Piano Pedals Explained: Sustain, Soft, and Sostenuto
Published February 5, 2026
Learn the three piano pedals and how to use them effectively. From sustain to soft pedal, master pedal technique.
Key Takeaways
- Right pedal (sustain) is the most used — change with chord changes.
- Left pedal (soft) produces a warmer, quieter tone.
- Middle pedal is sostenuto (grands) or practice (uprights).
- Clean pedal technique requires critical listening.
- The pedal enhances, not replaces, good finger technique.
The Three Pedals
The right pedal is the sustain pedal (also called the damper pedal). It lifts all dampers off the strings, allowing notes to sustain even after you lift your fingers. This is the most commonly used pedal.
The left pedal is the soft pedal (una corda on grand pianos). It shifts the action so the hammers strike fewer strings (on grands) or moves the hammers closer (on uprights), producing a softer, warmer tone.
The middle pedal varies by piano type. On grand pianos, it is the sostenuto pedal, which sustains only the notes you are holding when you press it. On uprights, it is usually a practice pedal that reduces volume.
Using the Sustain Pedal
The most important rule of sustain pedal technique: change the pedal when the chord changes. Press the pedal as you play the chord, release it when you change chords, and re-press for the new chord.
Practice pedaling without the pedal noise. Listen for 'pedal smears' — unwanted notes bleeding into the next chord. A clean pedal change involves a quick release and re-press just after playing the new chord.
Do not keep the pedal down for entire pieces. Use it to connect phrases, create atmosphere, and achieve legato in passages that are impossible to finger smoothly.
Practice Exercises
- 1Play a C major scale with the sustain pedal. Change pedal on each new note. Listen for clean transitions.
- 2Play a simple chord progression (C-F-G-C) with the pedal. Change pedal on each chord.
- 3Practice half-pedaling: press the pedal only halfway down. This creates a partial sustain effect used in Impressionist music.
Common Mistakes
- Keeping the pedal down too long, creating a muddy, unclear sound.
- Not changing the pedal when the harmony changes.
- Using the pedal as a substitute for proper finger technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all three pedals?
For beginners, the sustain pedal is essential. The soft pedal is useful for expressive playing. The sostenuto is less common but valuable for advanced repertoire.
How do I avoid muddy pedal sounds?
Change the pedal with every chord change. Practice pedal changes slowly and listen critically for clarity.
Can I use the pedal to hide poor finger legato?
The pedal should enhance good finger technique, not replace it. Always finger legato passages as smoothly as possible, then add the pedal.
What does the soft pedal actually do?
On a grand piano, it shifts the keyboard so hammers strike two strings instead of three (for treble notes). On uprights, it moves hammers closer to the strings. Both produce a softer sound.