Is a 32-key midi controller enough to aide in learning music theory?

Question

I'm learning to play guitar and I've noticed learning music theory is equally important. I'm actually enjoying the theory part and it seems lots of people recommend learning theory on a keyboard/piano.

Would 32-key midi controller be enough? Since this is just for learning theory, I want something small and cheap which I could later use to record some music in my laptop when I get there.

I know the main thing I'll miss is moving scales in to higher pitches, but theory-wise, would I be too constrained?

Thanks!

Answer 1

One way to think about it is:

• a single staff spans about an octave and a fifth, i.e. about 20 notes, so if your exercises/experiments fit within a single staff (treble or bass) 32 keys should be enough. With a MIDI controller, you should have the option of (octave) transposing the keyboard as necessary to cover either of these cases.
• The grand staff covers 3 octaves, from the G at the bottom of the bass staff to the G in the space just above the top line of the treble staff. Depending on which key the keyboard starts on, you might just barely be able to cover the full grand staff, but I wouldn't count on it. Almost all "real" keyboard (or ensemble) music will go beyond this range and be impossible to play, if that is your goal.