Practising left-hand patterns independently
You want to repeat bass notes or chords yourself, so you need a suitable keyboard range and responsive keys. Yamaha and Korg describe relevant models as having touch-sensitive keys.
Who is this relevant for?
Practising in a shared home
You want to practise while other people are at home, so you’re looking for a suitable headphone socket and need to consider noise agreements. Casio says that the built-in speakers on the CT-S400 switch off when you connect headphones; the Dutch government advises agreeing on noise levels if neighbours may be affected.
Making room for an instrument in the loft
You need to fit both the instrument and your playing area, including a chair and music stand, into the available space. Yamaha gives the P-145BT’s width as 1,326 mm.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, compare the range of the pieces you practise with the keyboard. Then decide whether you mainly want to play independently, practise with a metronome, or use rhythms and accompaniment too.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Playing independently and keyboard range | Compare the lowest and highest notes in the pieces you practise with the model’s range; also check whether the keys are touch-sensitive. | If I want to play left-hand patterns myself, I need to be able to reach the notes I need; around 33% of consumers prioritise playing patterns independently. |
| Quiet practice | Check the headphone socket, plug size and any agreements that apply in your home. | When other people are at home, I want to plan my practice sessions so they’re disturbed as little as possible; around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice. |
| Space for your set-up | Measure the available playing area and compare it with the instrument’s dimensions; remember to allow room for a chair and music stand. | If my loft has limited space, the complete set-up needs to fit and be easy to put away; around 20% of consumers focus mainly on the space available. |
| Rhythm and accompaniment | Decide whether you want a metronome, rhythm or chord-based accompaniment; check which features the model offers. | If I like practising patterns with a rhythm or extra accompaniment, I want to be able to use those features without confusing them with playing independently; around 20% of consumers prioritise rhythm and accompaniment. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
-
Confusing automatic accompaniment with playing independently
Accompaniment can add extra parts or respond to chords. That’s different from practising the left-hand notes yourself.
Decide in advance which notes you want to play yourself, and check how the metronome, split function and accompaniment work separately.
-
Confusing touch sensitivity with weighted piano keys
Touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically tell you how the keys work. According to Korg, the Liano has 88 touch-sensitive keys; this doesn’t mean the instrument has a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
Compare the specified key action of the exact model, not just the number of keys.
-
Measuring only the width of the keyboard
You’ll also need space for a seat and, if required, a music stand. Accessories supplied vary by model.
Measure the whole playing area and check which accessories are included with that version.
Also check whether you need a suitable stand, chair or music stand for your set-up.
Brands to compare
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 is a compact keyboard option; the P-145BT is an 88-key digital piano.
- Yamaha describes the PSR-E383 as having practice and accompaniment features, along with 61 touch-sensitive keys.
- According to Yamaha, the P-145BT is 1,326 mm wide. These features don’t necessarily apply to other Yamaha instruments.
Casio
The Casiotone CT-S400 is worth considering if you want to compare rhythmic patterns and practice features for its built-in songs.
- Casio lists 200 rhythmic patterns and the option to select the left- or right-hand part for built-in songs.
- This song feature doesn’t mean that every left-hand pattern you choose yourself is available as a separate lesson.
Korg
The EK-50 is a 61-key keyboard option with practice and accompaniment features; the Liano is an 88-key option.
- Korg lists a split function, metronome, styles, a 3.5 mm headphone socket, and a mains adaptor and music stand included with the EK-50.
- According to Korg, the Liano’s touch-sensitive keys don’t indicate that it has a weighted hammer-action keyboard.
Roland
The GO:KEYS 3 is worth comparing if you want to create and play chord patterns.
- Roland describes the GO:KEYS 3 as having a chord sequencer and an app for creating your own patterns.
- Playing back a chord pattern is no substitute for practising the left hand independently. Roland says you need a free Roland account to access ready-made patterns.
Joybuy product
A Joybuy pick for practising independently on a compact 61-key keyboard.
No image available
MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
The 61 keys and listed metronome make this model suitable for practising patterns independently; check that the notes in your pieces fall within its range.
The product name lists 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a music stand.
The product description lists a headphone socket and automatic bass chords. Check whether that accompaniment suits the way you want to practise.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need automatic accompaniment to practise left-hand patterns?
No, not if you want to play the notes yourself. You can use a metronome to keep time; choose accompaniment if you also want to play along with rhythms or extra parts.
Does using headphones make practising in the loft completely silent?
Not necessarily. Casio says that connecting headphones to the CT-S400 switches off the built-in speakers; this doesn’t mean that the keys can’t be heard elsewhere when you press them. The Dutch government advises agreeing on noise levels if neighbours may be affected.
Which accessories and connections should you check before setting up?
Check the power supply, music stand, any pedal connection and the headphone plug for the specific version. Korg lists a mains adaptor and music stand included with the EK-50, along with a 3.5 mm headphone socket.
What are your rights in the Netherlands regarding guarantees and the cooling-off period for online purchases?
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, a product must meet the expectations you were entitled to have; the seller is responsible if it doesn’t. For many online distance purchases, the Dutch government says you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms that apply to your specific purchase.