How to Use Electronic Keyboards

How to Use Electronic Keyboards

Electronic keyboards are musical instruments capable of digitally reproducing the sound of many instruments including string, percussion and wind instruments. Electronic keyboards are used in a variety of musical settings and are especially popular in bands, due to their portability. Electronic keyboards range in size from two or three octaves all the way up to the full 88-key range of a traditional acoustic piano. Many electronic keyboards are even touch-sensitive (sensitive to the amount of force with which the keys are played) to more closely resemble the sound of an actual piano.

Instructions

Step 1

Determine how you want to use your electronic keyboard. If you are playing for fun or just beginning to learn how to play a keyboard, you may not want to invest money in a full-size model. There are many smaller keyboards in a mid to low price range that offer plenty of range and flexibility. If, however, you are playing music professionally, you will probably want to purchase a full-size touch-sensitive keyboard that includes an array of musical and non-musical sounds, midi functions and even recording capabilities.

Step 2

Familiarize yourself with the range of your keyboard. Smaller keyboards typically feature one or one and a half octaves below middle C on a standard piano and one or two octaves above. If you have a full size keyboard, the notes will be the same as they are on a standard acoustic piano.

Step 3

Familiarize yourself with the sounds on your keyboard. All electronic keyboards label the sounds they can reproduce. These sounds are accessed by punching in a corresponding number on a numeral keypad. Depending upon the make and model of your electronic keyboard you may be able to produce hundreds of musical and non-musical sounds.

Step 4

Decide how you want to set up your electronic keyboard. If you're playing in your room, you won't need to plug into an amplifier. If you're playing professionally, especially with a band, you will want to get a small to medium amplifier to boost the sound of your electronic keyboard.

Step 5

Practice playing melodies over the pre-recorded rhythm tracks that come with your keyboard. Most keyboards feature at least a dozen pre-set rhythm tracks composed of the sounds on the electronic keyboard, which allows users to play songs over a full musical background track. Try playing different melodies using various instrument sounds. This is an excellent way for you to get used to your new keyboard.