Piano-Keyboards

I find practicing of scales and playing licks to be fun, I used to make them up when i was young only to find out by studying that there is nothing new that has not been wrote down centuries ago.
But listening to the masters (contemporary)is how to learn keyboard. You should really listen to what scales are being played over top of what chord. That is what makes the difference in whether or not you meant to play that note or triad or not while your jammin with friends or to the computer , radio, whatever. See in your mind how chord structure relates. Be fluent in all keys and know there relationships. That's how easy it is. Master your sclales and theory and there will be no stopping you from doing what you want. When I sit in with a band and the guitar player turns to me and says what chordor key, I just say lets go.
My first keyboard was an accordion. A Triton would've been nice.

For me, keyboards have always provided the "icing and sparkles on the cake" Fortunately, there is enough need for icing and sparkles (an not just on the ballads) that a keyboard player becomes an integral part of a band. IT's imperative that the keyboard player understands that, and is not doing annoying things like noodling at the end of songs, just so he/she can hear themselves. I agree that many groups mentioned (Cars, ELP, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Deep Purple, even guitar-centric groups like Tom Petty, the Beatles) would have never achieved their level of awesomeness without great keyboard work. And yes, I am glad that we got out of that awkward 80s all synth phase, because, there is still need for some kick-butt bass and guitar in all good music.

For me, keyboards have always provided the "icing and sparkles on the cake" Fortunately, there is enough need for icing and sparkles (an not just on the ballads) that a keyboard player becomes an integral part of a band. IT's imperative that the keyboard player understands that, and is not doing annoying things like noodling at the end of songs, just so he/she can hear themselves. I agree that many groups mentioned (Cars, ELP, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Deep Purple, even guitar-centric groups like Tom Petty, the Beatles) would have never achieved their level of awesomeness without great keyboard work. And yes, I am glad that we got out of that awkward 80s all synth phase, because, there is still need for some kick-butt bass and guitar in all good music.

The problem is that coming from a piano background, as a solo instrument, I don't know where to start! I hear riffs in popular songs, but they are pretty simple for the most part.

So what do people do who play in live bands? Comments on genre, style, sounds, chords, rhythm, fill, etc are much appreciated!

My advice is to go to several blues jam/open mic nite gigs as you can find. Then order a sasparilla and LISTEN. Don't go to play. Go to LISTEN. Pay attention to the fills and when it's time, the solos. Both on piano and organ.
This will give you a great head start at understanding how your instrument integrates with an ensemble of other instruments.
You don't have to like the blues at all to go this route. It's just that blues are often played ad hoc and so you don't have to know any particular part perfectly (in most cases).
Do this and see if it doesn't light your fire. You'll find yourself listening and finding/hearing keyboards in all sorts of tunes.

Good luck!

KG

The Doors are also an excellent example of keyboard use. The Doors did not have a bassist, so they used keyboards for the low end.

The Doors are also an excellent example of keyboard use. The Doors did not have a bassist, so they used keyboards for the low end.

Yep. Another good example of keyboards INSTEAD of a traditional instument.
Since there was no bass player in The Doors, Ray Manzerik played bass with his left hand on a Fender Key Bass and no one was the wiser.

KG

The Doors are also an excellent example of keyboard use. The Doors did not have a bassist, so they used keyboards for the low end.

Yep. Another good example of keyboards INSTEAD of a traditional instument.
Since there was no bass player in The Doors, Ray Manzerik played bass with his left hand on a Fender Key Bass and no one was the wiser.

KG

Yep, I've been filling in for a bass for the pass couple years.. Every time we get a new.. he's a no show.. gets arrested.. ends up in jail.. and /or splits with some of our gear.. Ya, like what's up with those guys ?

Just listen to The Doors and hear the role of the keyboard player. great sounding band.

The Doors are also an excellent example of keyboard use. The Doors did not have a bassist, so they used keyboards for the low end.

Yep. Another good example of keyboards INSTEAD of a traditional instument.
Since there was no bass player in The Doors, Ray Manzerik played bass with his left hand on a Fender Key Bass and no one was the wiser.

KG

Yep, I've been filling in for a bass for the pass couple years.. Every time we get a new.. he's a no show.. gets arrested.. ends up in jail.. and /or splits with some of our gear.. Ya, like what's up with those guys ?

Because they're a tribe of monophonic bastards who hang out down in the basement clef!