Hello all, I've been meaning to learn piano (or perhaps guitar) for awhile now in hopes of finding a fluid release of all this extra pent-up energy I've been carrying lately. I'm not in it for being 'cool' or even for the misses, but rather I hope to gain a means of fulfilling my inner spirit. The trouble is that I don't really know how to take the first steps other than private lessons (lamely low on cash) or possibly by book (I wonder if that would work or even help?). My question is, to any and all musicians, by what means did you learn to play your instrument of choice? What methods, what instrument, experience level you're at or were, and any other cool tips would be very helpful in the replies. Thank you and I hope this happens to help others out as well
12 years ago, I began learning the bass guitar simply by playing by ear. Once my fingers and hands acquired the necessary strength and coordination to execute the music, I then began teaching myself music theory. I spent the next 5 years learning what I could, at a casual pace. Eventually, I became a good bassist. Now, I play in an active jazz band, which presents new challenges, but that is the life of a musician. Learning and learning more!
this is a good observation. just learn to literally play first, you waste money with lessons learning that sort of thing with a teacher - download internet tabs. after you feel your playing ability is good, move on to theory. stick with it though, it starts a bit annoying but it is actually quite easy.
I agree.. internet tabs. I was self taught my first two years of playing guitar. Not having lessons isnt that big of a deal when you play 2-3 hours a day just look up tabs for songs you know, start with easy shit, like, to learn basic chords. Then move on to harder stuff.
I took piano for 12 yrs...so, I'll always know/love that. I learned guitar in college from a friend that also played...but basically she just taught me how to read the chords with the frets. And I learned/self-taught myself a lot with books...which if you do have an ear for music, you will be able to do that...especially with all the instruction out there now. However, I rarely pick up a guitar anymore...yet, I found it much, much easier to sing and play the guitar than the piano. I can also play like nobody's business...as long as nobody is listening. Until my last recital and last "talent show" (ug!) it about made me physically ill to perform in public. I just couldn't get over knowing there were people out there listening.
I was wondering something similar myself. Where online can I find some sheet music for beginner's piano? I can never find shit on Google.
90% of people who take up an instrument (guitar is the most popular, followed by piano/keys) lose interest within 30 days. The main reason is, they feel lost or overwhelmed. This is typical of the internet/self taught group. Yes, many have been (sucessfully) self taught, but the % of those who started out vs. who dropped out is astronomical. My suggestion is to take lessons, that give you the basics (everything from which string is the 1st string to basic open chords). You mentioned your cash flow is....well....not flowing..lol.. What about a friend? Everyone out there has at least one friend who is a guitar or keyboard player. Ask him/her if they would help get you started. Maybe barter for some lessons. I have been playing for many years. I have taught many interested/serious players what I know. I have never asked for a single cent. I do this for 2 reasons. First, I feel blessed to have the talent I have and want to share it with whoever seeks my knowledge and 2, there are very few things in this world that you can give for free, with musical knowledge being one of them, that you get to see the fruits of the seed you planted. Music can lift your spirit, give you a goal to work for and provide enjoyment for others, not to mention the feeling you get yourself when you can make a beautiful noise!!!! I hope it all works out for you.
Very cool, that was exactly what I was looking for.Your guys' input is incredibly helpful, thank you! All my own personal questions got answered and I'm now glad I didn't end up going solely for a tutor. Since I just got a guitar gifted to me from a good friend recently, I figure I'm going to seek out the power and lessons of the internet tabs and the mentioned Youtube and work my way up from there. Someone said books too, I'll give that a go, any recommendations? Sounded like a couple of you picked up a lot from friends as well. Luckily most of my friends are in a 'make a band' phase and I could probably reap a bit of benefit there too. Don't know why I didn't think of that one before :dizzy2: Lynnbrown, I'll have to remember that, I can get the stage-shyness rather bad too. I'll probably be keeping this practice a quiet thing to myself for a bit, until some real progression gets made. Thank you all!
I would give reps out to all, but lamely I'm already out for the day, ha. I'll try to remember tomorrow
When I was about 11 there was a book called ''play rock guitar'' and an old guitar laying around at our house. I picked that up and learned a few chords. Didn't really get in to it though. Until I learned how to play the beginning of ''Smells Like Teen Spirit''. Man oh man, did I EVER play that! 15 years later I'm still playing. Here's my advice to you (which is also the advice I give to any of my students). If you want to play an instrument, in the beginning, the important thing is playing. It's as simple as that. You want to get your fingers used to going through the motions. Especially for someone like you who is saying they want an emotional release. You will never be able to play emotionally until the movements become natural. Until then, you will be thinking. The best way to do this is to find a song that you love, and that you CAN play. This is the biggest challenge in the beginning. Finding a song that suits your interest/matches your skills. Once you find that, you will be SO happy that you can play that riff, that you will just want to play it over and over and over again. While you are doing that, the task of ''practicing'' pretty much dissapears. You are getting better, but you dont even realize you are practicing. After a while you will get bored with playing whatever it is you've been playing, at which point you'll have acquired a bit more skill, you can move on to a song that's a bit harder, and so on. Listen to what you play - feel it, make sure you are playing it right. Jam with the song on the radio - have fun! Like I said, picking the song is the hardest part: if you pick something too hard, you will get discouraged, if you pick something too easy, you will get bored. But first things first, if you choose guitar learn how to read tabs. This is really easy, and I'm sure there are thousands of tutorials online (not to mention youtube videos). I will warn you however - there are alot of tabs that suck big time. Seems like alot of the time people who write tabs have no idea what they are doing. Also, look in to the program ''guitar pro''. It's helped alot of people, big time! Once you've learned that, play - and pay attention! And you will be on your way. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
listen to me . what you do is play every note on your instrument until everything is connected ear to fingers . play play noodle in chaos if you like . touch it all and then again . get as much technique as you can imagine to do , all fingers , both hands , work 'em unto will and dexterity . magic happens from this , and your music is free . and then freedom is its own perplexity ... if you be so free as to find it , think pure music , and don't freak . focus the perplex complex unto simple . and then , make the world cry . and then , make the world cry .
i don't know about that make the world cry business... seems like i'd rather dance than cry... but try to emulate sounds you like. this doesn't mean try to play it in an identical manner. just nail the technique. then you can add that to your bag of tricks.
