A question for the musical people.....

I'm really keen on learning an instrument, any instrument. But what to choose? What instrument in your opinion has the greatest effect for the most minimum effort to learn to play? I'd imagine they all need some good bit of time and effort but my time is very limited but I could find a couple or three hours a week. Cost would be a factor too... I wouldn't be able to find the dollar for a grand piano.

I like my rock music but playing a regular electric guitar seems impossible.... is a bass easier to learn to play? (that may just be my lazy thinking but it's got 2 less strings, in my mind that makes it easier)

Drums maybe? I can pat my head and rub my belly... will that help?

How about some wind intrument? I like the sound of a Sax, Trumpet etc but how easy are they?

I'm not particulaly looking to learn to enable me to join a band... it's something just for my own amusement really.

Thanks for any info/advice guys

PS not really keen on a Recorder/Triangle/Kazoo cheers

 

as a failed guitarist who moved to bass i can tell you it can be easier or harder depending how good you want to be, trouble is playing bass alone is boring as it's part of the rhythm section with the drums so you often don't play the melody of the song, there is no way to tell you what you will find easier, but if you want to try drums why not buy one of those practise kits or the small keyboard size ones where you hit the pads to see if you can do it? i wouldn't waste your money on a full kit until you know you want to play drums as you need space and understanding wife and neighbours....... i would suggest you get a keyboard or a semi decent acoustic guitar and see how you go, i can't comment on wind instruments as they ain't my thing although i would love to be able to play sax.

 

Tomaster any instrument to the extent you can play expressively takes ages whatever it is.
If I was starting from scratch I'd get an old piano and learn to play boogie-woogie.

 

I bought a sax a few years ago with the intention of learning it, but neaver did, can blow half a dozen notes thats all. Must try harder this year.

 

I did the same with a sax - taught myself to play a bit but it never really sounded like the Baker Street intro

My thoughts are that you need to be prepared to have lessons to improve and to give you the discipline to practice.

 

Harmonica is an instrument where you can make strides pretty quickly. Get the most expensive one you can afford though (a chromatic will be the most expensive and complex but also the most versatile). All bands like to add a harp player now and again.

 

It'd be easier (cheaper) learning from a friend but my pals aren't the must musical bunch either. I have one mate who plays Bass in an AC/DC tribute band.... maybe i'll ask him to have a shot.

I like the idea of one of those electric drum kits too, just to see if I get on with it. I'm OK at the drums on 'Rock Band' on the xbox, but I guess thats not a good gauge.

Cheers so far guys

 

Banjo

 

First, I'm not a musical type and but am in the same position as you.

I've tried loads of instruments, and through lack of effort or lack of ability I've failed at all.

But the one I got furthest with was the Harmonica. I taught myself to play 2 whole songs on it. Then the Ukelele - 1 song.

 

You'd be best of with a keyboard. They are easier to play and have better results but as said any instrument takes time. Drums require you to do four things at once not two. Lol.

 

sax is very simular to the flute so im told. I think most of the notes and key combinations aer the same.

I wouldnt say its too hard but then ive been learning music including piano since i was 4

 

I got a uke for Xmas and i still playing chords well of anything that sounds like its tuned in , there is loads of instructional stuff on you tube ,have a look and see what takes your fancy

 

I'd suggest guitar and piano, both are relatively easy to pick up and learn the basics and probably more importantly as they are 'lead' instruments you'll keep your interest in learning the main riffs from a song. They both also lend themselves to whatever style of music you like.

As mentioned above things like the bass are great but you'll quickly get bored sitting in your room learning to play the same note continuously to the song you like.

 

I'm a musician. Piano is my primary instrument (originally classically trained), though I'm also a guitarist and harmonica player and singer. I've trained on Sax and Clarinet

I agree with someones comment that you want to be able to play something you can sing along to for the sake of gaining rewards..

I wouldn't recommend any adult to pick up the piano unless they can seriously dedicate an hour a day to it (which pretty much none of us can). I used to practice up to 6 hours a day and it was still hard. The fact kids have time means they have time to practice, and minds that absorb a lot more efficiently than their parents.. hence piano being better suited to learning as a child

Sax/Clarinet - great instruments. But you'd probably only ever be playing the melody (tune) of songs unless you become advanced. and i don't think thats as much fun as playing something that people or you can sing along to.

Simple answer is buy a nice steel string acoustic guitar - doesn't have to be flash (something like the link at the bottom). Buy a teach yourself book or two or theres heaps of 'learn the guitar' videos on youtube. practice. pick a song or two that you know to focus on and stick at it.. its not easy to start with but slowly but surely you'll improve

Basically I think you can get a lot more out of a guitar, quicker than any other instrument and without being forced to practice like you would be if you're a kid, you need rewards (the satisfaction of playing something that sounds remotely like a song) faster to keep you interested and reduce the frustration that inevitably comes from learning an instrument

hope this helps and sing out if you want any more advice

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=acoustic+guitar&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1636&bih=708&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=9025763698036464599&sa=X&ei=Es9hT4FmwurxA9O_taAI&ved=0CJ0BEPMCMAM

 

Guitar is a good one to learn .... they are small and cheap too

 

Some great advice here.... thanks guys and gals