This can really open creative pathways.

These are the vernacular of the musical style and the instruments used.

For instance, on a guitar, scales are usually played vertically across the strings.

Closeup of someone’s hands on a piano keyboard.

Andy Catlin / EyeEm / Getty Images

Every guitarist learns these scales, and our fingers fall into certain patterns, making them easier to play.

Roger Linn/Linnstrument

The same goes for the piano.

A guitarist might transcribe a Miles Davis solo, for example.

An alternative keyboard that mimicks a guitar layout.

Roger Linn/Linnstrument

Richard Linn’sLinnstrument, for example, is a grid of touch-sensitive buttons that can even mimic a guitar layout.

There are other advantages, too.

Alternate layouts can offer different options.

The Arithmophone, alternative musical keyboard.

Arithmophone

Take a look at its layout.

But the iPad has a ton of great options.

I recommendGridInstrument,KB-1,Chordion, andNavichord, among others.

And, of course, it’s possible for you to also stick with the piano.

“Part of the piano keyboard’s staying power is simply momentum.

Western music basically grew up around the piano.

There are lots of pianos around and lots of people who know how to play them.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for something new to shake up your creativity.