How to Use a Yamaha Keyboard
Yamaha is the one of the leaders in electronic keyboards. Yamaha keyboards range from units with 32 keys to full size keyboards with 88 keys. In addition to a traditional piano and organ sounds Yamaha keyboards imitate many other musical instruments. The number of musical sounds depends upon the particular Yamaha keyboard that you are playing. The sounds range from 20 to 200. Yamaha keyboards also have built-in rhythm tracks, making it possible to practice and play with your drummer.
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Instructions
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Read the instruction manual. All Yamaha keyboards are different. Begin by reading the instruction manual to become familiar with the features on your keyboard.
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Turn the keyboard on and begin experimenting. The On button is usually in the back of the keyboard on the left hand side, however, on some keyboards it is located in a different location. Adjust the volume knob so that the volume is at a comfortable level. Experiment with the control knobs. Sounds are produced by manipulating a slider or knob. Look for a window that lists the instrument names. Moving the knob or slider will allow you to select different instrument sounds. There will also be a knob or slider for selecting the rhythm and tempo for the drum tracks.
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Play chords and melodies. If you have a piano background, use your piano skills on the Yamaha keyboard. Set the keyboard to sound like a piano and begin playing. If you are a beginner, purchase piano instructional books and DVDs. A fast strategy is to buy a book with chords and scales. Learn basic chords with scales. Basic chords are major, minor and dominant seven chords.
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Practice playing with different rhythms and tempos. One of the best ways to improve your musical skills is to become fluent in a variety of styles and tempos. Set the rhythm tracks to play different types of rhythms, such as rock, samba, waltzes, jazz, and rhythm and blues. The tempo of the rhythm tracks may be increased or decreased.
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Practice and experiment with different instrument sounds. Choose different instrument sounds, harpsichord, violin, guitar, etc., and practice chords and scales. It is possible on some Yamaha keyboards to play one instrument sound with the left hand and a different instrument sound with the right hand.
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Develop a song repertoire. Work out arrangements for songs that you would like to play. Find the instrument sounds and rhythm tracks that sound best to you.
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Play with other musicians. Playing with other musicians in a band context or in a jam situation will help you develop and sharpen your keyboard skills.
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