Thank you! An excellent tutorial! I just bought the sx900 and I’m selling the complex Korg pa1000… I love the Yamaha!!! Great sounds and logical workflow. In look forward to more learning with you!
Hi Woody, Some of us have difficulty playing with regular chords. My left hand is seriously deformed due to an accident and don't have the normal size finger spread, making it impossible to play regular chords. However, I'm very capable using Yamaha's single key chording system. Yes, some of the chords you showed are impossible with the single finger system, but there are work-arounds. When you've worked with it for awhile those three key chords are natural and work wonderfully. I've played Semi-Pro for many years now, and unless people watch my fingering they don't know any different than if they were listening to a ten fingered keyboard player. Anyway, keep up the good work Woody. Just know that some of the features of this keyboard may not work well for you, but to others they are a godsend.
I agree with you Robert. The advice to ignore the single finger mode was rather flippant and I hope it doesn’t put people off. I was a very late comer to the keyboard and had no musical ability whatsoever, including reading traditional music. However with the help of the single finger chord facility, (and incidentally, I can play minor and 7th chords in this mode) plus Easy Play music, I taught myself to play to a reasonably good standard. I am now approaching my 80th birthday and thanks to the technology of modern keyboards, I have enjoyed not only entertaining myself for the past 40 years, but also local Care Home residents. So I say a huge thank you for single finger chords!
Just got the 900sx , playing for many years on a piano my fingers want to naturally do voicings. This video was the most helpful of the 3 because as a newbie to arranger keyboards , I needed a a step 1-2 -3 stucture. Thank you.
I just bought one of those erasable boards like yours. Saves me a lot of paper and unnecessary mistakes. This is a great idea. Your videos are helping me with my SX-900. Thanks, Michael
I Have been playing accordion for a while and now I have the hitch for the SX900. You said that don't play in the one finger mode. Well that is how you play on the bass side of the accordion. Therefore for me that is a great way to use the SX900. I am sure all the accordion players will agree. Anyway great videos.
I did enjoy your video very much. I play a Tyros 3, however, it is getting old now and still works very well. It's like driving a car after a while you want a new one. I tried both the Genos and the Korg Pa5X and didn't like either because of how complex they are to set up. The sounds are terrific and the weighted keys are a bit to handle when you are used to playing on PSR models and Tyros Models. The other thing is the Price they love to charge you and you see Dollar Signs in their eyes when you choose your keyboard. I used to work for Music shops and am well aware of the markup and it is a bit discouraging, to say the least when you see their markup. Too bad or I would have tried harder to keep the Korg. I find nearly $7000.00 if you buy the accessorized speaker. Although I have a PSR S970 given to me before my friend passed away. I was a child prodigy and find your fingering is very similar to mine and you played wonderfully. Thanks.
I think you’ve conveyed the immediate and fun nature of these keyboards very well. I think they are unfairly viewed by some as “lounge”style if I can use that term - I play a lot of rock styles and they are just as good for that.
I have been watching many videos on the SX900 and this video was the best of them all. I have not purchased yet a SX900 but soon. You answered so many questions about the keyboard. Thank you for this great video. Donald in ABQ
I'm not really use to 61 key keyboard on my PSR 280, but I figured how to split the accompaniment to 1 key lower from the C key to B, it makes it so much easier. Oh my goodness, that SX900 is amazing! I too play my keyboards on youtube, started with the PSR GX76, then downgraded after my 76 keyboard button doesn't work anymore so I am using the PSR 280 then reupgrade to YPG235 76 and I play both of them. Makes it a little harder to play to change the voice for different songs without that Touch Settings that SX900 can do. Yes I would go for both 61 keys myself along with the 76 key that I have and maybe go Triple play. Similar to Yanni's. Totally enjoy this video and I thank you for sharing it. I do hope this year I will get one of those. Been thinking about the S975 but had a tight budget so I'm hoping to get a SX900.
Thanks so much for this video. I dont have anyone local to me to support me learning to make the most of my arranger and I have picked up a few tips here. Thankd you
As i am a dummy and a tyros 5 owner, i can tell you that your tutorial is outstanding! Unfortunately i can still not drink from a mug through a mirror whilst playing, but i'll keep on trying! Greetings from Holland, keep up the good work! Jan
I've used Single Finger Chords and one note melody for the past 20 odd years and it works a dream! Anyone 'listening' cannot tell HOW you are playing it. That's a lot of chat Woody without hearing you actually PLAY the Waltz!
Hello from Brooklyn NY- I have been playing the PSR3000 for 18 years. While it's a beautiful sounding keyboard, I have watched your video and I decided to get a newer version of Yamaha's keyboard. I am considering SX 700 or 900.. Looking forward to see your other well made and informative videos.
Thank you for the good and useful explanation, Could you please make another video explaning how to change drums kit location on the keyboard's keys , Regards.
Woody, you are entertaining and pleasant to watch, as always. I enjoy your videos and your creativity immensely. Your demeanor and style is great. I LOVE the tea-drinking and Rubik’s cube bit, as well. Made me smile as I recalled your wildly entertaining PSR-S970 review! Cheerio. 😀
I use a Genos and I doesn't miss the features, a Montage may offer. Found a trick to layer up to 6 sounds on the right and up to 2 on the left. And if I want the Synthesizer workstation features, I have my Korg PA3x.
