Playing The Pedals

From a Harmonic Perspective
Going from the possible to the impossible!
(or is it the other way ‘round).

Playing hymns on the organ is a lot easier if you use the pedals.

There are two ways to do this ... the first is “by (or buy) the book” then pay for lessons from an organ teacher. This is the best way to learn, however, you may not have the time or money to follow this long-term path, and this web site is really for those in the second category.

The second way, and quickest, is to focus on the right hand and pedals then introduce the left hand gradually as time permits.

I can imagine all the FRCO players scorning such a notion, but they can already play very well ... it’s you who has to sound good this Sunday!

So what do I mean by right hand and pedals?

Hymn playing is harmonically structured, that is, the notes come in vertical chunks or chords and this makes many hymns playable by just using chord inversions in the right hand, underpinned by the pedals.  
Why is it easier to play like this?

It is easier because instead of reading and playing every note separately, you can think in groups of notes.

Think chords (harmonically) with the tune at the top. This simplifies the amount of thinking that goes on in your brain. Melody, chord and pedals are easier to process than reading every note on the page - ‘though this should be your ultimate goal.

 

            

Playing a tune with a chord underneath and a bass note (pedal) at the bottom may work well, especially for those who understand something about chords.
The important point to remember is that your feet are part of the chord too!

Another tip is to read the music or think from bottom upwards. It takes longer for your feet to arrive at their notes than your fingers because the distance is greater -
think feet first!

By using this method you can:                                   

  • Look down at your feet more easily.
  • Have the left hand free to pull out a few stops.
  • Wave to the choir and make gestures - relating to the music of course!
  • Stop the hymn book from falling onto the keyboard.

 

Buying a good pair of shoes suitable for organ playing is very useful. Make sure they have a decent heel so that you won’t need to push your heels down too far to play the pedals. Also, if they are made of material (leather is good) whereby you can easily feel the sides of the pedals, that is good also. A wide lip on the sole of the shoes is unhelpful.