How many instruments do you play? (3 Viewers)

[Unicron]

I wouldn't say I play anything particularly well, but the only instrument I have any sort of muscle memory with and can play in any sort of comfortable and nuanced way is guitar, anything else I have to concentrate really hard on.

Unlike what other people have been saying here I think I'm improving as I get older, though that's more down to greater understanding of theory than an increase of technical ability.

 

[GO]

Yeah...I'd be in the same camp as you I think...technical ability hasnt really changed in years...in fact I'd say I play a lot less notes now.But they're of a higher standard!

 

[magicbastarder]

is it true that it's easier to learn on an acoustic guitar than it is on an electric? we have an electric here i've picked up in the last month or two and got a cheapo book on chords in chapters, but if an acoustic would be better...

 

[therealjohnny]

As someone who learned on electric I would suggest starting on acoustic...your fingering and intonation will be much better for it

I don't think it's easier though, quite the opposite. Electric strings are so light and amplification can mask bad techniques

 

[Cryptid]

An electric will be nicer to your finger tips. If you have a half decent amp, electric is totally fine imho. I'd imagine Ann Post will give you a definitive answer. A classic/Spanish guitar is good too because it's more forgiving as the strings are spaced further apart, especially if you have stubby fingers.

 

[Cryptid]

I think I've improved over time on the guitar and keys simply because I spend more and more time playing them. It's all about how much time you spend, unless you're particularly talented, which I certainly ain't.

 

[GO]

Get the electric cranked up and just start WAILING on that motherfucker!!!


Then start a band!

 

[ann post]

is it true that it's easier to learn on an acoustic guitar than it is on an electric? we have an electric here i've picked up in the last month or two and got a cheapo book on chords in chapters, but if an acoustic would be better...

I'd imagine Ann Post will give you a definitive answer.

not definitive, but if i had a choice i'd teach all my students on a well set up steel strung acoustic that's kind to your back. some dreadnoughts can arch you too much depending on your stature, likewise one too thin will irritate your stumming arm while sitting. if you can play a steel string, an electric and a nylon strung will be like putty in your hands. with an electric the advantages are the cutaway for exploring the second octave, the comfort of playing standing and easier bends/slides/hammers and barre chords. when your starting no matter what your stuff is, do a few mins of chords that take up 4 fingers, its the fastest way to buff up the fingers.

 

[magicbastarder]

so a cheapo yamaha would be a decent starter? there seems to be a load of a brand called SX available; i'd never heard of them before.

 

[mel gibson]

play guitar pretty and bass
and can make bleep-bloop noises on my synths

 

[Cryptid]

AFAIK as long as it has the certification of inspection upon leaving the factory (this is necessary) and sounds good it should be good regardless of brand.

 

[Unknown Convict]

none but that didn't stop me getting roped in to give a music class to 20+ montessori kids tomorrow. have been collecting bits from the recycling (tissue boxes, plastic bottles, corrugated plastic, etc. + bought coloured rubber bands) for the last few weeks so we're going to make instruments and attempt to learn/sing sebadoh's "i love me". (slight concern that "i love me" is an onanist anthem.) wish me luck...

 

[snakybus]

acoustic guitar
electric guitar

two very different instruments

Yamahas are generally really good acoustic guitars for the price, magicbastarder, also been hearing good things about Freshman, a UK guitar made with top parts for half nothing in China

 

[mark]

I'd add Recording King to the list of cheap but good acoustic guitar makers. Got a little OOO 12 fret guitar from them a month or so ago. €400, but it plays better then any Martin or Taylor I've ever tried. They go much cheaper too, and they get great reviews. Muine arrived really well set up too.

You can't go wrong with Yamaha though. Some of the FG series can be picked up for feck all on adverts.

SX are shite.

Yamahas are generally really good acoustic guitars for the price, @magicbastarder, also been hearing good things about Freshman, a UK guitar made with top parts for half nothing in China

 

[Thayl]

and a small bit of drum machine.

You mean, you can press the play button?

 

[GO]

Thats true..acoustic and electric are a world apart really.I used tio be great on acoustic..not so much anymore unfortunately.Don't buy an acoustic from Argos.

 

[Cryptid]

You mean, you can press the play button?

Yeah, that's pretty much the extent of my abilities there alright.

I have one of these yokes: http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/RT-223-6cb7f58c43e271e08efa669dc9c44e58.jpg (zoom rhythmtrak 223) and I try to play the pads in realtime. Bit of a waste of time though as its not a very transferrable skill and it looks naff too. And the sound samples aren't that good. Probably gonna knock it on the head.

 

[Space]

Bass first and foremost, I noodle at home on the guitar and apparently I'm the singer in a band too which says nothing for my vocal ability. Definitely still improving on all instruments, voice more so than the others at the moment. Next one is going to be a VA synth although I'd really like to learn something like Sitar or Japanese Banjo.

 

[therealjohnny]

no ukulele?

 

[shower another shower]

moose; I know a sitar player in Dubland if youre ever looking for someone to get ye started. Also, sarod is a close as you can get to banjo for a classical Indian instrument.