Piano Basics • Sustain Pedal Training

Train the Foot

Knowing how the sustain pedal works is only step one. Now it's time to practice until your foot begins changing the pedal automatically while your hands concentrate on the music.

Beginner warning: There are quite a few chords in these exercises. It may feel challenging...but you should do it anyway. : )

Now Playing Exercise 1 of 4

Three Chords

About This Training

Make the Pedal Automatic

At first, your brain may feel like it's juggling too many things: chords, hands, timing...and now your foot too.

That's exactly why we're training it separately. Repeat these exercises until the pedal change begins happening without needing a conscious command every single time.

1. Start Small

Use only a few chords and focus on clean pedal changes.

2. Add Chords

Increase the harmonic movement without losing clarity.

3. Build Flow

Keep the sound connected while your foot continues clearing the harmony.

4. Add Movement

Broken chords force your hands and foot to work together more naturally.

Don't Practice the Mistake

If the pedal keeps getting muddy, slow the exercise down. There is no prize for practicing bad pedaling at full speed. Get the foot change correct slowly, repeat it, and then bring the music back up to speed.