What is "keytar"

n. (context music English) A relatively lightweight keyboard or synthesizer supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, as a guitar is supported by a guitar strap.

A keytar is a relatively lightweight electronic keyboard (with or without a built-in synthesizer) that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is supported by a strap. Keytars allow players a greater range of movement onstage, compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stationary stands or which are part of heavy, floor-mounted structures. The instrument has a musical keyboard for triggering musical notes and sounds. Controls are placed on the instrument's "neck", including those for pitch bends, vibrato, portamento, and sustain.

The term "keytar" is a portmanteau of the words "keyboard" and "guitar", and is a slang word. This style of keyboard was mostly referred to by manufacturers as a " MIDI Controller", "Remote Keyboard", "Strap-on Keyboard", or variations thereof. Though the term "keytar" has been used since the introduction of the instrument, it was not used by a major manufacturer until 2012, when the Alesis company referred to the "Vortex", the company's first product of this type, as a "USB/MIDI Keytar Controller". The Roland AX-Synth, which incorporates its own synthesis engine, is referred to by the manufacturer as a "Shoulder Synthesizer".

Keytars may either contain their own synthesizer engines, or be MIDI controllers. In both cases, a keytar needs to be connected to a keyboard amplifier or PA system to produce a sound that the performer and audience can hear. MIDI controller keytars trigger notes and other MIDI data on an external MIDI-capable synthesizer, sound module or computer with synthesizer software. While keytars are usually used to create musical sounds, like any other MIDI controller, it could also be used to trigger such as MIDI-enabled lighting controllers, effects devices and audio consoles.