Polyphony: what is it?

The term ” polyphony is often misunderstood, so let’s clarify what it means on a numeric keypad. To put it simply and say it in a few words, it’s the fact of being able to play several different notes at the same time. We can say that it is a specificity of the piano and keyboards in general. Contrary to popular belief, 10 notes (or voices), for as many fingers, are not enough, because in very many cases and scores, there are more than 10 notes played at the same time.

This is made possible in particular because of the famous pedal ” sustain “, which allows you to keep in memory the notes that are played, but this is also possible if you use a “sequencer” (a kind of recorder digital for the case that interests us here, on a keyboard given); this is very common when recording an accompaniment and playing over it, or when using a single key for several notes (known as ” dual-voice “).

Generally speaking, it is considered that for beginners, 64 notes (or voices) are sufficient for a keyboard without sequencerbut for experienced pianists or keyboardists, we advise you to opt for a minimum of 128 notes.

Polyphony at 32 notes, 64, 128 or 256?

It is best to carefully consider the information before deciding on one model over another. To do this, do not hesitate to go to the dedicated forums or to contact the manufacturers directly. Depending on your technical level and your musical projectsthe depth of the polyphony of your future keyboard will necessarily affect your approach to music.

If 32-note polyphony may indeed prove to be very insufficient in the more or less short term, for most of us (except virtuosos and very high-flying projects) 64-note polyphony is what should be considered, but again, there is also a polyphony of 128, or even 256 notes (or voices) for the very high technical level and the most elaborate projects or scores. In the latter case, the keyboard is perfectly configured and the technology mastered so that all the notes will indeed be emitted in time, at the exact measure that you play them, by throwing your fingers on the keys and in addition to the pedal, accompaniment, assignment of several notes to a single key, etc.