Man, i love you (not in that way) , you are so original and anxious i think in a good way. How you played Georgia song...wow You rock man. Kat Bucharest Romania
Brilliant video. I used to teach music but now have arthritis, so a normal keyboard is too painful. I was wondering how on earth you would get it all to fit together, accompaniment, chord changes, endings, etc, and this is the best intro I've seen. Thanks. Only snag is that I have ordered a Korg P700, but I am sure the principles are the same!
Lol, I only got to 0:58 and had to pause to hit the 'Like' and 'Subscribe' buttons! That DIY picture-in-picture is simply awesome! Anyhow, let's get back to watching the rest of the video 🤣
Excellent channel, very clear, nice to see a sense of humour too. You ask, what would we like to see? Well, I am totally hanging out for a few sample lessons of how to use an arranger keyboard for some classic well known songs (eg beatles). Not lessons that get bogged down in the "how to play a piano" stuff that is already everywhere, but starting from someone that has basic piano skills already (a few basic chords and melodies) to show how to get started using arranger features for the first time, up to being able to produce (learn) several variations of each of a few standard songs. I have a Yamaha PSR 423, but would love to follow just a generic, common denominator of what to do on an arranger. BTW I have had this arranger KB for about 6 years now and all buttons have just gathered dust except the baby grand "home" button. Would love to dust them down sometime and get some upward leverage on basic piano skills. Schaun.
Thanks Woody! Bring more love to arranger keyboards. They are not only musical instrument for amusement. Also great tools for composing, learning different styles and great for jamming. Just solo or mute some parts of different styles to reveal the components of different style, we may learn something. Though not all styles are so useful plus the variation/transition are not always good, everyone can find a few styles they enjoy jamming with. :)
Yay, you got a new PSR model! Mine still sounds like new after all these years. I have yet to post songs that I've composed from that wonderful machine, the PSR-S970. Let's see how you do with the PSR-SX900!
Am Having a problem taking MP3 off the internet loading it to my USB stick . When I do this , I first convert the MP3 to WAV files. However when I insert the USB stick in the PSR SX900 the songs do not show up?? Have you had this problem?? what am I doing wrong ??
Another great video Woody! Keep these coming --- you are addressing the very points that I've been wondering about, as a beginner to both piano and Arranger. Your sense of humor and enthusiasm is encouraging, and it's actually helpful to hear comments, such as........ "this is a bit tricky to learn"!! LOL I get so tired of RUclips stuff claiming how EASY it all is!! It's the techniques, and the thinking behind a strategy that is often taken for granted by experienced players, that a newb really needs to have spelled out ;o) Thanks!
Did you ever make the video you mentioned about playing the PSR or Genos in the mode where it will recognize chords played anywhere on the keyboard? If so, what is it called? I’d love to watch that video. Thank you for the great content!
hi, no I never made the video, perhaps something i will do with my dgx. but tbh, these modes never work very well, unfortunately, and I always change it back to the left hand split mode. it's a shame as that would be so cool to have the arranger follow your natural piano playing technique.
Hi woody,just got psrx700and am getting numa x gt 88 anyday now,hope to be able to play these together simultaneously via midi,using accompaniment from psrx700 with piano sound from numa x,and trigger accompaniment using numa x,can I do this?
Cool Until I get this KBD (or the DGX) - I use software arranger lately to come up with better progressions and make simple tracks without building the entire orchestration. Same principles, you usually need the PC keyboard around the midi keyboard to switch and control the stuff you do on the physical PSR top buttons, but you can map some midi keys to the common stuff (intro/fill/ending + changes) Lovely video, thanks!
Hi Woody. Just found your videos and they are great. Can I please ask. I own an iMac and if I want to buy this I would have to sell it. Would you recommend just having this to write music, or keep my iMac with a DAW and bu a cheaper middi controller. I am not interested in dance music and want to compose my own songs, however, I am a beginner :)
Interesting video. You did a decent job of playing an entire song with this keyboard, but it also shows the limitations of a rhythm 'style' on an arranger keyboard. Only a highly experienced expert could play a song with an arranger keyboard that doesn't sound mechanical and hokey.
So is the SX-920 a significant jump from the SX-900? Most probably a better step-up from SX700.... Given a choice, Do you still like the SX-720 enough to skip the SX-920?
i never got my hands on the 700 or 720. just the 900 and 920. not a night and day difference, seems to be same instrument with a few new features that may or may not be essential to you and a lot more content.
Good video. For me it's very difficult to understand the difference how to play piano song on keyboard with backgrohnd music and chords on left site without new arrangement. For example if I play piano and would like to split keyboard und play with my left hands the accords I cannot play it like on the piano. Also with accompaniment music controlled my left hand I don't really understand how to play a song instead of playing it on a piano wihout any backgroundmusic/chords.
Thanks for the video. You make the presentation interesting - even though I have no intention of buying the keyboard; more if an analogue synth user. Also, nice shirt!
