If a 49 key piano or keyboard is the only option you have available to you or all you can afford, then it will serve you well. However, there are some compelling reasons to consider different sizes of pianos if that is an option.
The rationale for this is explored throughout this article.
How Many Keys Can Pianos Have?
Pianos come in different sizes and they also vary in the number of keys they contain. Nowadays, the most common number of keys in a piano is 88, with 52 white keys and 36 black keys.
This is typically seen in Grand Pianos and has been deemed the standard since the 1880s for the reason that it allows composers and piano enthusiasts to explore a wider range in their music.
Although 88 keys are the norm, it’s not the only option available in the market. The smallest number of keys is seen in digital keyboard types. The starting number is 32 keys, followed by 36, 49, 54, 61, 66, 72, and 76, which are all keyboard types. This is then followed by standard pianos and grand pianos, with 88 keys.
Pianos having more than 88 keys are considered rare but are not entirely impossible to exist. Those with 92 and 97 keys are seen in some Grand Pianos, and the maximum number of keys is said to be 108, which was just recently developed in 2018.
Here is a full chart that shows the number of piano keys in ascending order, including the number of white and black keys in each.
| Piano Type | Number of Keys | White Keys | Black Keys |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 32 | 19 | 13 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 36 | 21 | 15 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 49 | 29 | 20 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 54 | 32 | 22 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 61 | 36 | 25 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 66 | 39 | 27 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 72 | 43 | 29 |
| Keyboard/Synthesizer | 76 | 45 | 31 |
| Grand/Standard Piano | 88 | 52 | 36 |
| Rare Grand Piano | 92 | 54 | 38 |
| Rare Grand Piano | 97 | 57 | 40 |
| Rarest Grand Piano | 108 | 63 | 45 |
Factors to consider when choosing a piano-Size
Level Of Experience
Pianos with 66 keys or lesser are ideal for beginners who aim to learn how to play the piano. A 76-key piano is enough to play the music that requires more than 4 octaves but less than 6 octaves. A piano with 88 keys, on the other hand, is the standard and also the only size that allows pianists to play traditional music.
To summarize, pianos with 76 keys or fewer have their boundaries, while those with 88 keys and above are considered limitless.
Space And Convenience
It is understandable that the more keys a piano has, the bulkier and heavier it is. This makes space a vital factor in considering what piano-size you should purchase. If you have a small bedroom or apartment, and size is of significance, then the size of your piano matters.
Future Vision
If you are satisfied with just simply learning about the basics of learning a piano, 66 keys and less is ideal for you. But if you envision yourself playing advanced solos and compositions which require more than 4 octaves but won’t exceed 6 octaves, then a 76-key piano is a clear choice. However, if you plan on performing and playing both modern and traditional music, then an 88-key or more piano is the perfect choice for you. This allows you to play almost every type of composition there is since most composers and musicians use the standard 88-key pianos.
Pros and Cons of A 49-key Piano
Pros of A 49-key Piano
- Easier For Beginners
Keyboards with a smaller number of keys are easier for beginners to get started with. This way, you won’t get too overwhelmed by the number of keys. You can start learning with basic notes and melodies until you get the hang of it.
A piano is made with repeating sets of notes, and as long as you’re able to play a few sets, you will find 49 keys plenty enough, to begin with. A smaller number of keys in a piano allows you to reach less with your arms. This means that your hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders are less strained because narrower pianos equate to lesser stretching, which is what makes it a great choice for beginners.
- More Portable And Don’t Take Up Much Space
The number of keys a piano has can affect its size. Naturally, pianos with a smaller number of keys tend to be smaller in size, as compared to those with more keys. If you purchase a 49-key piano, it will be easier for you to carry it around elsewhere aside from the fact that it will not take up too much space in your room.
- Budget-Friendly And Inexpensive
If you’re still a beginner and on a tight budget, it is best to choose a piano with a reasonable price to get started with. 49-key pianos are cheaper than those with 61 keys and above, and you’ll still be able to learn basic scales and melodies.
Cons of a 49-key Piano
- Limited Range And Number Of Songs Could Be Played
Naturally, pianos with a fewer number of keys have their limitations. You wouldn’t be able to play some of your favorite songs or music in the long run because you’ll find the keys lacking. Although it is a good option for beginners, in reality, you can only play so much. You wouldn’t have the freedom to explore more on different music because your piano will hinder you from doing so.
- Not Practical For Long-Term Use
49-key pianos are replaceable. If you are dedicated to playing and learning the piano extensively, there will always come a time when you have to upgrade to a better-sized piano with more keys. As you improve, you will find 49-keys too little and too limiting. Basically, 49-keys is not for long-term use. It may be a good option if you’re just getting started, but it’s not practical in the long run.
- Hard To Adjust When You Upgrade To A Bigger Size
Your fingers become accustomed to narrow key width when you practice on a 49-key piano, and you’ll soon find it difficult to unlearn and relearn when you move to a standard piano. It will be difficult to adjust to more octaves when you are used to having small-scale ones.
Is It Hard To Adjust To A Different Size Piano?
The majority of pianists who have experience playing various-sized keyboards can practically adapt effortlessly to any piano size. Difficulties may be encountered during the beginning of the transition from upgrading or downgrading from the number of piano keys.
For instance, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of keys an 88-key piano has coming from a 49-key piano. However, this is easy to overcome with familiarization, constant effort, and practice. Although some pianos have more keys than others, all pianos possess all notes they should need to fulfill their purpose and functionality. It is comparable to driving a different car, after a short period, you’ll get the hang of it and won’t notice the difference. With this, it is safe to say that even beginners can smoothly play the piano with different key sizes as long as you constantly practice and adjust yourself to it.
How Many Keys Do I Need To Learn The Piano?
In learning to play the piano, the number of keys you need comes down to your personal preferences. It is said that a 32 or 36-key piano is perfect for a child beginner, a 49-key piano is said to be ideal for an adult beginner, a 61-key is considered by many as the optimal number of keys, 76-keys are the closest to a standard piano with full-sized keys, and lastly, the 88-key piano is the fullest and standard number of keys a piano is said to have.
All pianos, regardless of the number of keys it has, should not be a hindrance to learning. However, the lesser keys a piano has, the more limiting it is for the learner. When compared to playing an 88-key standard piano, the difference is very noticeable. To illustrate this, imagine driving a vehicle only capable of having a top speed of 32 kph, you will be able to arrive at your destination fine. However, you won’t have the freedom to speed up or go beyond 32 kph as compared to a vehicle capable of going 88 kph. This logic is much similar to that in terms of the number of keys in a piano. You will still be able to learn and master the techniques, but you shouldn’t expect much from 49 keys when compared to the standard 88-key.
Final Remarks
In general, a piano with 49 keys is better than nothing. You can always upgrade later when you have already improved and mastered the fundamentals. Having 49 keys is enough to practice melodies, notes, and scales, but not so much to the point that you can freely play whatever you want. In the end, any form of practice produces results. It all comes down to how much time and effort you put into learning. If you’re still a beginner, you only really need 49 keys to get you started. Those 49 keys provide you with a full four sets of notes that teach you the basics of the piano.
