1. To sustain a decaying note after it is picked. To maintain more or less a constant level throughout.

2. Expression.

Begin with the first one. The second one can get you into "a heap a trouble boy" if over done as has been suggested. Without playing a song, set the volume pedal about half way. Pick any string or strings and try to maintain the same level of sound that you had when you picked the note for as long as you can using the pedal.

Continue to practice this until its as though the string was going to last forever. As you practice this, begin to do the same manuever as you play songs. In time your brain and foot will become subconscious and it will be natural.

Once you develop this and have it where you do not have to think about it, you can begin to use the volume control in an expressive way. That is, you will either pick with NO volume or use the volume control to "express" the music in a dynamic way, IE, louder or softer just as a singer does.

One thing to try to be cognizant of; and that is "pumping" excessively is generally considered not a desirable style. Also, the style of NEVER hearing the picked note can seem artificial in many instances. But then again, there are NO hard rules. Who knows, you may hit on something that will make you a virtuoso.

The suggestion to play with NO volume pedal is a very good idea. Because a volume pedal should never be used to mask bad habits. Playing with no pedal forces you to be more careful and this is good. In fact, some seasoned players will do this just to make sure bad habits have not crept in unoticed.

Also, there is a degree of loudness control within the right hand and bar movement on the left hand. Using no volume pedal once in a while will hone these attributes in a nice way.

Good luck and may Jesus bless you in your quests,

Les

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Strat,Tele
Dekley S-10

In addition to all the above great suggestions, ...I have put a soft rubber ball under my volume pedal's foot plate periodically, to apply some resistance that will make me more aware of how I am using the pedal. I am looking for smoothe control for sustain and expression ...and small quick momentary volume reductions to hide pick attack THOUGHTFULLY. The rubber ball will provide pressure feedback to remind a Player how well he or she is doing those techniques AND if they are bouncing the pedal off the ball (too much movement) too often, which will produce more of a poor / distasteful vibrato than good volume pedal effects.