Does anyone play an instrument?

[morg176]

I've always wanted to play a musical instrument, but I have a negative musical aptitude.

I have tried guitar lessons but it didn't pan out :D

Was thinking of maybe trying violin, haha I've heard it's way hard, but I like the sound they can make.

Your thoughts and experiences? :D

[Handsprime]

Is Mayonnaise an Instrument?

[morg176]

Is Mayonnaise an Instrument?

Not traditionally :D

Has anyone ever wanted to learn an instrument but was lacking in confidence to make the attempt?

[The_Black_Sheep]

I've been a massive fan of rock 'n roll for years & years & that became my inspiration to buy myself a dual-neck electric axe a couple of years ago. I'm trying to teach myself to play it but I'd rather just jam with it every now & then... Lol

[Trent]

I make noise with a guitar. Sinnertwin is supposedly an expert on an axe, but maybe he just has very convincing dreams :p

I'd suggest piano. It gives you the basics and is a platform to move to any instrument, but can also be built upon to any degree if you decide you like it.

And don't worry about lacking natural talent. I'm terrible. I have to work what seems like ten times as hard as most for the slightest increase in skill. But I still enjoy it. I strongly suggest lessons though. If it's not working, try a different instructor. As a teacher, you would know that people have different styles. It's a matter of finding someone with a style that suits you.

[GoktimusPrime]

My mum tried to force me to learn piano when I was a kid, and I hated it. :( Sadly, I have zero musical ability now. The weird thing was, she used to tutor other kids in piano and they would go on to become extremely successful students, even performing in concerts and stuff, but my mum just failed in teaching me and my brother piano.

There is at least one good thing that came out of this. In 1984 my mum dragged me and my brother along to watch her performing at a piano performance. You can imagine how utterly bored the two of us were sitting in the audience with no adult supervision (yeah) watching various people playing orchestral instruments. :rolleyes: So on the way to the performance, we stopped by a hobby store and saw these new toys called Transformers. They were like Machine Men, only way cooler looking! :eek: I chose Brawn and my brother chose Huffer. We opened them and played with them instead of paying any attention to the performance.

And I haven't stopped collecting Transformers ever since. :)

[morg176]

Ive just always wanted to be able to play something.
Piano is a very beautiful sound, but dont have the space for one and electric keyboards, err I don't think so.

Violin is portable, and doesn't need a powerpoint

Just want something that sounds good (once you learn how) and maybe have some fun trying

Its an experiment

[UltraMarginal]

I'm not trying to boast.

I've been playing drums since I was about 10. Not professionally. just as a hobby I guess. I had 6 years of lessons and in year 11. 12 and the first couple years of Uni I taught as well. It's something that has stayed with me the whole time. to the point that I bought an electronic kit before I bought my engagement ring.

For years if I have a headacke, I can play drums for half an hour and make it go away. not all the time but it's often helped.

There were times when I didn't enjoy it, the book my teacher taught from is pretty old, it has a section called Disco music. it's basically different patterns where the hihat is opened as you play it creating a sizzle sound. the start of this video has an example (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzCXZ3TnUxo). I was really sturggling to get it, for weeks, in the end I told him I didn't wannt to do it. he had a chat with my folks and they all talked me into trying it some more. I now use this technique everywhere. the label, of disco, might be where this was something that was a predominant technique but I challenge you to find a type of music that doesn't incorporate it.


Learning a musical instrument is not easy, if it was everyone would be doing it. The long term life rewards are pretty sweet though. I've played in school bands, university orchestra, two revues at uni, and i spent some tome in a 12 piece funk band in my second year at uni. I miss it a bit, I haven't played with other people in over a decade.

My recommendation, if there is a particular instrument you like the sound of, or the music it features in, try learning that. Definitely have lessons, they are expensive but can't be substituted for.

If you are generally interested and have no particular instrument in mind, like others have mentioned I'd suggest piano or guitar. in either case, acoustic is probably a better place to start. Piano's are big, so that might not be an option for you.

Whatever instrument you choose, I can't stress enough that you are much better off buying something second hand. The quality of a 5 or 10 or even 15 year old insturment that might cost around 500 to 1K is going to be so much better than a brand new $500 -1K at a music store. the stuff that costs that much at a music store usually won't last that long and because it's cheper and lower quality it's actually harder to play. there are idiosyncracies with different instruments that you need to look out for so I recommend having someone you know who's musical with you when inspecting a second hand piece. a bit of googling will educate you on the different brands and lines of hardware that is out there for the instrument you are interested in.