The range of given styles, & the packs you can buy, are interesting & cover music from much of the world. So you can ring the changes by playing a tune in a different genre, makes a pleasant change from the same old, same old. I'd like to see someone setting up one of these to play Soukous beat [with that jangling guitar sound] in the style of Kanda Bongo Man. Tinariwen's Desert Blues would be good too, as would songs by Afro Celt Sound System. Finally it would be amazing to incorporate those time signature changes we see in Prog Rock [eg Yes] songs.
It would be really helpful for us beginners, if you create a lessons series about how to play arranger keyboard for Dummies, as I haven't come across with something similar on youtube.
It would be nice if you show us how you choose the right style for the song that you want to play. What is the way of thinking about the correct style choice for a specific song? How many keys is the hot spot for the left hand split, do you prefer leaving it to default or do you use a specific number of keys at left side? How do you accustomed to set the registrations before a performance? What's the correct logic behind the registration preparation? That's a few things that are coming to a dummy's mind (like me). :-)
Thanks for another zany video. But if you've learned jazz piano voicings, don't auto accompaniment voicings drive you nuts Woody? So on this PSR you need to include the root note to get the right auto accompaniment chord and bass note. That seems normal. Myself, I could never get used to it, having already worked so hard on jazz voicings. But even in jazz there are many standard voicings (used in combos) which are naff when there's nobody else around to carry the bassline. Was that a third inversion chord you played? Please excuse a brief digression: Speaking of inversions, you have reminded me that in jazz piano tutorials the poor viewers/students are seldom told that X technique (full of root position chords) is for solo performance (only) and that they will need something more like Y when they're playing in a typical combo, or with their backing tracks. Considering how hard solo performance is in any genre, particulary with rapid tempos, I can understand why auto accompaniments were invented, but thanks to new technology, it's easy to collect or make backing tracks, and they are so much better for playing/practising jazz. But jazz is just one genre, so keep up the good work explaining these arranger things to all those who may need them.
yes, it's stil very much a problem with auto-accomp keyboards when playing rootless left hand chords, which come natural to me after some years of practise, how is the keyboard to know if F-A-C-E is Fmaj7 or Dm9, or Am/F? I often use just the drum track, or if I can be bothered, I'll record in the chords before performing, but defeats the purpose of rea-time arranger! for pop stuff it's pretty good, just usually keep the root on the bottom, the AI seems to figure out inversions. For solo playing I sometimes like to use root and 7th in my left hand, or root and 10th if I can reach it, makes a nice comp.
Excelente video. Los teclados arranger son increíbles. Lamentablemente la industria los tiene en baja estima como si fueran solo para niños pero son increíblemente poderosos. Gracias por mostrarlos!
Before ppl buy they need to know some of the menu stuff is not in the book and doesn't even work this keyboard is to dear I have it it should never cost 1000 maybe 250 sounds more of the price it should of been I'm demand my full refund Monday I don't care I opened tried this piece trash it also says fallow lights I can't even teach son more bs that does not work and is not in book
Genius use of the mirror for "instructor window"! Btw, eagerly waiting for your Band-in-a-Box over-the-years evolution video. What an amazing creation that one is!... only discovered it today (a couple hours ago). What is the royalty/licensing/credits logic for such products (software like Band-in-a-Box, Hookpad, etc./hardware like this Arranger Keyboard) that provide music accompaniment solutions, if one wants to release a song that includes these? Or are these products only for educational purposes?
interesting question, BIAB is royalty free to use in your own tracks and productions. they encourage it. PSR should be the same, however there are some styles that are so closely modelled on hits, shape of you., etc, that you could get into trouble there I think. BIAB styles are much more generic. working on a BIAB vs PSR comparison at the moment, thanks for reminding me about the history video.
@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks for answering! 1. Follow-up Q: Modern song credits (like on RUclips) are getting comprehensive. Now apart from the main artists (singer, composer, lyricist), we also name different instrumentalists, arrangers, programmers, mix/mastering, sound engineers on the recording. Does BIAB provide an easy way to copy-paste the names of instrumentalists whose tracks we use in a given recording? And it would be correct to give BIAB the "Arranger" credits, right? 2. BIAB vs PSR comparison sounds great!! Which other tools have you seen like BIAB? I think the Hookpad app is based on a similar idea of chord progressions and arrangement styles to choose from. I guess Captain Plugins like Captain Chords, Captain Melody, or other plugins like Melody Sauce offer solutions for generating and editing MIDI melody and harmony based on tweaking various parameters, rather than giving complete accompanying tracks. One mobile app HumOn lets you hum a tune, converts it into MIDI notes behind-the-scenes, and based on what genre/style you choose, outputs a fully arranged music track. 3. And the history video would be so cool... given BIAB existed in 1990, i.e. since the dawn of the web!
