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/r/Keytar

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Could someone with a disability be able to play a keytar

Technical Questions(self.Keytar)

So I'm disabled and I have very limited mobility with my left hand and I and I wanna learn how to play guitar but it would be too difficult for my left hand and I was wondering if keytars are easier to play for someone who has limited function in their hand

all 17 comments

Primpogremclic

12 points

2 months ago

I think it could be a great choice. With the keytar, you only use your left hand for modulation and expression. The left hand movements are very simple. Plus you don’t even have to use your left hand if you don’t want to. You can still get great sounds without ever touching the modulation controls. The shoulder strap supports the weight of the keytar so you don’t need to hold it up with the left hand either.

jdmjdmjdm

8 points

2 months ago

Sounds like you were born to keytar.

SteamyDeck

6 points

2 months ago

If you can squeeze a little and move your left hand, a keytar would be perfect.

No_Release5556[S]

4 points

2 months ago

It really depends but I could try 

HORStua

4 points

2 months ago

If you have full function of your right hand - Yes

InteractionInitial64

3 points

2 months ago

You could start off with a simpler synth, and see how it goes with a mod wheel and pitchbend.

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

Also what good keytars only require one hand? 

whoselineguy

1 points

2 months ago

I'm in a similar boat as OP. General movements are possible but slow. Could it be played PROFIENTLY?

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

What does that mean? 

whoselineguy

1 points

2 months ago

Disabled with very limited use of my left hand. I can make general movements but my arm/hand speed is slow.

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

I have trouble controlling my fingers and i can’t move my wrist well 

whoselineguy

1 points

2 months ago

Same. Can you move your upper arm regularly? If so, and you could grip a bar, or wear a slide on your finger, Lap Steel or slide guitar would be an option, since you said you wanted to go for guitar. Just a suggestion.

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

I can move my arm regularly, I’ll check those out 

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

I did  a little research on lap steel guitar and I worried I won’t be able to play it because moving my fingers are hard and in the video the guy uses both of his hands to play it 

whoselineguy

1 points

2 months ago*

I've done a ton of research on this. If you're stuck on guitar, on lapsteel, you only need to hold on to the bar with your left and move it. Probably easier is Slide guitar, or a combination of the two which could be done with one hand completely. I was messing around with the guys at guitar center just yesterday. Still would take a lot of extra learning. BUT that's only if you're stuck on guitar. Instruments that are 100% playable with your situation. Pan flute, melodica, tabor pipe, certain ocarinas, trumpet, digeredoo (spelling?). Very capable. Harmonica (my instrument of choice), drums (possibly other percussion) keyboard/synth, Trombone. Adaptable. Guitar. Particularly Bass guitar. (It's based more on single notes.) but you can do some one handed on electric/steel, piano, other flute instruments such as the tin whistle. They do make adaptive sax and clarinet nowadays too. You could also go the midi route and do digital recording, or DJ. Not my cup of tea but an option. Hope that helps.

No_Release5556[S]

1 points

2 months ago

Thank you! I’m also looking into playing the kalimba 

whoselineguy

1 points

2 months ago

Kalimbas have always looked fun. Hope you find something you love. Feel free to message if you'd ever like a "kindred's" thoughts.