Simple Tips To Get You Started Playing the Keyboard Piano
1. Understand The Differences Between a Piano and a Keyboard Piano
There are a few differences between playing the classic piano and playing a keyboard piano. The most distinct difference between these two is the sound. A piano has acoustic sounds, weighted keys, and is usually made from wood. Whereas a keyboard piano is an electrical musical instrument commonly built in a rectangular shape with a mix of wood and plastic as the main materials.
Secondly, a keyboard piano requires a power source to turn it on and can be connected over active or passive speakers.
Thirdly, a classical piano tends to be much bigger than a keyboard piano and it is much more expensive to maintain than the keyboard.
2. Understand the Key’s Size
No matter what type of piano you have decided to learn, always remember that key size is extremely important. Especially for an electronic keyboard, the key size could come in all shapes and sizes, you have to make sure that the keyboard you’ve chosen has the size of the same keys as the piano that you first started playing on. Keys on your electronic keyboard should roughly be about 23 mm in width or this is also known as the Standard Piano Keys.
3. Understand the Keyboard Piano Keynotes
Electronic keyboard pianos come in all shapes and sizes, you will be sure to find small colorful keyboards in any kindergarten. They are commonly used as toys and for learning purposes at piano classes for kids. Such a keyboard is a fantastic way to start learning the instrument as well.
Normally, electronic keyboards have 3 sizes based on the number of keynotes, they are 88 keynotes, 76/73 keynotes, and 61 keynotes. However, there are some keyboards that can be as small as 49 to 22 keynotes. The more keys your keyboard has the more octaves you can play; which is referred to the higher and lower sounds.
Usually, it is best that you actually practice on a full-size keyboard (88-key) to really master the art of piano playing. However, if you are completely new to the musical instrument then do start with a 61-key keyboard.
4. Understand the Features and Settings
The amazing thing about keyboard pianos is that they come with special features like bells and whistles. You can change your keyboard settings in order for the keys to sound like bells, church organs, and even waterfall sounds. Besides the sounds, an electronic keyboard usually comes with the “Styles” preset which is helpful if you are learning “accompaniment” mode at a later stage.
It’s important to remember that you’ll most probably have your keyboard piano set to ‘acoustic piano’ notes. So, make sure you purchase one with a good ‘acoustic piano’ setting such as Casio CT-S1 Keyboard.
5. Understand the Sustain Pedal Function
You’ve probably seen acoustic pianos have two or three pedals that can be stepped on while playing which provides an additional sustain on the sound. Keyboard pianos also have a ‘sustain’ pedal that will provide the same sounding much like the acoustic one.
A sustain pedal is usually listed as a keyboard piano accessory. With a pedal, your keyboard playing experience will be sounding a lot better, especially when used along with the piano sound. So, don’t forget to add a sustain pedal (if it’s not included) when you buy a new keyboard such as Casio SP-20.