Hi 👍🤪 Woody etc = thanks for these interesting demos for keyboard’s “ personally. I’ve run through most everything on net about this board ! It’s good I know ? But NOT good for me to change from my Tyros 5 = 76 note board , lots of people change instead of practicing & learning more as thy should to be a better player Themselves ! , so enjoy what you have & improve musically , cheers 👋🤪✅
I tried to look for your video comparing this keyboard and the Genos. Is there one? I am trying to decide whether to get Genos, Tyros 5, or this PSR SX900.
a sus 2 with a sus 4 added as well is an 11th add a 6th on top as well for a 13th. just count it off. a 13th is easier to think of as say playing a dm in the right hand with a C note in the left
A good video and thanks for reminding me why I dislike the arranger keyboards so much... :) It brings to my mind the Casio I have berried in the corner of my bedroom and want to forget and is the only synth or keyboard I have owned ever that I really don't like. This is like a modern version of that. Still I'd like to have a MODX or something like that and have already several workstations, they are nice. These arranger keyboards seems to be a category not for me. I love to create arrangements and I'd hate if the machine does the fun bit for you.... :)
absolutely, to each his own! I'm very curious about making your own styles, perhaps just drum and bass, freeing up your hands to play other stuff. Then you get to create your own arrangements, but unlike a sequenced 8 bar pattern, you can change chords and arrangements in realtime, I think that's the power!
I would like to receive some very important advice from you. I have a Yamana psr S970. Here is already 3 years and a new SX 900 has been released, I would very much like to buy it. A big difference between the two synthesizers and is it worth it. Maybe a new one will be released soon and it's worth the wait? you know a lot about synthesizers, I would like some advise. PLS
Hi Woody, arranger keyboard for Dummies! tha'ts me. I'm going to try to tackle Moondance by VanMorisson. What jazz style would you recommend for it, I like minimal style but don't seem to find one the sx900' Thanks for helping.
i don't have all the 500 styles in my head! just browse them. remember you can switch off parts for minimal, just leave bass, drums and play piano yourself ftw.
hi Donald, I have not done anything more advanced than transferring packs to the keyboard, I can show that process if I demo a library, not tried the software.
Not long had my first Yamaha arranger keyboard ever so I'm looking for tips on how to get the best from it. I like your style of presentation, it's down to earth and fun. Nice one!
I have a PSR S750 Arranger keyboard which I used to play at better beginner level. I have let the skill go whilst learning guitar. Do you have tutorials that will get me going again?
hard to make that call for you really. :) it's a lot of extra dough, and the 670 and 970 where very capable machines and will get you similar results...
just make sure to format the usb using the menu operation on the psr, not on your computer, then you should be ok, some drives are maybe nor supported.
Thank you! An excellent tutorial! I just bought the sx900 and I’m selling the complex Korg pa1000… I love the Yamaha!!! Great sounds and logical workflow. In look forward to more learning with you!
i second that! thx for the comment.
Oh Woody please stop making these great videos. I ignored arranger keyboards for two decades and now I'm starting to sway 😂
Hi Woody, Some of us have difficulty playing with regular chords. My left hand is seriously deformed due to an accident and don't have the normal size finger spread, making it impossible to play regular chords. However, I'm very capable using Yamaha's single key chording system. Yes, some of the chords you showed are impossible with the single finger system, but there are work-arounds. When you've worked with it for awhile those three key chords are natural and work wonderfully. I've played Semi-Pro for many years now, and unless people watch my fingering they don't know any different than if they were listening to a ten fingered keyboard player.
Anyway, keep up the good work Woody. Just know that some of the features of this keyboard may not work well for you, but to others they are a godsend.
thanks for the insight, there is always some perspective that you hadn't considered, fair point!
I agree with you Robert. The advice to ignore the single finger mode was rather flippant and I hope it doesn’t put people off. I was a very late comer to the keyboard and had no musical ability whatsoever, including reading traditional music. However with the help of the single finger chord facility, (and incidentally, I can play minor and 7th chords in this mode) plus Easy Play music, I taught myself to play to a reasonably good standard. I am now approaching my 80th birthday and thanks to the technology of modern keyboards, I have enjoyed not only entertaining myself for the past 40 years, but also local Care Home residents. So I say a huge thank you for single finger chords!
Just got the 900sx , playing for many years on a piano my fingers want to naturally do voicings. This video was the most helpful of the 3 because as a newbie to arranger keyboards , I needed a a step 1-2 -3 stucture. Thank you.
congrats, enjoy!
I just bought one of those erasable boards like yours. Saves me a lot of paper and unnecessary mistakes. This is a great idea. Your videos are helping me with my SX-900. Thanks,
Michael
I Have been playing accordion for a while and now I have the hitch for the SX900. You said that don't play in the one finger mode. Well that is how you play on the bass side of the accordion. Therefore for me that is a great way to use the SX900. I am sure all the accordion players will agree. Anyway great videos.
Do you still enjoy the SX900?
I’m not interested in this keyboard, but man what can you bring me a lot of joy! Love your channel. Thumbs up!
A funny way to teach. Specially the mirror 😊
I did enjoy your video very much. I play a Tyros 3, however, it is getting old now and still works very well. It's like driving a car after a while you want a new one. I tried both the Genos and the Korg Pa5X and didn't like either because of how complex they are to set up. The sounds are terrific and the weighted keys are a bit to handle when you are used to playing on PSR models and Tyros Models. The other thing is the Price they love to charge you and you see Dollar Signs in their eyes when you choose your keyboard. I used to work for Music shops and am well aware of the markup and it is a bit discouraging, to say the least when you see their markup. Too bad or I would have tried harder to keep the Korg. I find nearly $7000.00 if you buy the accessorized speaker. Although I have a PSR S970 given to me before my friend passed away. I was a child prodigy and find your fingering is very similar to mine and you played wonderfully. Thanks.
