Instrumentalists out there.?

Question

I need to pick up an instrument and can't decide which one. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Cello playa, right here. Been playing for four years, played viola before that and violin before that (heh). I love creating music; it's easily one of the best feelings in the world.

I would suggest you start on piano... it takes hard work, but it's the easiest way to learn theory and gain experience musically. Aftewr that, just depends on your tastes. If you sing, have good lungs (usually talkative people), go for a wind instrument. If you're more math/science analytical, the quiet type (like me), try strings.

Guitar is an option too, but I only think of it as something to just mess around with, not to make a career of.

Drums if you like hitting stuff.

Yeah, that just about covers it.

Answer 2

Hi there. I've played music for about forty years now. My main instrument in the guitar, but I also play bass, piano and percussion. I used to work professionally, and I still write and record my work.

As far as what instrument you might want to play: if you really can't decide then I recommend piano, bass or drums. Piano is the instrument all well rounded musicians should learn, since it teaches you harmony and rhythm all rolled into one, and can be used to accompany almost any kind of music. On the other hand, if you learn bass, you will always be in demand. There are never enough good bass players out there, and it's a very important instrument for any band --how good the bassist is often makes or breaks a band.

Drums on the other hand are really fun, and the opportunities to jam with other musicians are limitless.

Cause that's where the fun is: making music with other good folks.

Answer 3

Play the piano!

While there are many wonderful instruments, one of the most versatile are those ivory keys. The fact that you can play a song without the aid of another instrument is good. Plus, beyond playing just piano, if you use keyboards and synths, it opens up another world of possibilities. While it usually doesn't compare to the real thing, using keyboards you can play a variety of other instrument sounds like strings, guitars, brass and reeds, organs, ect....

And if you are just starting out in music, a piano is a great way to learn the fundamentals and theory.

You don't have to spend a fortune either. There are many affordable small and electric pianos that can get you started.

And finally, sexy ladies can't sit on a guitar or a drumset. But get a hot singer in a lounge act and she'll be all over your grand!

Answer 4

I play guitar, saxaphone, clarinet, and have tried a little percussion (Drum set) If you pick up a concert instrument like a saxaphone or a trumpet, most of the time you have to play with other people to fully enjoy your instrument unless you are Kenny G of course. A guitar is fun to learn because it is a skill that you probably won't forget once learned and you can play by yourself or with others, just like with the piano which i don't play that much. It is not an expensive instrument to get either if you do the right shopping around. I got a really nice Yamaha guitar for 130 bucks....great deal.

Answer 5

I play the piano and the viola. My brother plays trumpet, my mom piano/flute, and my dad played saxophone.

Seriously, I know everyone will tell you this, but if you like the sound of the piano try it out. You'll learn good pitch that way (if it's tuned well), and all you have to worry about at first is hitting the right note with the right finger. All that other stuff -- inflection, pedal, dynamics, technique, arm vs finger strength -- can come later. And there are many many teachers out there who would be more than willing to help you begin. Also check out a music store and pick up a couple of piano books with levels -- like level 1, level 2, and usually up to level 5. Faber was good, as I remember.

I've been playing the piano for 13 years, viola for 9. I can definitely say that I love them both -- but it would have been harder, I think, had I started on viola instead of piano.

Answer 6

Tee hee, I didn't know the bassoon was the second hardest instrument to learn...I learned it fairly quickly the summer before my jr year of high school (changing over from the flute) and played 2 years in HS band and in some community bands after that. Go me!

You don't specify WHY you need to pick up an instrument--are you trying to get into a rock band? Wanting to start high school or middle school band? Are you an elementary education major? (the ones at the last university I attended were required to learn to play the recorder!). Are you getting into renaissance/period re-enactments and need to learn an instrument of the time? ARe you trying to impress a member of the opposite sex (sure, it's a good reason!)?

Anyhow...I agree with starting the piano, though as an adult, you will find it harder to train your fingers in the way they should go. But piano will allow you to play many different styles, and you may find yourself creative enough to make stuff up, too (read: compose your own music!). And the person who said it will teach you rhythm and harmony at the same time is quite correct. I used to play jazz piano in a band and it was a lot of fun, but took time to learn the rhythms and being able to put both hands together and read two lines of music as well as improvisation!

If you are still in school my advice would be to consult with the band director and see what (s)he thinks...usually they will suggest something in line with your interests, or will tell you what they need for the band.

But if you're more gearing yourself toward becoming a rock star, try guitar or bass guitar. And yes, these will impress the opposite sex. I've (as a female) impressed many men with my guitar playing! (even more impressive to them was the Irish whistle, though...) Usually local musicians are willing to give lessons for a small fee (or your local university also offers lessons in guitar, as well as more classical instruments).

What you want to pick up really does depend on what it's for! Good luck!

Answer 7

It's a tough question to answer.

Obviously, for getting more gigs and playing opportunities out of an academic setting: piano, drums, or bass guitar.

In a school band, I personally would go for trombone. However, if you are looking to get scholarships, the easiest scholarships to get are for oboe and bassoon -- these are fairly uncommon instruments (and there are usually few good players). Trombone, trumpet, and sax are extremely versatile and can be used in jazz big bands, jazz combos, ska bands, rock bands, or for solo or ensemble work (trombone quartet, brass quintet, etc).

Piano is a very nice instrument; there is a huge amount of music written for it and it allows solo or ensemble work. Plus, there is no worrying about having to develop a tone on it (as opposed to wind instruments, where years are required to develop a good sound). However, it is difficult to master playing with both hands, and technicality is a big factor. On the other hand, you don't have to play Flight of the Bumblebee to enjoy it.

Play something that's fun and fulfilling. It's a rewarding experience.

Answer 8

Depends on what your goals are... do you want to play in your school band or orchestra? do you want to just jam with your buddies? how old are you and how much musical training do you have? what facilities do you have access to?

If you are in junior or senior high and want to play in the school band or orchestra, I personally would recommend something on the low end. There are always enough flutes, clarinets, trumpets, violins, etc. that play up high.

But directors are ALWAYS looking for more low players. I am talking about:

in the brass -
trombone (my favorite!), baritone, tuba,

in the woodwinds -
bass clarinet, bassoon (the second hardest instrument in band!), baritone saxophone,

in the strings -
viola (actually a higher instrument but one that isn't as commonly played as the violin), cello (my son plays this), or the string bass (my second favorite!)

If all you want to do is to jam in a "garage" band with your friends, my inclination is to suggest the bass guitar as well. It takes some work, as any of it will, but you will be in greater demand than a guitarist.

If you are out of high school, you can always enroll in your local community college. Most of them have some classes that will give you some training in music if you have none at this time. In fact, if you just want to jam in a garage band, enrolling in some classes or instrument lessons would be a wise idea as well. You'll get the help you need and be a better musician for it.

Good luck,
VT

Answer 9

Go for something drastic or fun to play. Don't go for the instruments in which you have boundaries. Play instruments like the guitar, or piano. I would recommend the piano because you could learn a lot of music things from just that one instrument.

Answer 10

I'm a music teacher. Piano is an instrument that is great to start on. What you can learn on piano you can transfer to other instruments if you decide.