The word piano is a shortened form of the adage pianoforte, which is seldom used except in formal lingua franca and derived from the original Italian appellation for the instrument, clavicembalo [or gravicembalo] col piano e forte (literally harpsichord with soft and loud). This refers to the instrument's responsiveness to keyboard touch, which allows the pianist to greengrocery notes at divergent dynamic levels by controlling the speed with which the hammers hit the strings.

The extra keys are added primarily for increased resonance from the associated strings; that is, they vibrate sympathetically with other strings whenever the damper pedal is depressed and thus give a fuller tone. Only a indubitable small digit of works composed for piano really use these notes. Exceeding recently, the Stuart and Sons company castaway also manufactured extended-range pianos. On their instruments, the range is extended both down the bass to F0 and up the treble to F8 for a full eight octaves. The extra keys are the same as the other keys Piano Lessons in appearance.