Scratch
archived forums
#1 2012-05-18 22:11:14
Advice on choosing an instrument?
I need help choosing an instrument. My mom has told me I can start learning an instrument if I can find the time in my schedule. I played the violin when I was younger but I quit when I was around 8-9 years old. I sounded okay at it so I'm OK with difficult instruments (The violin is ranked hardest instrument).
The instrument cannot be:
Violin
Piano
Guitar
Also, if it's an instrument that you can play something other than classical music on, that would be great.
Thanks!
This is a temporary signature. It will exist until I think of something witty.
Offline
#5 2012-05-18 22:29:39
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
Drums :d
I am KingFanta, King of the Fanta Kingdom, BOW DOWN TO ME
The Power of Fanta Compellz you!
Check out my animations 
http://scratch.mit.edu/users/KingFanta/ Offline
#7 2012-05-18 22:33:33
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
I think saxophone is probably the easiest band instrument (though it's expensive and heavy) :\ You can also play jazz.
If you want a harder instrument, do French horn and then become a master at it. I say this because every student French horn player I've ever met was terrible (the saxes have to substitute for the one sucky horn player).
Last edited by luiysia (2012-05-18 23:11:56)
Offline
#8 2012-05-18 22:42:24
- technoguyx
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2008-10-18
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
Depends heavily on what genre of music you want to play.
An electric bass would be a good choice though, you can play it in just about every genre from jazz to rock to classical (my school's symphonic orchestra has two e-bassists, at least. ), it's relatively easy to play and once you're solid on theory and have a good ear, you can improvise the whole time while playing while still sounding great, even adding a lot to the song with your fills. 
If you go with this, take in mind that the bass is both a rhythm and melody instrument, not an almost purely melodic instrument like everything you've played so far. Improvising too much, concentrating on showing off and ignoring the rest of the band by doing so seems to be a common mistake among guitarists who also paly bass, myself included when I just started. If you're playing with the band, you gotta play really tight and in time with the percussion (be it a drummer, a classical percussion section, or whatever).
It'd still help to know what genre of music or kind of instrument are you looking after. Whichever is the instrument you end up choosing, good luck learning and playing it. 
Offline
#9 2012-05-18 23:13:37
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
technoguyx wrote:
...concentrating on showing off and ignoring the rest of the band by doing so seems to be a common mistake among guitarists who also paly bass...
To be fair, this happens to almost every instrument that can have solos, like trumpet, flute, clarinet, saxophones if they're in jazz, etc.
Offline
#10 2012-05-18 23:20:29
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
How about the cello?
It's like a big violin, except it has a much bigger variety of notes and you can play it sitting down while it rests against your legs. I play one, and the sound is beautiful if you learn how to play it right.
It's mostly for classical music, but I've heard some really cool music played on the cello that's not in the classical genre! It's your decision.
If your interest is not in the cello, then I advise the drums or the trumpet. One of the band instruments?
Offline
#11 2012-05-18 23:58:20
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
sonatina wrote:
How about the cello?
It's like a big violin, except it has a much bigger variety of notes and you can play it sitting down while it rests against your legs. I play one, and the sound is beautiful if you learn how to play it right.
It's mostly for classical music, but I've heard some really cool music played on the cello that's not in the classical genre! It's your decision.
If your interest is not in the cello, then I advise the drums or the trumpet. One of the band instruments?
I really like the sound of the cello, so
i'll think about that. Thanks!
This is a temporary signature. It will exist until I think of something witty.
Offline
#13 2012-05-19 00:32:59
- technoguyx
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2008-10-18
- Posts: 1000+
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
luiysia wrote:
technoguyx wrote:
...concentrating on showing off and ignoring the rest of the band by doing so seems to be a common mistake among guitarists who also paly bass...
To be fair, this happens to almost every instrument that can have solos, like trumpet, flute, clarinet, saxophones if they're in jazz, etc.
Yes, but in the bass in particular that's a fatal mistake, as you're supposed to keep the rhythm of the band, along with the percussion, and not show off.
Offline
#14 2012-05-21 16:32:11
- rememberchicken
- Scratcher
- Registered: 2011-06-18
- Posts: 500+
Re: Advice on choosing an instrument?
Trombone. Just. Trombone.
Hello.....
Offline