Is 61 keys enough to learn piano?

If you are looking to buy a piano, you are met with a lot of options such as, 25, 49, 61 and 88 key Pianos. For some 61 seems like the right number for many – not too big but not to small, but you may still ask, is 61 keys enough to lean piano?

The short answer is Yes but it depends. Why? Let’s discuss!

Quick Recommendation – Im a music producer and I make beats. This is my favorite No products found.. It’s a midi keyboard that connects to your computer and it works perfectly for me.

Is 61 keys the right amount?

The determining factor regarding wether 61 keys is enough or not is the type of music or musical piece you will be playing.

Today’s modern music that we hear on the radio, tv or youtube is pretty simple in comparison to the western classical music that is taught in earlier music classes (if you took music as a kid you will understand what I’m saying!).

That being said, 61 keys is MORE than enough to play most of these songs.

An Example

For example, when I started making beats, I went from an AKAI 49 key piano to a No products found.. Keep in mind, the beats I make are R&B, Hip Hop and Afrobeat so I didn’t need a 88 key piano because the music isn’t as complex as classical music. Btw… this improved my playing by A LOT. I don’t regret this decision at all!

However, when it comes to classical music, If you are playing a piece, more than likely they will utilize ALL the octaves on the piano because they usually played on an 88 key piano, since that was the standard back then.

61 Keys vs 88 Keys – which one is best?

If you are playing classical music primarily, I would advise getting an No products found..

Let’s go over the Pros and Cons for both keyboard types.

61 Keys 

Pros

  • Perfect size for many
  • Great to learn on
  • Just enough keys to get produce bass notes at the lower octaves
  • Very portable and Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Some models are weighted

Cons

  • Only 61 keys
  • not that wide of a selection

88 Keys

Pros

  • A standard sized piano
  • Access to all octaves
  • Can easily play all kinds of music
  • Great to learn on

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Very Large

Why even go for 61 keys?

When it comes playing piano, 61 key piano’s are a great middle ground. It fits just about anywhere and it’s not overwhelming.

With a 61 key piano, it’s just about enough keys for you to learn great songs and play them well.

Some recommendations

Here are some 61 Piano recommendations that we think you will like:

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… and here is an 88 key piano recommendation just incase!

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So… Is 61 keys enough to learn piano?

Yes, a 61 key keyboard is enough for you to learn piano. It has enough keys and octaves for you to learn some great songs and get better at piano. You can go from beginner to pro with a 61 key keyboard. Take it from me… making the jump from 49 to 61 keys was a leap of faith that I do not regret at all. Im a better piano player all thanks to my 61 key keyboard.

How many keys are you working with and what kind of piano are you using? Let us know in the comments!

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API