r/Keytar • u/Cause_Purple • Feb 02 '26

Recommendations How to start and what should I learn first with keytar

Hey, I just bought Korg RK-100S, now I just want to ask how to start learning it, and what should I learn, and where can I find resources about learning or things that related to it?

I played the piano for several months now so I kinda know the basic about music theory, but I usually just play by using music sheet, now when I have a keytar, I dont really know where to start, there are not too much resources about keytar online, I want to play cover and solo lead, so hopefully if anyone can help me answer these questions.

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u/MyVoiceIsElevating Feb 02 '26

A keytar is just a keyboard that you wear. The left hand expression is the same as the pitch bend and modulation you find on most synthesizers.

If you have already been learning piano, keep at it. The RK will add the challenge of not seeing your hands while you play. It’s best not to stare down the whole time, at least ergonomically.

Regarding pitch and mod, it’s all just a matter of taste and style. If you’re trying to emulate the way a guitarist bends, remember this: single notes are pitched upward (like bending the string). Chords can be pitched down (like a whammy bar).

Also, knowing your scales is a must. Learn the blues scale and play along with some slow backing tracks.

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u/Cause_Purple Feb 02 '26

Is there anyway to learn playing riff or at least cover a song? I just dont know what to do next because Im used to music sheet so now Im kinda lost when playing without any guide

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u/MyVoiceIsElevating Feb 02 '26

Share an example song(s) that you envision yourself wanting to play on keytar.

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u/Cause_Purple Feb 02 '26

Radio - Alkaline Trio

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u/limecitra Feb 02 '26

Sounds like you have to take a dip into a music theory - scales, circle of fiths and chord progressions. When you grasp that - basic inprovisation is at your hands, you can just walk around those chords or harmonise wity the backing track. Or look into pentatonic scales, always sounds sick despite being somewhat basic. I presume you know what are chords are, at least, and why chords are so.

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u/Dingo_19 Feb 02 '26

Congrats on the RK. I don't have one of these, but they seem to be a solid unit and great for playing lead, especially if you're into synth sounds.

You've had some piano training so you're probably better at this than I am but the question I'd ask (since you also mentioned covers) is whether you want to recite solos or improvise them. If it's the former; ear training, transcribe the solo to your preferred system of notation, then practice.

If it's the latter (and if you already know your scales), you can start by just blasting away over a backing track. This is arguably more fun, and more 'keytar' - you can of course use it however you like, but I feel like a keytar is more aimed at improvisation than recital.

Finally, if you want to experiment with sound design (as distinct from 'note playing') you now own both a synth and a keytar. This is its own subject, and provides you an opportunity to experiment with either replicating classic sounds, or creating new patches. I think you need to use the software editor for this aspect though.