Beginner practising chord changes
Wants to play chords and transitions themselves, with an audible beat or accompaniment and without needing a computer.
Who is this suitable for?
Student in a shared music room
Wants to practise while others are around, so pays attention to the headphone socket and practical setup.
Student who takes their instrument with them
Moves the keyboard between rooms or puts it away after use, so weight, dimensions and power supply all factor into the choice.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Practising in a shared room | Check the connection and plug size for your headphones, and find out whether the sound of the keys is acceptable in the room. | If I practise in a shared room, I want to play through headphones and be mindful of the sound of the keys. Around 36% of consumers prioritise practising without disturbing others. |
| Chord changes and timing | Check whether you can use the metronome while playing the chords yourself. Yamaha lists a metronome for the PSR-E383. | I want to play the chord changes myself and keep time, rather than just hearing automatic accompaniment. Around 29% of consumers give playing chord changes themselves and keeping time their highest priority. |
| Moving and storing the keyboard | Casio lists the CT-S300 as weighing 3.3 kg and measuring 930 × 256 × 73 mm. Also check the power supply for the version you are considering. | If I regularly move the keyboard between rooms, portability and storage matter a lot to me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise moving and storing their keyboard. |
| Key range and space | Korg lists the Liano 88 as having touch-sensitive keys and a width of around 130 cm. Measure the available space and compare its range with the pieces you practise. | I want enough keys to play pieces with a wider range and can make room for them in the music room. Around 14% of consumers give key range and available space their highest priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing automatic chords with practising for yourself
A keyboard can play chord sequences or accompaniment while you play another part. That won’t automatically help you practise the chords and transitions you want to learn yourself.
Before buying, try playing all the chord shapes yourself in the mode you want to use.
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Assuming touch-sensitive keys are the same as weighted piano keys
Korg describes the Liano’s keyboard as a touch-sensitive LS keyboard; this does not, in itself, specify a weighted hammer-action mechanism.
If piano-style key action is a requirement for your lessons, ask for the exact keyboard type.
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Focusing only on the keyboard and forgetting about the setup
A shared room and an instrument you move around mean you need to consider connections, available space and power supply.
Check plug sizes, dimensions, what’s included in the box and the rules for using the room.
Brands to consider
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a standalone 61-key keyboard you can use to compare touch sensitivity, metronome and accompaniment features.
- Yamaha lists touch-sensitive keys, a metronome and accompaniment features for the PSR-E383.
- A 61-key keyboard has a narrower range than an 88-key model. Check the version and included accessories.
Casio
The CT-S300 is worth comparing if you want to take your keyboard with you and practise without a computer.
- Casio lists this model as weighing 3.3 kg, with touch-sensitive keys and battery power. According to the manual, connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers.
- Casio says battery life depends on the type of batteries used and your playing style.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is an option if you want to explore creating your own chord sequences and accompaniment alongside playing for yourself.
- Roland says the GO:KEYS 3 lets you create your own chord sequences.
- That feature alone doesn’t mean you’ll learn chord changes more quickly. Try the controls and practice mode before deciding.
Korg
The Liano is a slim digital piano worth comparing if a wider keyboard range is important to you.
- Korg lists the Liano 88 as having touch-sensitive LS keys and a headphone socket.
- Korg gives its width as around 130 cm. Don’t describe the LS keyboard as having weighted hammer action without further information.
Joybuy products
This Joybuy selection focuses on a standalone 61-key keyboard for practising chords and rhythm in a shared room.
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MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 keys, black
The listed 61 keys and headphone socket are worth considering when practising in a shared room; check that the socket is compatible with your headphones.
The product name lists weighted keys, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
How can you practise chord changes without letting the accompaniment do the work?
Use a metronome to keep time and play the chords yourself. Yamaha lists both a metronome and accompaniment features for the PSR-E383; choose a practice mode that suits what you want to play yourself.
Do you need speakers or a computer in a shared music room?
Not necessarily for the standalone keyboards discussed here. The Casio CT-S300 manual says that connecting headphones switches off the built-in speakers; check the connection and manual for the model you choose.
What should you check about the power supply and accessories?
Compare what’s included in the box with what you need, such as a suitable adapter, headphones or a stand. Casio says the CT-S300’s battery life depends on the type of batteries and your playing style, so don’t assume it will last for a fixed amount of time.
What safety rules apply to a keyboard sold in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, sellers of electrical and electronic equipment must ensure that products comply with the applicable European rules. Which CE rules apply depends on the device and any features such as wireless connections. A CE mark is not an independent quality mark and does not, by itself, prove that an individual item complies.
What can you do if a keyboard bought in the Netherlands develops a fault too soon?
With normal use, you can expect a product to meet reasonable expectations. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for providing a solution; in the Netherlands, there is no single fixed statutory warranty period for every product.