When you are in the market to buy a digital piano or a keyboard you will notice that a lot of the options do not have the full range of 88 keys. There are 61-key models, or even 49-key options on the market. So, do you need the full 88 keys to learn how to play the piano?
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88 Keys - The Full Range of Piano
The reason why you might assume that you need 88 keys is that this is the full range of the piano. Most acoustic models of piano come with 88 keys, the piano has been made like this for hundreds of years.
If you want to become a classical musician, you will eventually find that an 88 key digital piano is a must to reach all necessary keys. If you go to see a concerto and watch a virtuoso pianist then they will probably use the full range of the piano, or close to the full range at least. So, is this essential for learning? Can you achieve similar results on a smaller piano?
Learning The Basics
You may already know that the piano is all about patterns. Pianos have repeating sections of 12 notes, known as octaves. The notes A-G repeat along the keyboard. So, when you are learning the basics such as reading piano notes, it doesn’t matter which octaves you are using. As such, it doesn’t matter if you use a 61 note keyboard, you will still be able to learn chords, scales and notes.
Most popular and rock songs won’t use the extremes of the piano’s keyboard. If you don’t want to be a classical musician, it won’t matter too much if you are using a shorter piano range. For beginners starting to learn piano, a small digital piano or keyboard will be suitable.
The Benefits of 88 Keys
88 key digital pianos mean that you have a seven-octave range.
If you have been shopping for 88 keys digital piano in Singapore, you will know that the main alternative on the market is a 61 key model, which provides five octaves instead of seven.
If you have a 61 key keyboard, you may have an octave control for shifting and transposing the notes to either be higher or lower, depending on what you need for the next song. With an 88 key model, you don’t need to worry about this.
Summary - Do I Need 88 Keys?
88 keys might not be essential for beginners. If you are looking for a portable instrument then a 61-key alternative might be a lightweight, smaller option.
An 88 key piano means no limitations on your playing, and most pianists aspire to have the full range of keys, but for beginners, it isn’t necessarily vital.
