Practising chord changes
You want to play chords yourself and hear how an accompaniment style responds to your changes.
Which type of keyboard is right for you?
Repeating and varying patterns
You want to repeat a chord progression, try out accompaniment variations or listen back to a performance.
Practising in a shared room
You have a dedicated workspace and want to practise with suitable headphones rather than using the speakers.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to play chord changes yourself or have a preset progression repeat. Then check the keyboard range, connections and the space available on your desk.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Chord-controlled accompaniment | Check how chord recognition, tempo, start and stop work on the exact model. | If I play chords with my left hand, I want to hear how the backing responds to my changes. Around 36% of consumers prioritise playing chord changes themselves. |
| Repeating patterns | Check whether you can enter chords and what the recording function captures. | I want to be able to repeat a chord progression while practising my timing or variations. Around 29% of consumers prioritise repeatable patterns or listening back to their playing. |
| Practising with headphones | Check the type of socket and whether your headphones or plug will fit. | In a shared room, I want to practise with suitable headphones rather than using the speakers. Around 21% of consumers prioritise taking other people sharing the space into account. |
| Keyboard range and placement | Compare the note range required for your exercises with the number of keys, and measure the available width and depth. | If my exercises include notes outside the range of a 61-key keyboard, I want more room to play without the instrument being too large for my workspace. Around 14% of consumers mainly choose based on keyboard range and practice space. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming lots of rhythms means the accompaniment is right for you
The number of rhythms doesn’t tell you whether the controls suit the chord changes or patterns in your lesson exercise.
Check how styles, tempo and variations work on the exact model, and compare them with a specific pattern you need to practise.
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Using a repeated chord progression to practise chord shapes
A chord sequencer can play chords without you striking them yourself. So it doesn’t give you the same practice as playing chord changes live.
Use live chord-controlled accompaniment when you want to practise the chord shapes yourself. Choose a repeated sequence for exercises where you play over the backing.
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Assuming a similar model has the same specifications
Keyboard range, connections, dimensions and included accessories can vary between versions.
Before buying, check the full model name and the specifications for the exact version.
A different headphone plug or a missing accessory could mean you need to buy something else to use the instrument as planned.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a 61-key model with styles and practice functions; the PSR-EW320 has 76 keys for exercises that require a wider range.
- Yamaha lists 61 touch-sensitive keys and 260 styles for the PSR-E383, and 76 keys and 260 styles for the PSR-EW320.
- These model specifications don’t automatically tell you whether the available styles suit a particular lesson exercise.
Casio
The CT-S300 is worth comparing if you want a keyboard you can take between practice spaces and use with automatic accompaniment.
- Casio lists 61 touch-sensitive keys, 77 rhythms with accompaniment and a weight of 3.3 kg for the CT-S300.
- Check whether this model’s rhythms and controls suit your pattern; features of other Casiotone models can’t be assumed to apply.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth considering if you want to combine chord-controlled accompaniment with a preset chord progression.
- According to Roland’s manual, the chord sequencer can play stored chords with the accompaniment without you striking them live.
- A repeated sequence is no substitute for practising chord shapes yourself.
Korg
The EK-50 is an arranger keyboard to compare if you’re looking for styles, variations and recording functions.
- Korg specifies more than 280 styles, four variations per style and a 12-track sequencer for the EK-50.
- Korg lists dimensions of 994 × 392 mm and a weight of 7.5 kg without a stand or batteries. Check that you have enough workspace and consider how you’ll transport it; these details don’t automatically apply to the EK-50 L.
Joybuy product pick
A Joybuy pick for backing patterns, featuring a model listed with rhythms and a 61-key keyboard.
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MLS-931 digital piano, black, 61 keys, weighted keyboard
With 300 rhythms listed, this model is worth a look for backing patterns; check that the rhythms and controls suit your practice exercise.
The product name lists 61 keys and a weighted keyboard.
It also lists 300 sounds, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start practising chord changes with an accompaniment style?
Choose a suitable style and tempo on the exact model, then check how to switch on chord recognition. Next, play the chord progression yourself with your left hand. Use a chord sequencer only if repeating the accompaniment is your practice goal.
Can I practise with headphones in a shared music room?
Yes, if the model you choose has a suitable headphone socket. Korg specifies a 3.5 mm output for the EK-50, while Yamaha specifies a standard stereo headphone socket for the PSR-E383; check that your plug fits. Headphones won’t silence the mechanical sound of the keys. VeiligheidNL advises paying attention to listening volume.
Are MIDI and a recording of the sound you hear from the keyboard the same thing?
No. Check whether the function handles note data, audio or both. Korg specifies USB-MIDI and a built-in sequencer for the EK-50; USB-MIDI alone doesn’t confirm audio recording over USB. Yamaha specifies a USB audio/MIDI interface for the PSR-E383.
What if a keyboard bought online doesn’t do what the seller promised?
For consumer purchases in the Netherlands, the product must conform to the contract, and the seller is your point of contact if it doesn’t. According to the Government of the Netherlands, the statutory guarantee in the Netherlands has no fixed two-year period. For eligible distance sales, you’re generally also entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to statutory exceptions.