You deserve more subscribers with how well you addressed the mess of a timeline and plot that is FFVII. Thanks for making this video!
Love the high tech picture in picture of your face ;) Seriously though, great vid as always.
I think you’ve conveyed the immediate and fun nature of these keyboards very well. I think they are unfairly viewed by some as “lounge”style if I can use that term - I play a lot of rock styles and they are just as good for that.
Great content, just what I needed. Love that shaving mirror set up, brilliant.
I have been watching many videos on the SX900 and this video was the best of them all. I have not purchased yet a SX900 but soon. You answered so many questions about the keyboard. Thank you for this great video. Donald in ABQ
Great to hear, thanks for the feedback!
Mirror technology. Looks great 👌👍😝
Ha! That was a lovely introductory lesson to keyboard arrangers. 👍🤘
And most important: the tea latte mug strikes back!
You’re a good teacher. Thank you so much!
Im glad Ive found your channel! I have been wanting to get a arranger keyboard but wanted a review on it! Definitely will be watching more to learn!
I'm not really use to 61 key keyboard on my PSR 280, but I figured how to split the accompaniment to 1 key lower from the C key to B, it makes it so much easier. Oh my goodness, that SX900 is amazing! I too play my keyboards on youtube, started with the PSR GX76, then downgraded after my 76 keyboard button doesn't work anymore so I am using the PSR 280 then reupgrade to YPG235 76 and I play both of them. Makes it a little harder to play to change the voice for different songs without that Touch Settings that SX900 can do. Yes I would go for both 61 keys myself along with the 76 key that I have and maybe go Triple play. Similar to Yanni's. Totally enjoy this video and I thank you for sharing it. I do hope this year I will get one of those. Been thinking about the S975 but had a tight budget so I'm hoping to get a SX900.
Thanks so much for this video. I dont have anyone local to me to support me learning to make the most of my arranger and I have picked up a few tips here. Thankd you
first of all you are an artist. i mean how used the mirror and amazingly beautifuly you decorated it.
This is really I am looking for. I got new PSR700 but i dont have Idea how to used. I am hoping i can get online toturial. Thanks bro
As i am a dummy and a tyros 5 owner, i can tell you that your tutorial is outstanding! Unfortunately i can still not drink from a mug through a mirror whilst playing, but i'll keep on trying!
Greetings from Holland, keep up the good work!
Jan
lol, have a good day jan!
I've used Single Finger Chords and one note melody for the past 20 odd years and it works a dream! Anyone 'listening' cannot tell HOW you are playing it. That's a lot of chat Woody without hearing you actually PLAY the Waltz!
@@brianmarsden2187 I do the same thing. In fact I was an accordion player and then I changed religion.
Hello from Brooklyn NY- I have been playing the PSR3000 for 18 years. While it's a beautiful sounding keyboard, I have watched your video and I decided to get a newer version of Yamaha's keyboard. I am considering SX 700 or 900.. Looking forward to see your other well made and informative videos.
900 more popular
Which did you get?
@cinepost sx700. It's a beauty.
The usage of mirror is intuitive never seen anyone before using this technology and it saves time and extra camera .....
i've copied it from the many others I've seen doing it, so can't take the credit for the idea!
@@WoodyPianoShack I personally saw it for the first time now....stay blessed dear....
Agree. We should call it MirrorCast technology
sounds legit, amazingly
dude that was the best and most informative video i have heard. thanks
Hahaha ! That auto-generated intro at 11:48 took me completely by surprise - thought it was really rather beautiful. Not what I was expecting at all !
Thank you for the good and useful explanation,
Could you please make another video explaning how to change drums kit location on the keyboard's keys ,
Regards.
Woody, you are entertaining and pleasant to watch, as always. I enjoy your videos and your creativity immensely. Your demeanor and style is great. I LOVE the tea-drinking and Rubik’s cube bit, as well. Made me smile as I recalled your wildly entertaining PSR-S970 review! Cheerio. 😀
that's awesome mr! just was I was aiming for, have a good one!
I have a PSR-S910, but this could be a serious upgrade! Love your videos as always.
Ah... Thanks for the idea from this video. I found out that I should do the same too😂
Picture in Picture with mirror.
Brilliant!
Loved this video. Gave me a hope I can use this beast as a beginner. Big thanks!!
I use a Genos and I doesn't miss the features, a Montage may offer. Found a trick to layer up to 6 sounds on the right and up to 2 on the left. And if I want the Synthesizer workstation features, I have my Korg PA3x.
You can do ninths by catching the D in between C and E, not on the upper octave. :)
Man, i love you (not in that way) , you are so original and anxious i think in a good way. How you played Georgia song...wow
You rock man.
Kat
Bucharest Romania
dear kat, very nice of you to say so, thanks for the feedback.
Brilliant video. I used to teach music but now have arthritis, so a normal keyboard is too painful. I was wondering how on earth you would get it all to fit together, accompaniment, chord changes, endings, etc, and this is the best intro I've seen. Thanks. Only snag is that I have ordered a Korg P700, but I am sure the principles are the same!
has the Korg worked out okay?
