The piano and keyboard are extremely similar. However, which one is harder to play, and which one is harder to learn to play?
The piano is harder to learn and play than the keyboard because it is larger and more complex. The keyboard is smaller than a piano, making it easier to learn how to play. Many keyboard players plan to play the piano after they can proficiently play the keyboard.
Keep reading to learn more about how hard it is to play and learn to play each of these instruments.
Basic Differences between Piano and Keyboard
The piano and keyboard may seem similar at first, but they have some fundamental differences. The most apparent differences are the physical appearance and size of the instruments. Pianos are large, heavy, and have 88 keys, while keyboards are small, light, and can have anywhere from 25 to 88 keys. Pianos have hammers that hit the strings in order to make them produce sound, whereas keyboards have electronic sound generators.
The touch and feel of the piano and keyboard keys are also different. Pianos have weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, while keyboards have either semi-weighted or unweighted keys. Pianos are also much more expensive than keyboards.
The musical genres that keyboards and pianos are found in are different. The piano is more commonly used in classical, jazz, and pop music, while keyboards are often used in electronic, rock, and pop music.
The Complexity of Piano and Keyboard Playing Techniques
In order to play the piano or keyboard, you have to use certain techniques. The techniques used to play the piano are generally considered more complex than the ones used while playing the keyboard. Due to the weighted keys and the mechanism used to produce sound, playing the piano requires more finger strength and control. Piano players must also master techniques such as hand independence, pedaling, and dynamic control to create a rich and expressive sound.
In contrast, playing the keyboard requires less finger strength and control due to the lighter, unweighted keys. However, keyboard players need to master techniques such as pitch bending, vibrato, and modulation. These techniques are essential for creating a range of electronic sounds.
How Long Does it Take to Learn How to Play the Piano vs the Keyboard?
It takes around 6 to 7 months to play the piano at a beginner level if you have no prior experience. It typically takes about 3 to 5 years for somebody to reach an intermediate level of proficiency playing the piano. It typically takes 10 to 15 years to be able to play at the professional level.
It takes a similar amount of time to learn how to play the keyboard. However, most adults can learn how to play this instrument within 6 months.
Because keyboards don’t often have dampener pedals and can’t produce the same range of sounds as an acoustic piano, some techniques that would otherwise require studying (legato, half-pedaling, preliminary and simultaneous pedaling) can be ignored. This will allow you to learn how to play the keyboard faster than a piano. However, if your keyboard has pedals, it will take just as long for you to learn how to play the keyboard as it will for you to learn how to play the piano.
Please take a look at our article What Age Should You Start Keyboard Lessons to find out the best starting age to begin taking lessons on the keyboard. You might be surprised at the starting age.
Cost and Accessibility of Piano and Keyboard
One of the most significant differences between the piano and keyboard is their cost and accessibility. Pianos are generally more expensive than keyboards, with a new piano costing anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, pianos require regular tuning and maintenance, which can add to the overall cost.
In contrast, keyboards are much more affordable, with prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some keyboards are as cheap as $50. They also require less maintenance than pianos and are generally more portable, making them easier to transport and store.
Accessibility is also a significant factor to consider. Pianos require a dedicated space and can be challenging to move, while keyboards are much more accessible and can be played virtually anywhere.
Which is Harder to Learn and Play?
The piano is generally considered more complex and challenging than the keyboard due to its size, weight, and the playing techniques used. However, the piano offers a more versatile and expressive sound that is well-suited for classical, jazz, and pop music.
The keyboard, on the other hand, is generally more accessible, affordable, and easier to learn. While it may not offer the same level of expressiveness as the piano, the keyboard is well-suited for electronic, rock, and pop music and offers a wide range of electronic sounds and effects.
A keyboard may also be slightly easier to learn how to play thanks to the myriad number of apps and playback features available for them. Oftentimes, keyboards offer interactive lessons that give immediate feedback to the player. They also can play songs while you play so as to provide you with a chance to practice popular music in a fun, engaging way.
Keyboards also often have fewer keys than pianos, which makes them easier to play and more compact.
However, the range of musical expression available on a keyboard is limited when compared to the piano due to its digital nature, especially cheaper keyboards. Some people may also strongly dislike the weightless feel of a keyboard. Many people prefer the feedback that heavier piano keys provide.
Ultimately, it takes about the same amount of time to learn how to play the keyboard and piano, as they are similar instruments. Which one you choose to play will vary depending on your personal preferences, musical goals, and budget.
If you are an adult and would like to learn the keyboard then first check out this informative article: How Long Does It Take To Learn Keyboard For Adults
Regardless of which instrument you choose to play, both the piano and keyboard require time, effort, and dedication to learn and master. With regular practice and a solid foundation in music theory and playing techniques, you can become a skilled pianist or keyboard player and enjoy the beauty and joy of making music.