Choosing your or your child’s first piano is more important than you might think. It can greatly impact the quality of the upcoming musical journey. It sets the foundation for your future progress.

One crucial feature that your first piano should have is weighted keys. Weighted keys are what acoustic pianos have. However, many digital pianos today also have weighted keys that resemble the weight of the keys on a real acoustic piano. It makes a big difference to practice on a piano with properly weighted keys, and in this article, we will explore what weighted keys are and why they are so important.

What does it Mean that Piano Keys are Weighted?

Weighted keys are designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano by adding resistance and weight to each key. This resistance creates a more authentic playing experience, closely resembling the touch and responsiveness of traditional pianos. This means that depending on how soft or hard you push each key you can control how loud they will sound.

Which type of weighted piano keys are preferred for beginners and why?

Now, you might think that weighted keys are only important once you reach a higher skill level on the piano and that you or your child are fine learning on a non-weighted keyboard until the interest in continuing to learn the piano has been proven. However, this is certainly not true! Weighted keys are also essential for beginners, and in the following, we will explain why!

Why are Weighted Piano Keys Important?

The Technical Aspect

Develop Proper Technique from the Beginning!

Weighted keys are important for building the correct finger strength and dexterity needed for playing the piano. They help train your hands to maintain proper positioning and posture, which is vital for playing more complex pieces in the future. For example, practising scales and arpeggios on weighted keys helps strengthen each finger individually and improves overall hand agility. The development of strong, agile fingers and proper hand coordination is critical for higher levels of piano playing.

Prevent Bad Habits

Non-weighted keys can lead to poor technique and bad habits, such as playing with insufficient finger strength or improper hand positioning. Weighted keys encourage correct finger movement and control, preventing these bad habits from forming. The size of the key may also be smaller on non weighted keyboards creating confusion when playing on an actual piano.

Learn to Control Dynamics

With weighted keys, you can better control dynamics and expression in your playing. This sensitivity allows you to play softly or loudly depending on how hard you press the keys, leading to a more nuanced and expressive performance.

The Motivational Aspect

Make Learning the Piano More Fun!

Playing on a piano with weighted keys gives a more realistic and nuanced experience of what it is like to play the piano making it more enjoyable and motivating. A feeling a non-weighted keyboard just cannot provide! The tactile feedback and realistic touch make practice sessions more satisfying and engaging, for both young and adult piano players – enhancing the overall learning experience, and increasing the chances of staying engaged in the learning process. Playing on a toy-like piano or a keyboard with keys that are not properly weighted can be very demotivating for learning the piano – it may even stop you or your child from enjoying it and wanting to continue.

The Long-Term Aspect

Get Ready for Future Acoustic Pianos

Starting with weighted keys on a digital piano ensures that transitioning to an acoustic piano later on will be easier. The resistance and response of weighted keys prepare you for the feel of an acoustic piano, making future adjustments smoother and less frustrating.

Be Prepared for Piano Exams

A piano with properly weighted keys ensures that you or your child have the best possible prerequisites to prepare for and complete any piano exam with good results. At face-to-face in-person ABRSM or Trinity piano exams, the piano you get to perform on will always be acoustic.

Quality, Longevity and Resale Value

Pianos with weighted keys are typically made from better materials and exhibit higher build quality. This means they are more durable and capable of withstanding regular use. Investing in a piano with weighted keys is a commitment to a durable, long-lasting instrument. Pianos with weighted keys generally retain their value better than non-weighted ones. If you ever decide to upgrade, a well-maintained piano with weighted keys will have a higher resale value.

Common Concerns When Buying a Piano

Weight and Transport

Although weighted key pianos can be heavier, many portable digital pianos offer this feature while remaining relatively lightweight and easy to transport. If you do go for an acoustic piano remember to have it tuned in regularly.

About tuning:

Don’t tune an acoustic piano right after it has been moved. It might be a waste of money because a piano needs to settle into new surroundings concerning temperature, humidity and more. It’s recommended to tune an acoustic piano 2-8 weeks after it has been moved, and then at least twice a year afterwards – preferably 2-3 weeks after the heating is turned on in the winter and again 2-3 weeks after it has been turned off in the summer giving the piano time to acclimatize to the new conditions.

Cost Considerations

While pianos with weighted keys may be more expensive initially, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. Pianos with weighted keys provide a more authentic playing experience and build a stronger foundation, making them worth the investment. However, you don’t have to start with the most expensive piano imaginable. There are many good and affordable options for everyone. See below some of the pianos we recommend for beginners.

Recommended Pianos for Beginners

Key Takeaways

Choosing a piano with weighted keys for your first instrument is super important for developing proper technique, enhancing musicality, and building a solid foundation for future progress. The benefits of weighted keys far outweigh any initial cost concerns, and there are many reasonably priced pianos available with both acceptable quality and weighted keys ideal for beginners to ensure a more enjoyable and effective learning journey. See our list of Recommended Pianos for Beginners above.

Written by Ida Riegels

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Keyboard/Piano Without Weighted Keys!