What Does a Piano Pedal Do?
Updated Nov 10, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A piano pedal changes how long notes sound or how soft they sound. The sustain pedal, the right pedal, lifts the dampers so notes keep ringing after the keys are released. The left pedal softens the sound, and the middle pedal holds only the notes already sounding when it is pressed.
The sustain pedal lets notes ring on
The sustain pedal is the right pedal. Pressing it lifts the dampers off the strings, so notes keep sounding after the fingers leave the keys. Releasing the pedal lets the dampers fall back onto the strings, and the sound stops. The pedal works while it is held down, so the player presses it for the notes that should ring on and lifts it when the sound should clear.
The soft pedal makes the sound quieter
The soft pedal is the left pedal. On a grand piano it shifts the hammers so they strike fewer strings, and on an upright it moves the hammers closer to the strings. Either way the notes sound softer while the pedal is held, and the full sound returns when it is released. Notes played after the pedal is released sound as usual.
The middle pedal holds selected notes only
The middle pedal is the sostenuto pedal. Press it while holding down the notes that should keep sounding, and only those notes ring on. Notes played after the pedal is pressed stop as usual when their keys are released. The pedal holds the notes that were sounding when it went down, and nothing else.
A sustain pedal plugs into a keyboard
Electronic keyboards and digital pianos take a sustain pedal through a 1/4-inch socket on the back or side of the instrument. Plug the pedal cable into the socket, and the pedal holds the notes the same way the damper pedal on an acoustic piano does. A piano-style pedal stands on the floor in front of the player, in the same place as the pedals on an acoustic piano.
What you need
RockJam 6.35mm Sustain Pedal for Electronic Keyboards
A sustain pedal with a polarity switch for keyboards and digital pianos with a 6.35mm sustain pedal socket, and a non-slip rubber base that keeps it in place.
- Polarity switch
- 2-year warranty stated
RNSXYAT Sustain Pedal
A universal sustain pedal with a polarity switch and a 1/4-inch jack, made from premium alloy with a spring design and a non-slip rubber bottom.
- Polarity switch
Casio SP3 Sustain Pedal for Keyboards Standard
A piano-style sustain pedal for Casio keyboards and digital pianos with pedal jacks, also compatible with most keyboards with a 1/4-inch sustain pedal input.
- Piano-style pedal
Casio SP-20
A piano-style sustain pedal that sustains notes in the same way as the damper pedal on an acoustic piano, with expressive, dynamic control.
- Piano-style pedal
These come from our ranked list Best Sustain Pedal for Piano, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Which piano pedal is used the most?
The sustain pedal, the right pedal. It lifts the dampers so notes ring on after the keys are released.
What happens if I hold the sustain pedal down?
Notes keep ringing after the keys are released, and each new note joins the ones already sounding. Lift the pedal to let the dampers fall back and stop the sound.
Do digital pianos need a sustain pedal?
A digital piano plays without a pedal, but the keys stop sounding as soon as they are released. A sustain pedal plugs into the 1/4-inch socket and holds the notes the way the damper pedal on an acoustic piano does.
What does the middle pedal do?
It holds only the notes that are sounding when it is pressed. Notes played after it is pressed stop as usual when their keys are released.
Ranked sustain pedals lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.