I've rambled a bit, Mrs UltraMarginal is away, so I've been watching the 3rd hobit and drinking copiuos amounts of beer:cool::D.

Hopefully I've been some help, feel free to PM me if you are looking for some further advice. Drums are also big, take up a lot of space and take lots of time to pack down and set up.

[laproblematique]

Not traditionally :D

Has anyone ever wanted to learn an instrument but was lacking in confidence to make the attempt?

Hard to be confident without making an attempt, pretty sure most of us sounded arse on our first go! :p

As cliche as it sounds, I'd recommend starting off with a guitar or digital keyboard. They're probably the easiest (they don't feel like it at first) to learn and can be accompanied with things like backing tracks that cover bass, drums etc. to keep you interested in playing along to. That and the free tutorials/lessons for guitar and piano on sites like youtube are just so more comprehensive compared to other instruments like violin and saxophone which aren't as easy to just pick up and play.

I'd say it's the same for violins, but I really recommend buying a good branded used instrument, e.g. a used (but not abused) Takamine, Martin or Taylor acoustic as they're often 40-50% below RRP value despite sometimes being only rarely played and just offer so much more bang for buck than entry level instruments. Oh and avoid any beginner instrument package deals like the plague. :D

The quality branded used gear keep their value so if you lose interest a few months down the track they won't turn into a paperweight that you can't sell. The melband forum instruments sale section in addition to ebay are two good sources to find some quality used gear.

[morg176]

Tried guitar, so not for me, but I did try.

Is there anywhere you can try a few instruments out, see which one suits you

[laproblematique]

Tried guitar, so not for me, but I did try.

Is there anywhere you can try a few instruments out, see which one suits you

A music store like Allans/Billy Hyde would be your best bet to get your hands dirty. I'd be wary of buying from them though.

Why wasn't guitar for you? Violin would be more of the same I'd think which would lead me to recommend piano in the absence of more detail.

[morg176]

A music store like Allans/Billy Hyde would be your best bet to get your hands dirty. I'd be wary of buying from them though.

Why wasn't guitar for you? Violin would be more of the same I'd think which would lead me to recommend piano in the absence of more detail.

For a few years on and off I have wanted to be able to play some sort 8f instrument. I didn't know which one would suit me and their didn't seem to be anyone who could/was willing to help me find out.

And as a side note, I thought it might come in handy as a teacher somehow...

I generally have a fair bit of free time so I can learn/practice but I need to want to over doing nothing. I have to enjoy the attempt at least. I have tried guitar but I had to constntly look at the strings to know what I was doing and I have long bony fingers which seemed to make it difficult to have my left hand in the correct position.

These are observations (not excuses) :D

The amount of effort that went in was disproportionate to the outcome. And it was difficult to hold the guitar. It just didn't work for me and I lost the inclination to proceed.

It would be nice to be able to play something, brass and woodwind are out as I dont have the breath for it, keyboard, nah, just dont see it (need something that does not require a power supply), drums and percussion, no interest. String is it and me and the guitar don't seem to agree.

I do understand that violin/fiddle is considered difficult compared to the guitar. But I like the sound it makes, and sometimes you have try something that is difficult to accomplish anything

The local music store (hayworths shellharbour) is where I was looking at buying a new one, $200 all setup for a beginner one. I would prefer to have a go at one before shelling out the money but I dont know anyone with a violin.

Just trying something different. Havent bought one yet

Thanks for all the much appreciated advice and anecdotes :D

[Trent]

Find a violin teacher. They will most likely have one you can have a go at and they can also answer any questions you have.

[UltraMarginal]

Oh and avoid any beginner instrument package deals like the plague. :D

The quality branded used gear keep their value so if you lose interest a few months down the track they won't turn into a paperweight that you can't sell. The melband forum instruments sale section in addition to ebay are two good sources to find some quality used gear.

I can't agree with Laproblematique enough, the $200 starter violin you've mentioned below, cannot be a good violin. It's $200 that you would be better spending on a second hand violin. This is something that the teacher should be well equipped to help you with.