Lol, I only got to 0:58 and had to pause to hit the 'Like' and 'Subscribe' buttons!
That DIY picture-in-picture is simply awesome!
Anyhow, let's get back to watching the rest of the video 🤣
that's the spirit!
For someone like me who is thinking about getting an arranger keyboard, this is super useful. Thanks, Woody!
Much of the things you say are valid for Korg PA keyboards
Excellent channel, very clear, nice to see a sense of humour too.
You ask, what would we like to see? Well, I am totally hanging out for a few sample lessons of how to use an arranger keyboard for some classic well known songs (eg beatles). Not lessons that get bogged down in the "how to play a piano" stuff that is already everywhere, but starting from someone that has basic piano skills already (a few basic chords and melodies) to show how to get started using arranger features for the first time, up to being able to produce (learn) several variations of each of a few standard songs. I have a Yamaha PSR 423, but would love to follow just a generic, common denominator of what to do on an arranger. BTW I have had this arranger KB for about 6 years now and all buttons have just gathered dust except the baby grand "home" button. Would love to dust them down sometime and get some upward leverage on basic piano skills.
Schaun.
thanks for the suggestions, i'm out of ideas about what videos to make with the PSR, so this might trigger some topics
Hey Woody. Great video. LOVE your Georgia solo - quite tasty. Cheers, Cliff
lol, i guess it wasn't too shabby for a quick improv
Excellent instructions. Thanks
Facecam discovered in 2000 A.D.
before 2000 A.D.
*this man*
Thanks Woody! Bring more love to arranger keyboards. They are not only musical instrument for amusement. Also great tools for composing, learning different styles and great for jamming. Just solo or mute some parts of different styles to reveal the components of different style, we may learn something. Though not all styles are so useful plus the variation/transition are not always good, everyone can find a few styles they enjoy jamming with. :)
The mirror again :) super
hello sir. iam jayaraj from india i like your channel good very very good
hello my indian friend, thanks for watching!
Yay, you got a new PSR model! Mine still sounds like new after all these years. I have yet to post songs that I've composed from that wonderful machine, the PSR-S970. Let's see how you do with the PSR-SX900!
get on with it anton and post that music!
Great video,, thanks for sharing and cool shirt!
Am Having a problem taking MP3 off the internet loading it to my USB stick . When I do this , I first convert the MP3 to WAV files. However when I insert the USB stick in the PSR SX900 the songs do not show up?? Have you had this problem?? what am I doing wrong ??
Another great video Woody! Keep these coming --- you are addressing the very points that I've been wondering about, as a beginner to both piano and Arranger.
Your sense of humor and enthusiasm is encouraging, and it's actually helpful to hear comments, such as........ "this is a bit tricky to learn"!! LOL I get so tired of RUclips stuff claiming how EASY it all is!! It's the techniques, and the thinking behind a strategy that is often taken for granted by experienced players, that a newb really needs to have spelled out ;o) Thanks!
great points, thanks, i'll keep that in mind and share my struggles!
Geting closer to 1 million views.
HERMOSO, GENIO!! TE TENGO UNA SANA ENVIDIA POR LA VERSION DE GEORGIA!!
Did you ever make the video you mentioned about playing the PSR or Genos in the mode where it will recognize chords played anywhere on the keyboard? If so, what is it called? I’d love to watch that video. Thank you for the great content!
hi, no I never made the video, perhaps something i will do with my dgx. but tbh, these modes never work very well, unfortunately, and I always change it back to the left hand split mode. it's a shame as that would be so cool to have the arranger follow your natural piano playing technique.
Cool way of showing how it works!!! Great!
Like from Ukraine!
fantastic!
Hi woody,just got psrx700and am getting numa x gt 88 anyday now,hope to be able to play these together simultaneously via midi,using accompaniment from psrx700 with piano sound from numa x,and trigger accompaniment using numa x,can I do this?
Cool
Until I get this KBD (or the DGX) - I use software arranger lately to come up with better progressions and make simple tracks without building the entire orchestration. Same principles, you usually need the PC keyboard around the midi keyboard to switch and control the stuff you do on the physical PSR top buttons, but you can map some midi keys to the common stuff (intro/fill/ending + changes)
Lovely video, thanks!
Hi Woody. Just found your videos and they are great. Can I please ask. I own an iMac and if I want to buy this I would have to sell it. Would you recommend just having this to write music, or keep my iMac with a DAW and bu a cheaper middi controller. I am not interested in dance music and want to compose my own songs, however, I am a beginner :)
Expensive keyboards those PSR, Genos, and Tyros. Nearly as much as the Electone Stagea.
Interesting video. You did a decent job of playing an entire song with this keyboard, but it also shows the limitations of a rhythm 'style' on an arranger keyboard. Only a highly experienced expert could play a song with an arranger keyboard that doesn't sound mechanical and hokey.
So is the SX-920 a significant jump from the SX-900? Most probably a better step-up from SX700.... Given a choice, Do you still like the SX-720 enough to skip the SX-920?
i never got my hands on the 700 or 720. just the 900 and 920. not a night and day difference, seems to be same instrument with a few new features that may or may not be essential to you and a lot more content.
