1. Getting Started

Choose the Right Yamaha Keyboard

• Yamaha PSR series: Beginner-friendly, portable, built-in styles
• Yamaha P-series: 88-key digital pianos with weighted action
• Touch-sensitive keys preferred
• Minimum: 61 keys, full-size

Set Up Properly

• Plug in power and sustain pedal
• Place on a stable stand
• Sit at correct height (elbows level with keys)

Understand the Layout

• Notes repeat: A–B–C–D–E–F–G
• Middle C is near the center
• Black keys are grouped in twos and threes

2. Learn Notes and Finger Placement

Notes on Keyboard

• White keys: A to G
• Black keys: Sharps (#) and flats (b)
• C is always before a group of two black keys

Finger Numbers

• Thumb = 1, Index = 2, Middle = 3, Ring = 4, Pinky = 5

Basic Hand Position

• Fingers curved
• Wrists relaxed
• Thumbs near middle C

3. Basic Music Theory

Octaves

• 8 notes apart (C to C)
• Names repeat across keyboard

Intervals

• Distance between two notes
• 2nd = one step (C–D), 3rd = two steps (C–E)

Scales

• Start with C major: C–D–E–F–G–A–B–C
• Right hand: 1–2–3–1–2–3–4–5
• Left hand: 5–4–3–2–1–3–2–1

4. Chords for Beginners

Major Chords

• C major = C–E–G
• G major = G–B–D
• F major = F–A–C

Minor Chords

• A minor = A–C–E
• D minor = D–F–A
• E minor = E–G–B

Practice Chord Shapes

• Root position = base shape
• Inversions = rearranged notes for smoother transitions

5. Yamaha Keyboard Features to Use

Voices

• “Grand Piano” default
• Try Electric Piano, Strings, Organ for variety

Styles

• Built-in rhythms (pop, rock, ballad)
• Auto-accompaniment: Play left-hand chord, Yamaha plays backing band

Lesson Mode

• Yamaha’s Step-by-Step mode teaches one hand at a time
• Lights or screen cues guide finger use

Metronome

• Helps with steady timing
• Start slow, then increase tempo

6. Easy Songs to Start With

1. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

• Notes: C–C–G–G–A–A–G...

2. “Happy Birthday”

• In C Major: C–C–D–C–F–E...

3. “Let It Be” – Beatles

• Chords: C–G–Am–F
• Play root in left hand, full chord in right

7. Rhythm & Timing

Practice Steady Beats

• Count 1–2–3–4 as you play
• Tap with foot to keep time

Use Yamaha Styles

• Start rhythm
• Play chord, Yamaha fills in drums/bass
• Great for learning groove

Arpeggios

• Break chords into single notes
• C major arpeggio = C–E–G–C

8. Play with Both Hands

Start Simple

• Right: Melody
• Left: One note (root)

Then Progress

• Right: Chord
• Left: Root + 5th or Octave

Balance Sound

• Keep left hand soft
• Right hand carries melody

9. Improvisation Basics

Use One Scale

• C Major only: white keys
• Play random patterns

Keep Rhythm

• Use 4-beat phrases
• Leave space between notes

Jam with Styles

• Choose a rhythm (e.g. “Ballad 1”)
• Play chords and melodies freely

10. Practice Routine (Daily – 30 Minutes)

11. Expand Skills

More Scales

• G Major: G–A–B–C–D–E–F#–G
• F Major: F–G–A–Bb–C–D–E–F

More Chords

• D Major = D–F#–A
• E Major = E–G#–B
• B Minor = B–D–F#

Chord Progressions

• I–V–vi–IV: C–G–Am–F
• Try in different keys

12. Track Your Progress

Use a Journal

• Write what you practiced
• Note problems and successes

Record Yourself

• Audio/video
• Listen back to improve

Monthly Goals

• “Learn 1 new song”
• “Play with both hands smoothly”

13. Common Yamaha Beginner Models

14. Tips for Adult Learners

• Use headphones for private practice
• Don’t rush—consistency > speed
• Focus on music you enjoy
• Watch your posture
• Review basics often

15. Bonus: Learn with Yamaha's App Support

• Yamaha Smart Pianist – connects with some models
• Rec’n’Share – record and share progress
• Song Book – downloadable songs with chords and melodies
• Flowkey App – partners with Yamaha, great visuals

Conclusion

Learning keyboard using a Yamaha keyboard is beginner-friendly, rewarding, and flexible. You don’t need sheet music or a teacher to start. By learning notes, basic chords, simple songs, and making use of Yamaha’s built-in tools, you can progress quickly and enjoyably at home.

Practice daily. Start simple. Play what you love.

Your keyboard journey starts now.