For a few years on and off I have wanted to be able to play some sort 8f instrument. I didn't know which one would suit me and their didn't seem to be anyone who could/was willing to help me find out.

And as a side note, I thought it might come in handy as a teacher somehow...

I generally have a fair bit of free time so I can learn/practice but I need to want to over doing nothing. I have to enjoy the attempt at least. I have tried guitar but I had to constntly look at the strings to know what I was doing and I have long bony fingers which seemed to make it difficult to have my left hand in the correct position.

These are observations (not excuses) :D

The amount of effort that went in was disproportionate to the outcome. And it was difficult to hold the guitar. It just didn't work for me and I lost the inclination to proceed.

It would be nice to be able to play something, brass and woodwind are out as I dont have the breath for it, keyboard, nah, just dont see it (need something that does not require a power supply), drums and percussion, no interest. String is it and me and the guitar don't seem to agree.

I do understand that violin/fiddle is considered difficult compared to the guitar. But I like the sound it makes, and sometimes you have try something that is difficult to accomplish anything

The local music store (hayworths shellharbour) is where I was looking at buying a new one, $200 all setup for a beginner one. I would prefer to have a go at one before shelling out the money but I dont know anyone with a violin.

Just trying something different. Havent bought one yet

Thanks for all the much appreciated advice and anecdotes :D

Be prepared to sound like a dying cat for a good year or so, My sister learnt violin when I was learning drums, the first year or so, listening to her practice was a special form of torture. She became an excellent violinist but the quality curve is slow.

I'm a little concerned given the issues you had with guitar that violin is something you will have very similar issues with. The fingering on a violin is similar to that of a guitar but there aren't any frets to help with positioning. It's also a smaller thinner space to wrap fingers around. Viola or chello might be a more suitable instrument.

With regard to your comment about not having the lungs for a wind instrument, that's part of the practice, developing the lungs I can guarantee you when James Morrison started learning Trumpet he couldn't breath like he can now.


Find a violin teacher. They will most likely have one you can have a go at and they can also answer any questions you have.

also great advice.

I will be interested to hear what you end up taking up and I hope it provides you with many years of challenges and enjoyment.

[Sinnertwin]

Find an instrument that you're drawn to.
It'll make practice and playing much more pleasant and enjoyable.

[Megatran]

Except if you are the neighbour. The kid in my neighbourhood has been 'practising' on the drum kit for over 2 years now on weekend mornings. It doesn't sound any better now or in the foreseeable future. Not everyone can be a gifted musician. >_<

[morg176]

I actually bought a cheapo violin outfit a few weeks ago.
It's a crap one but its somewhere to start

Finding sheet music for violin is erksome, not that I can read music, I can't
May have to get a teacher but trying to err the expense at the moment
What would be the first thing I need to master (at a noobie level)

I love the sound of violin but no frame of reference for note -sound recognition

Just thought I would ask

[1AZRAEL1]

On and off I play guitar. I'm not great at it, almost pretty rubbish hahah. Trying to learn because I am writing a concept album and need to get better. I used to be a singer in a band, started to learn bass because our bass player sucked. Recorded 2 demos and a couple of live gigs. Sadly there wasn't enough drive from half of the band and we dissolved

There is a game/learning tool for PS3/4 called Rocksmith, where you plug an actual guitar/bass into it and learn to play songs, techniques and everything else that goes with playing guitar. When I was playing that daily, I started to get good. It plays to your skill level, so as a beginner it makes you hit single notes here and there and as you get better, adds chords and multiple notes until you can play every note in the song. If it starts becoming too hard for you, it adjusts it again to make it easier. And does it in sections of the song instead of overall. There's also arcade style games to help you learn scales, sliding, and all the rest of the techniques too. There is the basic song pack on the game itself, but you can buy more tracks. I can't praise this game enough. I really have to get back into playing it.

[tinyJazz]

I actually bought a cheapo violin outfit a few weeks ago.
It's a crap one but its somewhere to start

Finding sheet music for violin is erksome, not that I can read music, I can't
May have to get a teacher but trying to err the expense at the moment
What would be the first thing I need to master (at a noobie level)

I love the sound of violin but no frame of reference for note -sound recognition

Just thought I would ask

Every day you practise start with a few scales. Your hands will get used to where the notes fall on the instrument. Technical work is like the foundation of playing an instrument, it's super boring but it'll make playing and learning new pieces easier and faster.

