Learning a musical instrument

[penfold]

I have tried to learn how to play the guitar and keyboard a few times in the past but never had my own and eventually gave up. For years I always told myself I would eventually learn how to play guitar when I had a house with enough space to keep it safe (meaning away from getting broken by the kids).

 

I have a young daughter who would like to learn to play an instrument and it got me thinking maybe a keyboard would be a better choice as she could also use it. It's been pretty much 20 years since I last tried to learn and looking online there is so much more resources for learning an instrument it seems a good opportunity to do something about it now.

 

So has anyone used lockdown as an opportunity to learn something new? Any advice for things to consider? I'm not looking to spend a lot of money as if it is not used it does not matter so much, but if I find I am learning I can always "upgrade"

 

Thanks

[ICTDirect_Dave]

I can't speak for keyboard, but there are a LOT of guitar resources out there these days.

And tablature is much easier to read than sheet music if you don't have a solid musical foundation to start with.

 

A modest outlay can get you an instrument you both can use.

It'll not be great, but nobody should learn on an expensive guitar. The technique you develop pon a cheap instrument wil serve you well if/when you decide to upgrade.

 

I'd buy this bundle: https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/LA-Electric-Guitar-and-Amp-Pack-Sunburst/9?

 

It'll give you everything you need to get started. Look online for beginner courses. Youtube will be your friend here.

 

When you've learned the basics https://www.songsterr.com/ is your friend. Use it on a laptop or desktop rather than a tablet as the full browser version does not require a subscription to play whole tracks. The inbuilt tablature to midi engine is perfect for helping you learn songs.

 

Practise is key, as with any instrument. Some time every day will help strengthen your fingers and built that muscle memory you need.

Don't expect to rock solos on day one, you'll be terrible at first, but stick at it, you'll level up in no time.

[jonnykewell1]

@themightymrp one for you here!

[djm968]

For a piano, I would go for something like this. https://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-and-Pianos/SDP-2-Stage-Piano-by-Gear4music-and-Stand-Pedal-and-Headphones/1FU6?origin=product-ads&gclid=CjwKCAiAudD_BRBXEiwAudakX1nZ20nrBCPgKYH5groXXLTVYT5pWx6aG3N4ng7rWVSlSn3oIiPDsBoCEH4QAvD_BwE

 

Not too expensive but is full size with 88 weighted action keys.

 

Again lot's of tutorials online.

[mrstrong]

for guitar, justin is probably the best

https://www.justinguitar.com/

complete courses / songs. very good, covers pretty much everything you could think of.

(he's also on youtube).

 

Don't think there is a free "equivalent" as complete as justin for piano/keys. Plenty of stuff on youtube of course

song lessons etc of varying quality, also some apps. Depends how you learn best and what your end aims are

e.g. read music, take classical grades, or knock out a few songs ?

Edited January 5, 2021 by mrstrong

[penfold]

Thanks all. I'm pretty realistic. I am not expecting to be great Just play some tunes is enough. I also have seen lots of resources on Youtube which were not available when I tried last time:) Maybe I'm just looking to get 1 off my bucket list.

[themightymrp]

I got an electric guitar for Christmas last time round. Always wanted one and am still trying to learn I wish I could devote more time to it but maybe after the pandemic I'll be able to.

 

Justin Guitar on Youtube is fantastic. Also as mentioned above - songsterr is good for looking up some easier level tabs.

 

If you want to have a bash at some other songs, I quite like Marty Music on Youtube and Guitar Lessons 365 - though they are harder and more advanced, but you might pick up the odd little riff which can be fun.

 

I also bought myself a distortion pedal to get that 'metal' sound. Soooo much fun!