Our primary keyboards are a Roland RD800 or Nord Stage 2, and we also use an Akai MPK261 that acts as an interface for Ableton Live. Those most common sounds are Piano, Rhodes, Organ, Strings, Pad, and Synth.
Keyboards
Left Hand
Allow the left hand to support low end sound and other instruments (Bass and Electric Guitar). Avoid busy left hand patterns and low chords with multiple notes to help keep the overall sound clear.
Keys generally play a part in a couple important areas: melodic lead and dynamic support.
Lead
For melodic lead, we mainly use either electric guitars or keys. There are songs that have definitive keys parts so know those parts.
Support
At other times, keys will be supportive – providing dynamic variation and smoothing transitions. We generally avoid abrupt silences and strive to connect the end of one song to the beginning of the next. Even in a supportive role, keys can have a specific part so listen to the music well.
