Guitarist looking to learn keyboard

[serpent561]

I've been playing guitar for a few years now and I recently got interested in playing the keyboard. I'd like to play piano and synth but it doesn't look like there is any cheap way for me to learn piano. All the advice I got was to get a keyboard with weighted action and the only ones I found with weighter action are upwards of 400 dollars. Would it be detrimental to my learning if I just got like a 61-key midi controller and learned to play on that?

[NoahZark]

The short answer (at least IMHO) is "yes," but it really depends on what you're ultimately trying to do with the keyboard. If your goal is to really learn to play piano, I would strongly recommend an 88-key weighted action board, even if it means saving up until you have enough to buy one. (For that matter, I'd recommend getting a real acoustic piano, because, as good as the digitals have gotten, there's still no substitute for the real thing.) If, however, you just want to play with different synth sounds, create MIDI sequences, etc., a 61-key synth action controller is a perfectly functional tool for that purpose.

 

Welcome to the Forum!

 

Noah

[serpent561]

Thanks for the advice.

But if I get a midi controller just so screw around with synths and learn some basic theory on it, would I ultimately be able to make the transition to piano easily later on when I decide to get a decent piano or digital piano? I'm still not sure whether I will take to the instrument and I would prefer not to spend too much if I will just give it up.

[ProfD]

Your approach of learning to play on the least expensive keyboard makes sense. If/when you become serious about playing piano/keyboard, you will make the investment of time (teacher) and money (keyboard).

 

Otherwise, this endeavor can become a seriously expensive hobby. Search the threads. You'll see. Good luck and welcome.

 

 

[rdownton]

I'm a guitar player who made the transition over to keyboards and my only regret is why I didn't start earlier (it's been 8 years now). I tried playing around with a midi controller at the start and although it gave me a taste it wasn't effective for learning on. Getting an acoustic piano was a major turning point. Personally as someone who's made (or making, depending on your perspective) the transition I would definitely try to get a used acoustic piano or a weighted keyboard. I also found that investing time in learning theory has helped my guitar playing too. I just love it !!!!

[kanker.]

if I will just give it up.

Sound like you already have.

[kwgm]

Thanks for the advice.

But if I get a midi controller just so screw around with synths and learn some basic theory on it, would I ultimately be able to make the transition to piano easily later on when I decide to get a decent piano or digital piano? I'm still not sure whether I will take to the instrument and I would prefer not to spend too much if I will just give it up.

 

Sure, you can learn much this way--notes, chords, reading music, synthesizer techniques, midi, etc.

 

The only thing you won't learn is piano technique. This is important, and if you like playing keyboards, you'll need to add this later, but watch that you don't develop too many bad habits in the mean time. This is when you'll need a good digital keyboard with a simulated piano action.

 

A teacher is the best way to learn technique, unless you happen to be a keyboard genius and can figure it all out yourself.

 

You can learn much of what's available on keyboard technology and products from this forum, as well as others like Harmony Central. Consider getting a Keyboard magazine subscription--you'll learn an awful lot from reading a year's worth of these.

 

You can learn all about midi and all the other digital studio concepts in other places, like Tweak's Guide (tweakheadz.com) or Sound on Sound (SOS).