Learning an Instrument, which one?

[johnnyturbouk]

piano was also my 1st ever instrument good basis to learn music, scales and basic

i always dreamed about playing a sax.. but could not afford one, as my folks thought it was just a fad - so they got me a clarinet - awesome instrument that i played for 4 years... always regret not learning the sax tho'

 

[Liquorpuki]

I've been playing both piano and drumset/percussion since I was a kid. I've also dabbled in guitar, bass guitar, and sax as well as MPC's and turntable scratching. Eventually I wanna go back and master than sax, get my scratching better, and learn the cajon.

I'd honestly say pick the instrument that intrigues you the most. There's a cheap student version of almost every instrument out there you could practice on until it becomes second nature and you decide to buy top of the line gear. Becoming proficient is an uphill battle that'll take at least a year so you need to pick the instrument you think is the coolest. Otherwise interest just tapers off and you give up.

Learn how to read music if you can. It makes learning songs a million times easier.

There are many suggestions for the piano. Can I learn it on a keyboard or similar? Getting an actual piano is probably out of the question.

You can learn on a keyboard. The feel can be way different but it's good for getting started. I bought my girl a $300 keyboard when she wanted to learn the piano. You could probably find a used upright piano for around $400 but it wouldn't be portable and you'd have to worry about tuning it.

The guitar is intriguing. This is very different from the bass guitar my friend wants me to try, right? They look the same, but I think they are played differently. Pros and cons?

Guitar = 6 strings. You start off learning chords (multiple notes played at once
Bass guitar = 4 strings that are longer to make deeper sounds. You almost never play chords on a bass so you start off just plucking strings with two fingers. Bass guitar is easier to get started with.

Drums are some of the most fun IMO. You can get an electronic drumset for well under $500, learn some basic technique, and be on your way.

I didn't know renting was even an option. Maybe the cost requirement was just diminished.

If you could get a rental with actual in-person instruction, that would be your best option and you'd probably learn faster that way too.

 

[r1ch4rd]

piano was also my 1st ever instrument good basis to learn music, scales and basic

i always dreamed about playing a sax.. but could not afford one, as my folks thought it was just a fad - so they got me a clarinet - awesome instrument that i played for 4 years... always regret not learning the sax tho'

They aren't that different really. I picked up the sax after playing the clarinet. The mouthpieces are fairly similar (on the alto sax anyway) and the fingering will be familiar. Imagine the upper register fingering on a clarinet. That's how it works for both registers on the sax. If you get a chance, give it a go.

I should probably point out that before playing the sax I had 10 years of weekly lessons on the clarinet (up to grade 7 jazz - never bothered with 8, but could have probably done it... just)!

 

[grapes911]

Wow. So many responses. I'm going to have to do some thinking. Thanks for all your input!

 

[Capt Underpants]

You should decide to learn an instrument because listening to the instrument makes you want to play it. If there is no instrument that does this, then don't even bother.

That said, there are a lot of options. If you don't have a very wide range of music taste, I suggest trying to develop one. It'll enable you to pick the instrument that is right for you.

 

[OllyW]

You can learn on a keyboard. The feel can be way different but it's good for getting started. I bought my girl a $300 keyboard when she wanted to learn the piano. You could probably find a used upright piano for around $400 but it wouldn't be portable and you'd have to worry about tuning it.

If you've got a Mac all you need to get started is a USB MIDI Keyboard and Garageband. It's even got basic lessons built in and you can buy more advanced lessons as you progress.

 

[prostuff1]

My vote goes toward the piano also. I am a little bias as it is the first instrument I learned on. I can play drum decently enough and guitar well enough also. This is all starting from the piano as a base. The only instruments I don't touch are the woodwinds, controlling my breathing and concentrating on the music can be difficult.

I have never played on a keyboard, only on actual pianos. I actually just picked up a piano of my local craigslist for free. I rented a uhaul for the day and had some friends help me move it... cost me 50 bucks and some beers.

Get a decent keyboard if you do not want to get a paino, and try to get a keyboard that has all 88 keys, and not a half keyboard.

 

[MAC-PRO-DEMON]

As quite a musical student I would naturally suggest my first instrument, the Classical Guitar... However despite my ability on it, I'm starting to regret having spent so much time learning it as it really isn't a very social instrument. Although i'm playing concerts and what have you, they are on my own, it's so boring, I wish that i'd learnt a different instrument (the list is as long as my arm).

My little sister is learning the trombone atm but trust me, it's deafening and we send her to a different building to practice it!

I'd learn something like the Saxaphone as it's just great fun, you can play with anything, it's not that difficult and once you play one, you can play all of the other different types! If you do want to do the guitar though, I'm currently teaching a few people and if you want any steps in the right direction then send me a PM!

 

[Mord]

Eigenharp.

A friend of mine has a pico, it's pretty nifty. I play violin/viola but I wouldn't recommend them, were I to go back in time and pick another instrument to learn it would either be cello or piano.

 

[Liquorpuki]

If you've got a Mac all you need to get started is a USB MIDI Keyboard and Garageband. It's even got basic lessons built in and you can buy more advanced lessons as you progress.

That's true. You can get a decent controller for < $500. I bought my KX8 on sale for $380 - 88 keys, weighted-graded - not a lot of controllers feel like pianos but this one comes pretty close.

You can also get started on the bass guitar for <$300. Entry level bass + amp + instructional DVD

Entry level acoustic guitar = <$200

Entry level alto sax + reeds = $420

lot of options here

 

[SuperCachetes]

Given that you like classic rock, I'd suggest an electric guitar, because I was int he same boat.

My wife has been watching me (annoyingly) air-guitar around the house for 12 years, and finally got me a real instrument for xmas. I'm learning to play as we speak.

I know an acoustic is better to learn on, but this is strictly a diversionary hobby for me. I also know the setup I have is total crap, but again, I don't care because it sounds awesome to my untrained ear.

I went with a "starter kit" from Costco - a "Stratocaster-like" Fender guitar, a 10-watt amp, cable, strap, bag, a few picks, and extra strings. You can literally plug it in and start playing. It was about $180. On top of that I added a $100 Digitech effects pedal that will approximate everything from U2 to Slayer.

As others have said, don't forget the free lessons that come with Garage Band... and the thousands of YouTube videos. Chances are someone has a video explaining how to play your favorite song.

It's taken me three months of maybe an hour-per-weekend to get to the point where I can play a punk-pop tune or two all the way through by memory. I still suck, yeah, but it's fun when you can see yourself actually progressing and making recognizable noises.

 

[TT4T]

Consider drumming - a pad and sticks will run you about $25.

From there you can find tons of videos online of rudiments and techniques.

I taught myself with this method and have now upgraded to a full on acoustic set.

 

[Huntn]

I've got an excellent starter Fender guitar for sale in Marketplace and an amp, not listed. PM me if interested. I'll split shipping with you. Playing guitar, although I've gotten a late start in life has been well worth it.

.