If you haven't already, pick up a beginner's violin method book. (Essential Elements seems to be the one for strings?) it should be for absolute beginners so it should teach you how to read music as well. As for getting the notes to sound right, there are some guides on YouTube for how to tune a violin. You could invest in a digital chromatic tuner, or just use a sound recording on YouTube and your ear. :D

I played the clarinet while I was in high school. I was in concert band and I loved playing in competitions. I was also in the state youth wind ensemble for a couple of years. Got to play at the Sydney opera house with them.
I think doing AMEB exams really killed my interest in it though. It was just a huge unnecessary amount of stress I put myself through and it stopped being fun.

[morg176]

I just want to play for fun
I almost got a cat scratch bearable twinkle twinkle out of it about a week ago,
Idealy I need to find someone who can play and trade for lessons

The experiment continues
The sheet music seems difficult
Holidays in a few days.
Will get the violin out then and try some more :D

[1AZRAEL1]

I only ever played for fun too. For me, the band was all for fun and be creative, not to be famous and make money. Though I did have a bit of a stardom moment where a few months after the band dissolved and I moved, someone recognised me from a gig they saw us play.

Just keep at it buddy, time and patience and you'll get better

[Sinnertwin]

I pick my guitar up only when I vacuum. :(

[UltraMarginal]

Every day you practise start with a few scales. Your hands will get used to where the notes fall on the instrument. Technical work is like the foundation of playing an instrument, it's super boring but it'll make playing and learning new pieces easier and faster.

If you haven't already, pick up a beginner's violin method book. (Essential Elements seems to be the one for strings?) it should be for absolute beginners so it should teach you how to read music as well. As for getting the notes to sound right, there are some guides on YouTube for how to tune a violin. You could invest in a digital chromatic tuner, or just use a sound recording on YouTube and your ear. :D

I played the clarinet while I was in high school. I was in concert band and I loved playing in competitions. I was also in the state youth wind ensemble for a couple of years. Got to play at the Sydney opera house with them.
I think doing AMEB exams really killed my interest in it though. It was just a huge unnecessary amount of stress I put myself through and it stopped being fun.


HAHA, At least AMEB recognised clarinet as an instrument, it wasn't until the late 90's that they began to recognise drumkit at all.

I can't agree more with tinyjazz, it's the hard boring bits that help it become one of the most enjoyable things you'll ever do. My first drumming book which I used solidly for 5 or so years was more than half full of boring bits.

I remember when my sister was learning violin, the music teacher put thin strips of masking tape on the kneck to imitate fret positions. this assisted with development of muscle memory for fingering positions.


I just want to play for fun
I almost got a cat scratch bearable twinkle twinkle out of it about a week ago,
Idealy I need to find someone who can play and trade for lessons

The experiment continues
The sheet music seems difficult
Holidays in a few days.
Will get the violin out then and try some more :D

The advice I recall for avoiding scratching was a smooth consistent pressure while keeping the bow moving all the time.


I only ever played for fun too. For me, the band was all for fun and be creative, not to be famous and make money. Though I did have a bit of a stardom moment where a few months after the band dissolved and I moved, someone recognised me from a gig they saw us play.

Just keep at it buddy, time and patience and you'll get better

It's hard not to get excited by the thrill of being on stage.


I pick my guitar up only when I vacuum. :(

That's the saddest thing I've heard in weeks.

[Trent]

I pick my guitar up only when I vacuum. :(

I got sick of doing that so put mine back in its case about 4-5 months ago :(


HAHA, At least AMEB recognised clarinet as an instrument, it wasn't until the late 90's that they began to recognise drumkit at all.

That's because a drummer isn't a musician. A drummer is someone that hangs out with musicians.


:p

[UltraMarginal]

I got sick of doing that so put mine back in its case about 4-5 months ago :(
:p

That's even sadder:(



That's because a drummer isn't a musician. A drummer is someone that hangs out with musicians.
:p

Drummers are like the force, they have a light side and a dark side and they hold the band together.

[1AZRAEL1]

It's hard not to get excited by the thrill of being on stage.

It was great. Part of me misses it. All I wanna do now though is just create music without having to rely on other people. They tend to let you down if they aren't fully committed.


Drummers...they hold the band together.

Tell that to the useless one we had haha.