For practising blues chords in a spare room, start by considering the feel of the keys, the headphone socket and how much space the complete playing setup will take up. A portable model is a good choice if you need to move or put it away, while a fixed cabinet piano calls for a permanent setup with pedals. Extra sounds or accompaniment are only worthwhile if you intend to use them.
You want to practise blues chords regularly without the sound from the speakers disturbing the rest of the household. A headphone socket and consideration for potential noise nuisance to neighbours are therefore important. For example, Roland lists two headphone outputs for the FP-30X. The Dutch government points out that local council rules on noise nuisance between neighbours may apply.
You want to learn to play chords and rhythms, so you compare the feel of the keys rather than just the number of sounds. Yamaha lists 88 GHC keys for the P-145, while Roland specifies a PHA-4 Standard keyboard for the FP-30X. You’ll need to try the touch for yourself to see what feels right.
You need to be able to fit the piano into the room or put it away after practising. Compare the dimensions of the piano with the space needed for a bench, stand and pedals. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100, while the Korg LP-380U is a cabinet-style setup with dimensions that include the stand.
Start with the keyboard and the space you’ll need to play comfortably. Then check how you want to practise with headphones and whether extra sounds or accompaniment suit the way you like to practise blues.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising without disturbing others | Check the headphone socket, how comfortable your headphones are and how the piano sounds in the space where you plan to use it. Also consider your living situation and local rules. | If I practise in a shared home, I want to keep the speaker volume down and be considerate of the neighbours. Around 33% of consumers put quiet practice at the top of their list. |
| Touch and chord playing | Try the feel of the keys and their response for yourself; specifications alone can’t tell you which keyboard is right for you. Yamaha Music describes changing chords as part of practising blues progressions. | When practising chord changes, I want to try both gentle and more emphatic playing. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the feel of the keys. |
| Space and setup | Measure the piano and the space needed for a bench, stand and pedals. The dimensions of the piano itself don’t represent the full space needed to play. | If space is limited in my spare room, I want to fit the piano in with enough room for a seat and pedals, or be able to put it away. Space is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Sounds and accompaniment | Check which electric piano or organ sounds and accompaniment features the exact model offers, and whether you’ll use them when practising. | If I want to explore blues sounds or accompaniment as well as playing the piano, I look for features I’ll actually use. Around 20% of consumers put these features at the top of their list. |
The depth of the piano itself doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll need to sit down and use the pedals. Casio lists a depth of 232 mm for the PX-S1100; Korg gives dimensions for the LP-380U that include the stand.
Measure the complete playing area, including space for a seat and access to the pedals, before choosing a portable or fixed model.
A suitable stand, bench or pedal setup may need extra space or may have to be bought separately.
Headphones reduce the sound from the speakers, but that doesn’t automatically mean other people won’t hear the keys or the mechanical sounds of playing.
Try the instrument where you plan to use it and consider your living situation. The Dutch government points out that local council rules on noise nuisance between neighbours may apply.
Yamaha lists Bluetooth audio for the P-145BT. The model name doesn’t mean that the P-145 has the same feature.
Before buying, compare the full model number and the features of the exact version you’re considering.
The portable P series includes models with different features. Compare the P-145 and P-225 by checking the exact model.
The FP-30X is a portable model you can compare for its keyboard and home practice features; the FP-E50 includes features such as interactive accompaniment.
The ES120 is a portable option to consider if you want to explore electric piano and organ sounds as well as piano sounds.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a portable model to consider if the depth of the piano is important.
The LP-380U offers a fixed cabinet-style setup with three pedals as an alternative to a portable piano.
The Joybuy options shown have 61 keys. Check whether that range suits the blues chords you want to practise and the space you have available.
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The product name lists 61 keys; check whether that range suits the exercises you want to play.
The product name also lists 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
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The product name lists 61 keys; check whether that range suits your practice material and playing plans.
The product name lists a MIDI controller, recording function, speakers, metronome and music stand.
Start by practising a I-IV-V progression and work on moving between the chords. Dominant seventh chords are often used in a twelve-bar blues, according to Yamaha Music.
A digital piano doesn’t need regular tuning like an acoustic piano. Yamaha Support explains that digital pianos don’t go out of tune, but you should protect the electronic components from dirt and unsuitable storage conditions.
For a standard online purchase, you generally have a statutory 14-day cancellation period from delivery, subject to legal exceptions, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. The seller is also responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product is faulty. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets says there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period.
There isn’t one playing time that automatically applies to every home. The Dutch government says that noise nuisance between neighbours may be covered by the General Local By-law in many municipalities. Check the relevant local council rules and any rules for your home, and agree arrangements with your neighbours if needed.
