First instrument advice

[smiffington]

So I've long wanted to learn an instrument, and I've been convinced that the longer I wait, the harder it will be.

I think I would like to play the violin, but I've heard that that's a terrible instrument to start with. I have very little background in music and would be starting from the ground up with music concepts or anything. I've heard that for someone like me it's best to start with piano.

Would any of you have any advice or pointers?

I'm probably going to have to wait until the virus has calmed down more until I can get a teacher but I can plan ahead in the meantime I guess.

[Grendel]

What do you like to listen to or what instrument interests you? Really does not matter what instrument, just pick something that makes you happy. I started out with a trombone and through the years learned to play most any [if not well] any brass instrument, in particular 2 valve bugles. I'm useless with a piano/organ, tried to learn but heart was never in it so never really put the effort into practicing like I should have. Point being you'll stick with the instrument that "speaks" to you. I stopped playing several years ago because I lost interest in playing [brass] now thinking about learning the fiddle [violin] if I can bring myself to torture the wife and animals while learning.

[smiffington]

I like classical and a little bit of folk. I like piano well enough but I think I would like violin more.

[snaparen]

Just because!

[Knuckle Dragger]

I too started with trombone, then took lessons for French horn, other low brass and percussion. What was said above about choosing something that resonates within you is good advice. You’ll most likely stick with it and not want to quit when things get overwhelming.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

Got to enjoy it. I say guitar but im a headbanger so thats why.

[smiffington]

An accordion would be tons of fun, maybe when I've learned something a bit more serious first 😂

[coyote]

If you feel violin then go violin.

You won't be inspired to practice something you are not passionate about.

[Zhoonya]

I agree with the other fellers here, pick something you enjoy the sound of. Can you imagine yourself playing it and being awesome at it? All the good guitarists I know were good air guitar players before they started.

I wanted ted to be a guitar player when I was a wee boy, but I ended up having a knack for drums. Pick something you can practice on at a low volume. This is impossible with drums.

[JonM]

The world needs more cowbell.

[glaman5266]

*Revive.

smiffington Did you pick up an instrument? If so, how is it going?

I played alto sax all through middle and high school, picking up baritone sax & drums (marching & drum set) along the way. Played drum set for a while after HS but haven't sat behind a set since I was ~25 (34 now). I still bang on a practice pad with my kids once in a while. I should really pull out my sax & try to relearn some of it.

[smiffington]

Not yet, my income has dropped a but this year. I'm finishing up a computer build this fall, and winter or next year I'm hoping to start up with an instrument. I'm still leaning towards a violin though, it will be harder to learn but I think I'll enjoy it more.

[SignOfZeta]

I started with violin in grade school. It’s very technique based but the music you actually play on it is often rather simple.

IMO, if a person wants to play music they should try the six string acoustic guitar. ( https://youtu.be/iyoHFPbnblM ). If they love it, do that. If they hate it (me, although I eventually learned) then go with the piano. Piano requires almost no technique to play so you can get right to the actual playing. With a violin there will be many days of frustration early on just trying to get a clean note. IMO a person needs to feel the joy of playing early on so they can be motivated to continue. With the piano every note is a button...pretty hard to screw up.

For people more into pop music I highly recommend starting with electric bass guitar. You learn a lot of the structure of music playing bass, but it’s also easy. So you can be that dude in King Crimson or that dude in Poison. It’s as demanding as you want it to be.

[cellophane]

For people more into pop music I highly recommend starting with electric bass guitar. You learn a lot of the structure of music playing bass, but it’s also easy. So you can be that dude in King Crimson or that dude in Poison. It’s as demanding as you want it to be.

Les Claypool is the king of the bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXUnN2L-ym4
Jimbo is pretty good too, and a hell of a lot of fun to see live. Plus upright bass rule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM-YTK_6CrU

[Rainmaker]

If you're a social-type person, picking an instrument that plays well with others, or is easy to sing with, will make it more fun at gatherings. Guitar, piano, drums, are good for that. I get a lot of sing-along-ers when I play guitar... but not so much when I would play the shamisen.

But if it's just for your own enjoyment, go with something you're passionate about, like others have said. Whatever you will actually be motivated to practice, that's the instrument you should choose.

[SignOfZeta]

Les Claypool is the king of the bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXUnN2L-ym4
Jimbo is pretty good too, and a hell of a lot of fun to see live. Plus upright bass rule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM-YTK_6CrU

It’s...too much for me. That guy’s going to go blind. It’s very impressive, no question.

My guys are Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, etc), Peter Hook (JD/NO). When it comes to more current acts...I guess Black Marble and Chris Baio?



Speaking of upright bass: https://youtu.be/NlSWr8F6i6c

“If you don’t have a look, get one.” I forgot who said that but these dudes took the advice.