Who is this choice for?

Looking for blues accompaniment

You want to practise chord progressions in time and play over them without other musicians in the room. Automatic styles or adjustable chord patterns could be a good fit.

Practising in a small space

You need to fit the instrument on a limited surface or put it away after practising. Its dimensions and the space needed to set it up safely are important factors in your choice.

Learning blues on a piano keyboard

You also want to develop a piano-like touch and play across the full range of a keyboard, even if that means needing more space.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you mainly want accompaniment for blues practice, or whether you’d rather work on a piano-like key response and full range. Then measure the space available and check the features of the exact model.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Chords and timing with accompaniment Try the blues style, tempo and chord changes you want. If you’re using your own progressions, check how to enter or repeat them. I want to practise progressions while rhythmic accompaniment keeps time and I play over it. Around 33% of consumers put accompaniment first.
Space for the instrument and set-up Measure the available width and depth and compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Allow room for cables and sheet music too. I have limited space and want to be able to set up the instrument neatly or put it away after practising. Around 27% of consumers put space first.
Practising without disturbing others Check the headphone output, plug size and whether you’ll need an adapter for the connection you want to use. Try the speaker volume too. I practise in a shared space and want to listen privately. Around 20% of consumers put quiet practice at the top of their buying priorities.
Piano-like touch and playing range Compare the number of keys and try the key response. A touch-sensitive keyboard is not the same as a weighted piano keyboard. As well as blues chords, I want to practise on a full-size, weighted keyboard. Around 20% of consumers put a piano-like touch first.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming lots of rhythms means the blues accompaniment will be suitable

    The number of styles or patterns listed doesn’t tell you whether the blues accompaniment you want will sound good or be easy to use.

    Try the style and chord changes you want on the instrument, or check how to create your own pattern.

  • Thinking a touch-sensitive keyboard is the same as a weighted digital piano

    According to Yamaha, the Yamaha PSR-E383 has touch-sensitive keys; the Yamaha P-145 has an 88-key weighted keyboard. These are different key configurations for different playing priorities.

    Decide whether compact practice with accompaniment or a piano-like key response matters more, and try the keys yourself if you can.

  • Assuming accessories and app features are always included

    How features work can vary between models. Roland says that a free Roland account is required to access pre-made patterns in Roland Chord Director.

    Check the exact box contents, connections and any account requirements before building a feature into your practice routine.

    Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional. Check whether you need it and whether it’s included in the specific offer.

Brands to compare

Yamaha

The PSR-E383 offers a compact keyboard option with automatic styles; the P-145 is designed for a different playing priority, with 88 weighted keys.

  • According to Yamaha, the PSR-E383 has a 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard and 260 automatic accompaniment styles.
  • According to Yamaha, the P-145 has an 88-key weighted GHC keyboard and is 1.326 mm wide. It needs a more spacious set-up than a compact keyboard.

Casio

The CT-S400 is worth considering when comparing rhythm patterns and automatic accompaniment; the CT-S300 is an example of a compact set-up.

  • Casio lists 200 rhythm patterns for the CT-S400. For the CT-S300, Casio gives the dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
  • The CT-S300’s dimensions don’t apply to the CT-S400. Check the blues style you want and the connections on the exact model.

Roland

The GO:KEYS 3 is an option for exploring repeatable or self-created chord patterns; the E-X10 represents keyboards with automatic accompaniment styles.

  • Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as allowing you to create your own chord progressions, and the E-X10 as offering more than 200 preset styles.
  • Roland says that a free Roland account is required to access pre-made patterns in Roland Chord Director. Check how the feature you want works on your model.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I practise my own blues progression without a backing band?

Choose an instrument that lets you play the chord changes you want with an accompaniment style, or save your own progression. Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as allowing you to create your own chord progressions; try it to see whether the controls suit the way you practise.

What should I check when setting up and practising in a small room?

Measure the available width and depth and compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Also check the headphone output and the corresponding plug before assuming you’ll be able to listen privately.

Are an app, stand or pedal included?

That depends on the model and the version on offer. Yamaha lists the LP-5A three-pedal unit for the P-145 as optional; Roland says a free Roland account is required to access pre-made Chord Director patterns. Check exactly what’s included in the offer before deciding which accessories you still need.

What warranty and cooling-off period apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory period for the legal guarantee in the Netherlands: the product must meet what you can reasonably expect, and the seller is your point of contact if there’s a problem. For many eligible distance purchases made by consumers, a 14-day cooling-off period applies; check the terms and exceptions for the specific purchase.

Does a CE mark alone prove that every keyboard on offer complies with the rules?

No. The European Commission explains that CE marking is only required when applicable harmonised EU rules make it so; the manufacturer is responsible for compliance. Electrical and electronic equipment is also subject to the applicable RoHS restrictions. Check which information and documentation apply to the specific version.