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Keyboards and synthesizers work great as support instruments in a band. Learn how to use keyboards as a backing instrument, including how to follow a melody, harmonize with vocals and other instruments, and play beats, in this free series of music lesson videos.
There are 15 videos in this series:
In modern rock music, keyboards are typically used as backing instruments to help fill out empty space in a song. Learn more about using keyboards as support instruments in this free music video lesson.
Pad sounds, played on a keyboard, are used to fill out empty spaces in a song. Learn how to use synth pads when playing the keyboard as a backing instrument in this free music lesson video.
Following a melody with keyboards and synthesizers can help emphasize the melody. Learn how to play along with melodies on a keyboard in this free music lesson video.
Keyboards and synthesizers can be used to harmonize vocals and provide background and support to a song. Learn how to harmonize vocals with a keyboard in this free music lesson video.
Get tips on harmonizing with different instruments and melody lines using a keyboard in this free music lesson video on using keyboards and synthesizers as backing instruments.
The keyboard has many different functions that allow you to reproduce the sound of an actual instrument using an artificial sound. Learn how to replicate an instrument with keyboards in this free music lesson video.
Keyboards can be used to replicate the sound of a bass guitar. Learn how in this free music lesson video on using keyboards and synthesizers as backing instruments.
Playing beats on keyboards can help emphasize the rhythm of a song. Learn how to play a beat with keyboards in this free music lesson video.
Creating syncopation with a keyboard involves playing notes on the off-beats. Learn how to play syncopated rhythms on keyboards in this free music lesson video.
Flourishes are musical touches that stand out in a song and catch the listener's attention. Learn how to create flourishes using a keyboard in this free music lesson video.
Get tips on playing chords with a keyboard, and how to use keyboards as a support instrument in a song, in this free music lesson video.
When playing the keyboard, add intricacies that follow along with the correct chords and rhythms. Learn how in this free music lesson video.
When playing keyboard as a support instrument, adjust your volume so that it doesn't overpower other instruments in the band. Learn how in this free music lesson video on how to play keyboard as a backing instrument.
Get tips on how to find the right sounds for a variety of music genres when playing keyboards and synthesizers as backing instruments in this free music lesson video.
When playing a keyboard as a backing instrument, it's important to determine when the keyboard is appropriate and when it isn't. Learn how to place backup keyboard sounds in this free music lesson video.
Because of its creative uses of verbal and written communication, music is one of the most interesting forms of expression that exists in the world today. Whether the rhythmic arranging of tones and melodies developed in conjunction with spoken language is still unknown; nonetheless, music is unique in that it facilitates a special conversation between the musician and the audience that exceeds mere words. Music creates a connection between people that is not limited by time, distance, or relationship; a song can speak to anyone, anywhere. That’s why music continually changes and grows, is still loved and still proliferates. Music is a living language.
Now that you know the power of the music, in this free video series, learn how to play a synthesizer. Analog synthesizers are synthesizers that use analog circuits and computer techniques to produce an electronic sound that is often heard in music composition. The first analog synthesizers (or synths) were derived from analog computers and involved other electronic modules such as oscillators, filters, amplifiers and generators that were connected by patch cables. Later, all-in-one synthesizers simplified the set-up and made synthesizers more portable and easier to use. Analog synthesizers were slowly replaced by digital components, but in the 1990’s, a revival of the analog synths prevailed.
In this free video tutorial you'll get tips on how to use synth keyboards as backing instruments in a band, including how to use synth pads, how to harmonize vocals, instruments and keyboards, how to replicate various instruments, and how to find the right keyboard sound to accompany the other sounds in your music.
Ben Anderson Ben Anderson has been playing piano, keyboards, and synthesizers for almost all his life. He took lessons as a young child and took easily to music. Performing with the stage name “Ben Tyler,” he has entertained many audiences in a variety of venues – from intimate clubs to enormous outdoor festivals with thousands in attendance. <P> While classically trained, Ben is also adept at improvisation and experimental writing. He also pays special attention to the equipment he uses, and recognizes that equipment plays a vital role in creating a sound. When performing, Ben uses a multi-component rig with two keyboards, an additional synth box, and a “key-tar.” <P> Ben’s tips will help beginner keyboard players learn the basics of the instrument and the possibilities of its range, and guide intermediate and advanced players in refining their skills and broadening their knowledge.dkdk
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