Practising left-hand parts yourself
You want to play bass notes or chord patterns yourself and work on your timing, rather than simply starting an accompaniment style. Yamaha lists a metronome for the PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320.
Who is this for?
Practising with accompaniment
You use left-hand chords to control automatic accompaniment while playing with your right hand. Korg and Roland describe models where left-hand chords control the accompaniment.
Playing in a shared rehearsal space
You need to be able to set up or transport the instrument, and know in advance how to listen or connect it. Casio lists the dimensions of the CT-S300, while Korg specifies separate audio outputs for the EK-50.
What should you look for?
Playing left-hand patterns yourself
Best for: practising bass notes, chord changes and timing yourself.
Consider: check that the keyboard range suits the parts you play; touch sensitivity alone doesn’t mean the keys are weighted.
Using chords to control accompaniment
Best for: playing left-hand chords while automatic accompaniment takes care of the rest.
Consider: an accompaniment style isn’t the same as playing every bass note or rhythmic figure yourself.
If you’re looking to practise left-hand patterns in a rehearsal space, your choice will largely depend on what you want to practise most. Each row highlights one key consideration.
| Consideration | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing yourself and working on timing | Check the keyboard range, touch sensitivity and whether the model has a metronome. Touch sensitivity doesn’t automatically mean the keys are weighted. | I want to play the bass notes myself and practise my timing; around 36% of consumers put practising independently first. |
| Chord-controlled accompaniment | See how to enter chords, start a style and adjust the tempo. | If I want to change left-hand chords while a style plays the rest, these controls matter more; around 29% of consumers prioritise chord-controlled accompaniment. |
| Positioning and transport | Measure the available width and depth, and check what power supply you need. | I need the keyboard to fit in my rehearsal space and be easy to transport; around 21% of consumers say positioning and transport are their main considerations. |
| Listening and connecting | Check the type of headphone or audio output, and which cable or adaptor works with your equipment. | If I want to practise quietly or connect to the equipment available, I’ll check the output first; around 14% of consumers make connecting and listening their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing automatic accompaniment with playing left-hand patterns yourself
Korg and Roland describe accompaniment that responds to left-hand chords. That’s different from playing the bass notes or rhythmic figures yourself.
Decide in advance whether you want to control the accompaniment with chords or practise every note yourself. For the latter, try playing your own part across the keyboard range you’re considering.
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Comparing only the number of keys
Models can also differ in width and depth. For example, Yamaha lists the PSR-EW320 as 1.148 mm wide, while Casio lists the CT-S300 as 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
Measure the space available, including room for the controls and connections, and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model.
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Assuming a headphone output is the same as separate audio outputs
The PHONES/OUTPUT connections mentioned here and the separate L/MONO and R outputs on the Korg EK-50 are not the same type of connection.
Check which input the rehearsal room equipment has and what type of output the keyboard offers. Don’t assume there are separate left and right outputs unless they’re listed.
Relevant brands for left-hand patterns
Yamaha
The PSR-E383 and PSR-EW320 offer different keyboard ranges for practising left-hand patterns yourself.
- Yamaha lists touch sensitivity and a metronome for both models; the PSR-E383 has 61 keys and the PSR-EW320 has 76.
- According to Yamaha, the PSR-EW320 is 1.148 mm wide. Measure the space available before choosing the larger range.
Casio
The CT-S300 is a portable option worth comparing if space is limited.
- Casio Netherlands lists the CT-S300’s dimensions as 930 × 256 × 73 mm.
- Check which features and accessories are included with the specific listing; the dimensions alone won’t tell you whether the model suits the part you’re practising.
Korg
The EK-50 is worth comparing if you want to use left-hand chords for automatic accompaniment and are also considering the connections.
- Korg describes accompaniment that can be controlled with a left-hand chord or a single finger. According to Korg, the model has a metronome, split function and separate audio outputs.
- The listed dimensions are 994 × 392 mm without the music rest. The accompaniment description comes from the manufacturer and doesn’t tell you how well it suits the part you’re playing.
Roland
The E-X10 is worth comparing if you want to control automatic accompaniment with your left hand.
- Roland describes the E-X10 as having left-hand-controlled automatic accompaniment, a recording function and a metronome.
- The manufacturer’s description doesn’t assess whether the keyboard and connections suit the part you’re practising or your rehearsal space.
Joybuy products
These Joybuy picks are 61-key keyboards for practising left-hand patterns yourself. For each model, check that the range, features and connections suit the part you’re practising and your rehearsal setup.
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MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys
An option if you’re looking for a 61-key instrument to practise left-hand parts yourself; check that your part fits within its range.
The product name lists a weighted keyboard, 300 tones, 300 rhythms, an LCD screen, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.
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Black 61-key keyboard with MIDI and music stand
This 61-key keyboard could suit practising left-hand patterns; check that your part fits within its range.
The product name lists MIDI, a recording function, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can automatic accompaniment help if you need to learn a bass pattern note by note?
Automatic accompaniment can help you practise chord changes and playing along with a style. If you need to play the bass notes yourself, check that they fit within the keyboard range and practise them with a metronome, for example; the accompaniment won’t play those notes for you.
What should you check when setting up in a rehearsal room?
Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Also check what power supply it needs and whether the audio connection is compatible with your headphones or the equipment in the room.
Can you practise your left hand separately using built-in lesson features?
That depends on the model’s features and exercises. Yamaha describes separate left-hand exercises for the PSR-EW320, while Casio lists a left/right-hand selection for built-in songs on the CT-S300. Check whether the available exercises or songs cover the pattern you want to learn.
As a Dutch consumer, do you need to buy extra cover for a keyboard?
Not automatically. According to the Dutch government, when you buy as a consumer you’re entitled to a product that meets reasonable expectations, and there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. Extra cover is most relevant if its terms offer something more; if there’s a fault, contact the seller.
Is a CE marking enough to tell whether a keyboard suits your practice needs?
No. A CE marking doesn’t assess the keyboard range or whether it’s suitable for your patterns. According to Your Europe, the marking is only required for products covered by applicable harmonised EU rules; check the product information and the required marking for the specific listing.