Pedal technique in jazz piano?

Jazz Theory Discussion
1

Hi,
just got a quick question: what is the role of the sustain pedal in solo jazz piano? Are you supposed to avoid it completely or does it play a role?

Kind regards
Rosa

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2

Hey RĂłsa :wave:

Great question!

We certainly use the pedal when playing solo jazz piano, or solo blues piano. Depending on the exact style that we are playing, the amount of pedal that we use can vary.

I actually hosted a workshop on using the pedal when playing solo jazz and blues piano, you can find that workshop recording here:

In the workshop we discuss pedaling techniques across a variety of styles, including blues, jazz ballads, and faster swing tunes.

Key topics include:

  • Using the pedal in slow blues to avoid muddy dissonance—lifting the pedal during chromatic movement and sustaining left-hand shells for clarity.

  • Pedaling in jazz ballads like Body and Soul or Misty, using the pedal to support lush harmonies while keeping the melody and inner voices clean and distinct.

  • Minimal pedal use in swing and bebop, with occasional “fluffing” (quick pedal taps) and strict lifting in stride to preserve rhythmic clarity.

  • Practice tips, such as matching pedal changes with chord changes, lifting on chromaticism, and sustaining left-hand voicings without over-pedaling.

For this workshop I created a 3rd camera angle which shows my pedal and foot so that you can see exactly how I am using the pedal, please see the screenshot below:

jazz piano pedal technique workshop
jazz piano pedal technique workshop1920Ă—1069 161 KB

@rnapoleonsdottir - If you have any further questions please post them in this thread or in the comments section of the seminar page.

I hope you find the workshop useful!

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Thank you for the reply!
I will check out that seminar!

RĂłsa

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