedal → Sostenuto Pedal
The most misunderstood pedal! It only sustains the specific notes you're holding when you press it. All other notes played afterward won't be affected. Great for creating beautiful layered effects in classical music.
Right Pedal → Damper Pedal (Sustain Pedal)
The most commonly used pedal. When pressed, it lifts all the dampers, allowing the strings to continue vibrating and ring out even after you lift your fingers. This creates that rich, full, connected sound we associate with piano music.
Quick Tip: On most upright pianos, the middle pedal functions differently (sometimes as a practice mute), but on grand pianos, it works as the true sostenuto pedal.
