Anyone can be a musician. No matter where you are on your musical journey, GO:KEYS keyboards will meet you there. Whether this is your first instrument or you’re adding keys to your musical repertoire, learn some tips and tricks for your first 90 minutes with GO:KEYS.
Getting Started
Starting a new instrument can be intimidating, but thanks to GO:KEYS’ streamlined design, user-friendly controls, and touch-sensitive keyboard, it’s easy to sit down and start playing. And with over a thousand sounds to choose from, you’ll always have fresh inspiration.
GO:KEYS 3 and 5 are user-friendly and fun, especially for beginners. One of the standout features is the Arranger function, which allows you to create entire tracks with just a few simple steps. Learn how to navigate the key features that will jumpstart your journey to creating your own music.
Set It Up
First, set up your keyboard. Either plug it in using the provided power supply, or it can run on AA batteries. Press the power button, and the display will light up. This keyboard has built-in speakers, so you don’t need additional equipment to start. If you’re not ready for others to hear you yet, just plug in headphones.
In the Background: Arranger
The Arranger function provides backing tracks for various music styles and genres, with four variations each. A backing track often contains a rhythm section and other accompaniment parts that you can play along to.
Scroll through the different styles and press the play button to hear them. You can try the different variations using the F1-F4 buttons under the screen. Adjust the tempo by pressing the tempo button and turning the dial.
You can also explore step-by-step guides that dive deeper into creating hip-hop, pop, or R&B songs using the Arranger function.
Adding Melody: Tones
The melody, or lead, is the part of the song you’d usually sing or hum. To pick a sound for the melody:
- Press a Tone button, like piano, strings, and synth.
- Press [f3] to view a tone list and use the left/right arrows to change Tone categories.
- Once you find the Tone you like, press/hold the Tone category button to save the sound to that button.
Switch It Up: Variations and Muting
If you want to enhance your track, try a different variation. Each button under the screen will change the complexity of the backing tracks and play a fill to transition between each one. You can also decide how much of the backing you want.
Press the Mute button and then push the buttons under the screen to “mute” or “un-mute” the drums, bass, and rhythm instruments. This lets you shape your song in real time, like creating an instant breakdown with just the drums.
Be Dynamic: Effects
Another way to customize a track is by adding Effects, like Filter, Flanger, Phaser, or Delay. Effects are a great way to keep your music dynamic and exciting. You can customize the amount of Effect applied to make a dramatic or subtle change.
Putting It Together
Once you feel comfortable, try playing a melody over your backing track. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and have fun with your music. Learning a new instrument takes time and patience, so don’t get discouraged if it is initially challenging. Play regularly, and you’ll see improvement. Remember, making music should be fun! Experiment with different songs and styles to keep things interesting.
