How Do You Spell SUSTAIN PEDAL?

Pronunciation: [səstˈe͡ɪn pˈɛdə͡l] (IPA)

The sustain pedal is a crucial component in producing rich, full-bodied sounds on a piano. However, its spelling may cause confusion. In International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) terms, "sustain" is pronounced /səˈsteɪn/, while "pedal" is pronounced /ˈpɛd(ə)l/. So, the correct spelling is "sustain pedal" and not "sostenuto pedal." While these terms are often used interchangeably, the latter refers to a different type of pedal found on grand pianos that sustains only the notes played when the pedal is pressed.

SUSTAIN PEDAL Meaning and Definition

1. A sustain pedal, also known as a damper pedal, is a device used in music to sustain and prolong the notes played on a piano or other keyboard instruments. The sustain pedal is typically located at the far-right side of the keyboard and is operated by the foot of the pianist or keyboard player.

   When the sustain pedal is pressed and held down, it raises all the dampers that are in contact with the strings inside the piano, allowing the strings to vibrate freely after the key is released. This produces a sustained sound that continues even without the key being pressed, giving the notes a rich and resonant quality.

   The sustain pedal is an essential component in piano playing as it allows the player to create legato passages, maintain long sustained chords, and blend the different tones and harmonies of the keyboard. It also enables the pianist to create a more expressive and emotional performance by adding depth and texture to the music.

   In addition to its traditional usage in piano playing, the sustain pedal is also found in electronic keyboards and synthesizers, where it functions in a similar manner to sustain the electronically generated sounds.

   Overall, the sustain pedal is a vital tool for pianists and keyboard players, providing them with greater control over the duration and quality of the sound produced, and enhancing the overall musical experience.

Common Misspellings for SUSTAIN PEDAL

• austain pedal
• zustain pedal
• xustain pedal
• dustain pedal
• eustain pedal
• wustain pedal
• systain pedal
• shstain pedal
• sjstain pedal
• sistain pedal
• s8stain pedal
• s7stain pedal
• suatain pedal
• suztain pedal
• suxtain pedal
• sudtain pedal
• suetain pedal
• suwtain pedal
• susrain pedal
• susfain pedal

Etymology of SUSTAIN PEDAL

The word "sustain pedal" has a straightforward etymology.

The first part, "sustain", is derived from the Latin word "sustinere", which combines "sub" (meaning "under") and "tenere" (meaning "to hold"). The term "sustain" in music refers to holding a note or sound for an extended period, without it decaying or fading away.

The second part, "pedal", comes from the Latin word "pedalis", which means "foot". In music, a pedal is typically a lever or foot-operated device used to control certain aspects of an instrument, such as the sustain or expression.

So, the term "sustain pedal" literally means a foot-operated device that controls the sustain or holding of notes on a musical instrument. It is mostly associated with pianos, where pressing the sustain pedal allows the strings to vibrate freely, creating a sustained sound.