Who is this keyboard for?

Beginner learning blues independently

Wants to practise left-hand chords and a right-hand part without having to set up a computer first. Look for a suitable number of keys, touch response and lesson features.

Improviser who wants accompaniment

Wants to repeat a chord sequence and play over it. Pay particular attention to how the keyboard handles chord changes and controls accompaniment styles.

Player in a shared living space

Wants to practise at home while considering housemates or neighbours and the space available. Compare the headphone socket and the instrument’s dimensions.

What should you consider when buying?

Buying consideration What should you check? Who is it important for?
Learning chords and melodies Compare the number of keys and touch sensitivity. Check that the lesson features suit the blues material you want to learn. I want to practise left-hand chords and a right-hand part on my own. Around 33% of consumers put learning to play independently first.
Repeating a sequence Check whether you can enter chord changes in advance or have to indicate them while playing. If I want to improvise over a repeating sequence, the controls need to suit the way I play. For around 25% of consumers, accompaniment for this kind of sequence is the top priority.
Practising quietly Check the headphone socket and whether you need a compatible pair of headphones or an adaptor. I practise in a shared living space and want to keep the sound from the speakers down, without expecting headphones to silence the keys. Around 25% of consumers give quiet practice the highest priority.
A suitable playing area Measure the available width and depth. Also check the dimensions and accessories included with the version you choose. If space is limited, the instrument needs to fit alongside my seat and any stand. Space and storage come first for around 17% of consumers.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys

    A touch-sensitive keyboard and an instrument with weighted piano keys are not the same thing. Choose based on the key feel and technique you want to practise, not just the number of keys.

    Before comparing models, check what type of instrument suits your lessons or practice goals.

  • Mistaking a rhythm button for a programmable chord sequence

    A rhythm, automatic accompaniment that responds to the chords you play, and a pre-programmed chord sequencer are different features.

    Check how the exact model lets you enter chord changes or indicate them while you play.

  • Assuming that practising with headphones is completely silent

    Headphones limit the sound from the speakers, but they don’t silence the keys when you press them. How much you can hear also depends on your living space.

    Check the connection and setup. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise from neighbours to try agreeing arrangements together first, such as times for playing music.

  • Only checking the instrument’s dimensions

    The instrument’s dimensions don’t always include accessories or the space you need to play comfortably. Korg lists the height of the EK-50 without its music stand.

    Measure the whole playing area and check what’s included with each offer.

    A separate stand, seat, pair of headphones or adaptor takes up extra space and needs to be stored. Check which accessories come with the version you choose.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 could suit you if you want to practise independently and have the option of using automatic accompaniment.

  • Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, lesson features, 260 accompaniment styles and USB audio/MIDI for the PSR-E383.
  • These specifications don’t tell you whether the built-in lesson material covers the blues exercises you want to do. Touch sensitivity doesn’t mean the keys are weighted.

Casio

The CT-S300 is a more compact option with touch sensitivity. According to the manufacturer, the CT-S400 has rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment.

  • Casio lists dimensions of 930 × 256 × 73 mm and touch-sensitive keys for the CT-S300. For the CT-S400, Casio lists 200 rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment.
  • These features apply to the models mentioned and aren’t necessarily available on every keyboard from the brand. Check that the accompaniment controls suit your practice routine.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to set up and repeat a chord progression.

  • According to Roland’s manual, you can set the chord progression by bar or beat and choose an accompaniment style.
  • Compare the controls with your practice routine. This feature doesn’t prove that you’ll learn faster.

Korg

The EK-50 is worth comparing if you’re looking for touch-sensitive keys and automatic accompaniment.

  • Korg lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, more than 280 preset styles, a 3.5 mm headphone socket and dimensions of 994 × 392 × 132 mm for the EK-50.
  • These specifications are from Korg USA. Check the version and what’s included with the offer; the listed height doesn’t include the music stand.

Joybuy product

This product is for anyone who wants to practise a blues progression at home with rhythmic accompaniment.

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black

The product information lists automatic bass chords and rhythms, which could suit practising with accompaniment. Check that the controls work for the blues progression you want to play.

61 keys and weighted keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; LCD screen; USB MIDI; speakers and headphone socket.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need weighted piano keys to play a blues progression?

Not necessarily, if you mainly want to practise keyboard parts and accompaniment. Touch sensitivity and weighted keys are different features. If you’re learning piano technique, follow any specific advice from your teacher.

Can you have a chord progression playing while you improvise?

You can with models that have a chord sequencer, including the Roland GO:KEYS 3. According to Roland’s manual, you can set the progression by bar or beat and choose a style. For other models, check whether they can play a sequence or only respond to chords you play live.

Will headphones make practising in a loft silent?

No. Headphones won’t stop you hearing the keys being pressed mechanically. Check the keyboard’s connection and, if needed, agree practice times with your housemates or neighbours.

How can you check whether a keyboard will fit in your playing area?

Measure the space for the instrument as well as your seat and any stand. Check whether the stated dimensions include accessories, too; Korg lists the EK-50’s dimensions without the music stand.

Can you return a keyboard bought online if it doesn’t fit?

For many eligible distance purchases from a business, you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period. This doesn’t automatically apply to online purchases from private sellers, so check the terms that apply to your purchase.