Good video. For me it's very difficult to understand the difference how to play piano song on keyboard with backgrohnd music and chords on left site without new arrangement. For example if I play piano and would like to split keyboard und play with my left hands the accords I cannot play it like on the piano. Also with accompaniment music controlled my left hand I don't really understand how to play a song instead of playing it on a piano wihout any backgroundmusic/chords.
Thanks for the video. You make the presentation interesting - even though I have no intention of buying the keyboard; more if an analogue synth user. Also, nice shirt!
Hi from Belgium. Love your videos. Just one question, what style are you using for the demo song "Georgia" ?
Keep going with your nice work.
no idea, just something random that i pulled up!
The range of given styles, & the packs you can buy, are interesting & cover music from much of the world. So you can ring the changes by playing a tune in a different genre, makes a pleasant change from the same old, same old. I'd like to see someone setting up one of these to play Soukous beat [with that jangling guitar sound] in the style of Kanda Bongo Man. Tinariwen's Desert Blues would be good too, as would songs by Afro Celt Sound System. Finally it would be amazing to incorporate those time signature changes we see in Prog Rock [eg Yes] songs.
I prodotti Yamaha sono il top👍
Very helpful thanks a lot please keep up the gpod work
It would be really helpful for us beginners, if you create a lessons series about how to play arranger keyboard for Dummies, as I haven't come across with something similar on youtube.
hiya, that's what we cover here, what more would you like me to cover?
It would be nice if you show us how you choose the right style for the song that you want to play. What is the way of thinking about the correct style choice for a specific song? How many keys is the hot spot for the left hand split, do you prefer leaving it to default or do you use a specific number of keys at left side? How do you accustomed to set the registrations before a performance? What's the correct logic behind the registration preparation? That's a few things that are coming to a dummy's mind (like me). :-)
Thanks for another zany video. But if you've learned jazz piano voicings, don't auto accompaniment voicings drive you nuts Woody?
So on this PSR you need to include the root note to get the right auto accompaniment chord and bass note. That seems normal. Myself, I could never get used to it, having already worked so hard on jazz voicings.
But even in jazz there are many standard voicings (used in combos) which are naff when there's nobody else around to carry the bassline. Was that a third inversion chord you played?
Please excuse a brief digression: Speaking of inversions, you have reminded me that in jazz piano tutorials the poor viewers/students are seldom told that X technique (full of root position chords) is for solo performance (only) and that they will need something more like Y when they're playing in a typical combo, or with their backing tracks.
Considering how hard solo performance is in any genre, particulary with rapid tempos, I can understand why auto accompaniments were invented, but thanks to new technology, it's easy to collect or make backing tracks, and they are so much better for playing/practising jazz. But jazz is just one genre, so keep up the good work explaining these arranger things to all those who may need them.
yes, it's stil very much a problem with auto-accomp keyboards when playing rootless left hand chords, which come natural to me after some years of practise, how is the keyboard to know if F-A-C-E is Fmaj7 or Dm9, or Am/F? I often use just the drum track, or if I can be bothered, I'll record in the chords before performing, but defeats the purpose of rea-time arranger! for pop stuff it's pretty good, just usually keep the root on the bottom, the AI seems to figure out inversions.
For solo playing I sometimes like to use root and 7th in my left hand, or root and 10th if I can reach it, makes a nice comp.
Excelente video. Los teclados arranger son increíbles. Lamentablemente la industria los tiene en baja estima como si fueran solo para niños pero son increíblemente poderosos. Gracias por mostrarlos!
Before ppl buy they need to know some of the menu stuff is not in the book and doesn't even work this keyboard is to dear I have it it should never cost 1000 maybe 250 sounds more of the price it should of been I'm demand my full refund Monday I don't care I opened tried this piece trash it also says fallow lights I can't even teach son more bs that does not work and is not in book
Ppl don't buy this massive dissatisfied
Genius use of the mirror for "instructor window"!
Btw, eagerly waiting for your Band-in-a-Box over-the-years evolution video. What an amazing creation that one is!... only discovered it today (a couple hours ago).
What is the royalty/licensing/credits logic for such products (software like Band-in-a-Box, Hookpad, etc./hardware like this Arranger Keyboard) that provide music accompaniment solutions, if one wants to release a song that includes these? Or are these products only for educational purposes?
interesting question, BIAB is royalty free to use in your own tracks and productions. they encourage it. PSR should be the same, however there are some styles that are so closely modelled on hits, shape of you., etc, that you could get into trouble there I think. BIAB styles are much more generic. working on a BIAB vs PSR comparison at the moment, thanks for reminding me about the history video.
@@WoodyPianoShack Thanks for answering!
1. Follow-up Q: Modern song credits (like on RUclips) are getting comprehensive. Now apart from the main artists (singer, composer, lyricist), we also name different instrumentalists, arrangers, programmers, mix/mastering, sound engineers on the recording.
Does BIAB provide an easy way to copy-paste the names of instrumentalists whose tracks we use in a given recording? And it would be correct to give BIAB the "Arranger" credits, right?
