Which Instrument Eases Your Entry into a Band: Keyboard or Guitar?

Choosing the right instrument to join a band can be a daunting task, considering the vast array of options and genres available. Whether you're looking to play in a pop band or a rock band, this article will help you understand the better options for each genre based on the current market and band needs.

Understanding the Market and Band Preferences

The choice between keyboard and guitar isn't solely based on the popularity of the respective instruments; it's also heavily influenced by the type of band you want to join and the prevailing market conditions. Both the keyboard and guitar have their unique advantages and challenges when it comes to joining a band.

Pop Bands: The Demand for Lead Players

Pop bands are where many aspiring musicians aim to make their mark. Both lead guitar and lead vocal roles are highly coveted, making them a priority for aspiring musicians. However, there is a significant number of individuals looking for these positions, leading to intense competition. On the other hand, roles like drummer, bassist, and keyboardist are less favored, and finding qualified candidates can be more challenging.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Lead Guitar: Abundant supply with many eager players. Lead Vocal: Huge demand but equally competitive with many talented individuals. Keyboard: Smaller supply with less competition. Drummer/Bass: Even smaller supply and even more competition.

Verdict: For a pop band, it is easier to join by playing the keyboard.

Rock Bands: Fewer Opportunities for Keyboardists

In the rock band scene, the situation is quite different. Guitarists are in high demand and are relatively easy to find. However, keyboardists are less common, making it harder to find a job. Rock bands choose guitarists more frequently due to the instrument's role in driving the overall sound and riffs.

Consider the following points:

Rock Bands: Typical structure often includes multiple guitarists to support the lead and rhythm roles. Keyboard: Often not a necessary role in rock bands unless a specific stylistic requirement exists. Fewer Bids: Rock bands generally require fewer keyboardists, making it a niche position.

Verdict: It's easier to join a rock band as a guitarist.

The Statistical Advantage of Guitar

Statistically, there are more guitarists available compared to keyboardists. When you observe bands performing live or recorded, you will notice that more bands employ multiple guitarists, while fewer bands use more than one keyboardist. This is due to the practicality of having two guitarists providing layering and harmonies, whereas a second keyboardist would be less necessary.

Adding to the challenge for keyboardists, guitar players are a dime a dozen. If you can play the guitar, you'll always have opportunities. Conversely, if you can play the keyboard, you might face fewer openings.

Assumptions and Considerations

For the purpose of this analysis, it's assumed you are interested in bands performing in rock, pop, or country genres, not in classical ensembles or show bands. Additionally, the discussion doesn’t focus on backing up rap artists or vocal groups.

Conclusion: Guitar or Keyboard, Which is Easier?

Based on the current market and band preferences, if you are looking to join a pop or rock band, the easier choice would be to play the guitar. Guitarists are more sought after, and the market is more accommodating to their needs. However, if you have a specialized skill with the keyboard, it could still be a viable option, especially if you can also sing.

Ultimately, your skill level, genre preference, and passion will play a critical role in your journey to join a band. If you can play the guitar, you are likely to find more opportunities compared to playing the keyboard. But having a unique keyboard skill set could still offer you an advantage, provided you can pivot to lead vocals as well.