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Learn To Play Piano: Pedal Basics
If you are set to learn to play piano, there are many choices available for you to choose from. If you are starting to learn to play piano on your own, you can refer to music books and other resources so you can have a better grasp of the theories and techniques that you can use.
The body or casing, pedals and the black and white keys are the vital parts of the piano. The casing includes the strings the produce the sounds while you press the keys that make the sounds. Pedals give added effects to the piano sounds.
When you are sitting properly in front of the piano, you can reach the pedals with your foot by stretching your leg. There are two and sometimes three pedals on a Piano. If you want to use the pedals correctly, bear in mind the following.
The left pedal in a piano with two pedals is the the Una Corda Pedal. In the case of a three-pedal piano, this pedal is found in the left most part among the three. This pedal makes the sounds softer than the normal. To use this pedal, access it with your left foot for easy playing. The signal to use this pedal is “una corda” while “tre corda” to free it when you are reading music sheets. This will vary the sound of the notes in a melodic way, usually for songs that signify a sad mood or a relaxing tone.
The middle pedal in the three-pedaled piano is the Sostenuto Pedal. Use your right foot to press it if you need to use this pedal. When this pedal is stepped on, the sound it produces is somewhat sustained tone, but only on specific keys and not all of the notes are sustained. Use this pedal when you see “Sost. Ped.” in the music sheet although the notations vary depending on the composer.
The pedal on the right is always the Sustain Pedal regardless if the piano has two or three pedals. This pedal, unlike the Sostenuto Pedal, sustains all the notes that are played when used.
And of course, you will use this pedal by stepping on it with your right foot. The word “Ped.” indicated on the music sheet will inform you when to use this pedal as you play.
When you truly want to learn to play piano, you should first have a basic knowledge on the proper use of its pedals, as well as when to use them.
Big Bang – 声を聞かせて – Koe wo Kikasete – Piano Cover *with SHEET MUSIC*