2. BIAB vs PSR comparison sounds great!!
Which other tools have you seen like BIAB? I think the Hookpad app is based on a similar idea of chord progressions and arrangement styles to choose from. I guess Captain Plugins like Captain Chords, Captain Melody, or other plugins like Melody Sauce offer solutions for generating and editing MIDI melody and harmony based on tweaking various parameters, rather than giving complete accompanying tracks. One mobile app HumOn lets you hum a tune, converts it into MIDI notes behind-the-scenes, and based on what genre/style you choose, outputs a fully arranged music track.
3. And the history video would be so cool... given BIAB existed in 1990, i.e. since the dawn of the web!
P.S. And what about the history of arranger keyboards themselves? How did those evolve?
Hi 👍🤪 Woody etc = thanks for these interesting demos for keyboard’s “ personally. I’ve run through most everything on net about this board ! It’s good I know ? But NOT good for me to change from my Tyros 5 = 76 note board , lots of people change instead of practicing & learning more as thy should to be a better player Themselves ! , so enjoy what you have & improve musically , cheers 👋🤪✅
the psr is more suitable for small spaces, and moving around i guess. but yeah, tyros was king.
I tried to look for your video comparing this keyboard and the Genos. Is there one? I am trying to decide whether to get Genos, Tyros 5, or this PSR SX900.
Thanks, Woody, always so inspiring !!!
a sus 2 with a sus 4 added as well is an 11th add a 6th on top as well for a 13th. just count it off. a 13th is easier to think of as say playing a dm in the right hand with a C note in the left
mirror saved the day! ;)
A good video and thanks for reminding me why I dislike the arranger keyboards so much... :) It brings to my mind the Casio I have berried in the corner of my bedroom and want to forget and is the only synth or keyboard I have owned ever that I really don't like. This is like a modern version of that.
Still I'd like to have a MODX or something like that and have already several workstations, they are nice. These arranger keyboards seems to be a category not for me. I love to create arrangements and I'd hate if the machine does the fun bit for you.... :)
absolutely, to each his own! I'm very curious about making your own styles, perhaps just drum and bass, freeing up your hands to play other stuff. Then you get to create your own arrangements, but unlike a sequenced 8 bar pattern, you can change chords and arrangements in realtime, I think that's the power!
Excellent, a very enjoyable video.
Can you please do more on chords for left hand in accompanying does it take same shape as on piano or modified?
Excellent review!
I would like to receive some very important advice from you. I have a Yamana psr S970. Here is already 3 years and a new SX 900 has been released, I would very much like to buy it. A big difference between the two synthesizers and is it worth it. Maybe a new one will be released soon and it's worth the wait? you know a lot about synthesizers, I would like some advise. PLS
Hi Woody, arranger keyboard for Dummies! tha'ts me. I'm going to try to tackle Moondance by VanMorisson. What jazz style would you recommend for it, I like minimal style but don't seem to find one the sx900' Thanks for helping.
i don't have all the 500 styles in my head! just browse them. remember you can switch off parts for minimal, just leave bass, drums and play piano yourself ftw.
@@WoodyPianoShack thank you.
Why did you change the Keyboard Split from the more practical default F#/G?
it just suited my style of playing better, I guess... :)
Woody, have you done any videos on how to load an Expansion Pack and how to use the Yamaha Expansion Manager software? Donald in ABQ
hi Donald, I have not done anything more advanced than transferring packs to the keyboard, I can show that process if I demo a library, not tried the software.
@@WoodyPianoShack I would like to see the video of transferring a pack. thank you, Donald in ABQ
wow beautiful
More than your music tips & lessons...I love the simple mirror idea to face ur viewers
Do you have a chance to review a MEDELI AKX10/Thomann AK-X1100?
no, i'm not planning on buying one and have relationship with Thom!
Can this keyboard read styles from enother models of yamaha?
7 minutes, 7 WHOLE MINUTES after I know that's a mirror 🤣🤣🤣
That's a sign that I really concentrate on the subject.
Not long had my first Yamaha arranger keyboard ever so I'm looking for tips on how to get the best from it. I like your style of presentation, it's down to earth and fun. Nice one!
I have a PSR S750 Arranger keyboard which I used to play at better beginner level. I have let the skill go whilst learning guitar. Do you have tutorials that will get me going again?
not really something I've done, practice makes perfect!
Hi woody! What are your thoughts on s670 replacement?
hard to make that call for you really. :) it's a lot of extra dough, and the 670 and 970 where very capable machines and will get you similar results...
I fell asleep.... your voice is like silk.. thanks Dad
what!? oh, i guess that's a good thing
@@WoodyPianoShack totally. you're way cool
great 👍
I have samples from s970 “ppi” is it work with that new sx900 or is different format ? thanks!!
Conseguiu tirar esta dúvida? Também gostaria de saber se os PACKs do s970, s670 ou sx900 funcionam no sx900.
Awesome!
Great shirt!
Great video. I can't seem to "see" the midi files on my usb. The 900 shows it is inserted but the list does not appear. Any suggestions?
just make sure to format the usb using the menu operation on the psr, not on your computer, then you should be ok, some drives are maybe nor supported.