Seeing as Facepunch is one big happy creative community, there will always be people searching for that creative fulfillment. Now, instead of having hundreds of threads with people asking how to star creating music, I figured it would be better with one big thread - answering all the questions you ever could have thought of asking. Seeing as I started playing guitar when I was 8 and later switched to bass, I know what basic questions you should ask yourself before picking up an instrument.
[u][b]Step 1[/u][/b]
[i]- choosing an instrument[/i]
So lately you've been getting an itchy feeling in your fingers. You want to play an instrument, but you have no clue on what your fingers are craving. You ask yourself "What do I want to play?".
When I picked guitar - I did it because it felt right. I sat down with a guitar and smiled. Go to a music store, try some of the instruments out. I'm sure you'll feel the same with one of the instruments. If not - you could always ask yourself "Who is my big music idol?".
[u][b]Step 2[/u][/b]
[i]- time and motivation[/i]
Before going out and spending all your (dad's) money on an expensive instrument, ask yourself if you really have the time to practice. If you want to become one of the big ones, you need to take time to practice each day if possible. Of course there's no rules about practicing - but practice makes perfect.
You need to have a certain level of motivation too. If not - your instrument will end up in a corner and won't get played as much as it should.
[u][b]Step 3[/u][/b]
[i]- buying an instrument[/i]
Now that you've asked yourself if you have the time and motivation and come to the conclusion that yes you do, you're ready to buy your very first instrument. Oftenly it's adviced that beginners don't go out and spend all of their money on something expensive because they might end up regretting the buy later. This is true - which is why I advice every beginner to rent or lend and instrument. When you finally decide "I'm sticking with this" sometime in the future, you can go out and waste all your cash on something great. Having a good instrument does matter, so ask around if you need help. Playing a shitty _x_ guitar does NOT give the same feel as playing an _y_
[u][b]Step 4[/u][/b]
[i]- lessons[/i]
I hear about more and more people being self-taught. I am in no way going to say self-teaching is something you should stay away from, because I realise a lot of great players have been self-taught and lessons isn't all it takes to become good. I am, however, going to tell you the advantages of taking lessons.
When you are teaching yourself, there's a chance that you aren't getting it right, and if you continuously do something wrong, you'll have a hard time getting it right once you realise you've been doing it wrong. With a teacher and lessons, there will be a person to correct you when you're doing something wrong, and you won't fall into a bad habit. When you take lessons, there will always be a person to support you and keep you on the track. You will always have something new to learn, and if you have a good teacher, (s)he will ask you which song YOU want to learn.
My personal experience with teachers has only been good. Self-teaching isn't really for me, and even though I started playing when I was 8, I took guitar lessons until I was 15. I still take lessons in bass, even though I'm 19. It's never too late to begin taking lessons, so if you're worried about your age - don't be.
[u][b]Step 5[/u][/b]
[i]- I can't play all the hard songs[/i]
I know a few people who have given up playing their instrument because they didn't feel they were good enough. They were aiming too high and they expected to be able to play the hard songs straight away. Don't dispair when you have a hard time learning the first few songs, it will all come in time. I bet you that already after 6 months of playing, you're learning faster. One day you'll sit back in your chair and remember when you had a hard time playing Enter Sandman and you'll realise you've gotten better and you'll feel awesome. This is exactly why you need the time and motivation (step 2).
[u][b]Step 6[/u][/b]
[i]- playing in a band[/i]
There will come a time where you feel you can't develop your skills enough on your own. When that time comes, you should start looking for people to play with. It will be tons of fun. If you worry you aren't good enough to join a band yet - don't. Everybody has to start somewhere and you'll get better in time, and who knows? Maybe one day you'll be the one on the big stage.
[b][u]Step 7[/u][/b]
[i]- Consider other instruments[/i]
You probably think that guitar is your instrument of choice, but if you find trouble getting in bands and such, take into consideration all the other ones. Many people strive to be successful guitarists. This leaves the drum, bass, synth, and keyboard areas wide open. Just think that you'd have a higher chance of survival as something that is needed and in few supply, especially in the dwindling number of bass players out there.
I hope this was of some sort of use.
synthesizer is the best instrument ever
really it is
[editline]04:51PM[/editline]
I mean come on, what other instrument can you make all sorts of different sounds easily without buying loads of different outboard equipment?
[QUOTE=SaWAH;17771391]
[u][b]Step 5[/u][/b]
[i]- I can't play all the hard songs[/i]
I know a few people who have given up playing their instrument because they didn't feel they were good enough. They were aiming too high and they expected to be able to play the hard songs straight away. Don't dispair when you have a hard time learning the first few songs, it will all come in time. I bet you that already after 6 months of playing, you're learning faster. One day you'll sit back in your chair and remember when you had a hard time playing Enter Sandman and you'll realise you've gotten better and you'll feel awesome. This is exactly why you need the time and motivation (step 2).
[/QUOTE]
This is so true, I remember when I first looked at Plug in Baby (And more recently, MK Ultra), I thought "I'll never be able to play that riff in a million years" and yet here I am playing it with less effort than it takes to add 2 and 2 together (I still can't do that :v:)
I had to do it.
[b][u]Step 7[/u][/b]
[i]- Consider other instruments[/i]
You probably think that guitar is your instrument of choice, but if you find trouble getting in bands and such, take into consideration all the other ones. Many people strive to be successful guitarists. This leaves the drum, bass, synth, and keyboard areas wide open. Just think that you'd have a higher chance of survival as something that is needed and in few supply, especially in the dwindling number of bass players out there.
[QUOTE=Water|Marine;17778338]I had to do it.
[b][u]Step 7[/u][/b]
[i]- Consider other instruments[/i]
You probably think that guitar is your instrument of choice, but if you find trouble getting in bands and such, take into consideration all the other ones. Many people strive to be successful guitarists. This leaves the drum, bass, synth, and keyboard areas wide open. Just think that you'd have a higher chance of survival as something that is needed and in few supply, especially in the dwindling number of bass players out there.[/QUOTE]
Which is rather ridiculous, I mean picking the guitar as instrument of choice, as guitar is probably one of the hardest instruments to play. And I mean playing it at high level not just banging a few chords on it.
That's why if you'd go to the music academy you don't have to pick an extra instrument if you play guitar (or atleast that's how it used to be).
It takes years to work out a good tremolo in your right hand and many more to master the guitar.
[QUOTE=Water|Marine;17778338]I had to do it.
[b][u]Step 7[/u][/b]
[i]- Consider other instruments[/i]
You probably think that guitar is your instrument of choice, but if you find trouble getting in bands and such, take into consideration all the other ones. Many people strive to be successful guitarists. This leaves the drum, bass, synth, and keyboard areas wide open. Just think that you'd have a higher chance of survival as something that is needed and in few supply, especially in the dwindling number of bass players out there.[/QUOTE]
I'll add it, even though I'm not really sure I agree.
On drums, learning how to play songs isn't as important as writing your own songs that you can play. In other words, learn all the types of beats, fills, and every thing in between. We can also practice at any time, with our fingers or practice pads.
I picked up guitar because I thought it was my calling, but now I feel as if I was born to drum. I think I'm going to try out some drums at a music shop.
Yamaha is not shitty, actually at the same price range it's better than ibanez.
[QUOTE=evilking1;17792473]Yamaha is not shitty, actually at the same price range it's better than ibanez.[/QUOTE]
This man is right, I've played a friends Yamaha that felt better than a comparabe Ibanez
I can play guitar pretty well, but I can't find a band. I'm worried no one will ever hear me play :(
Start one!
I have a hard time with the band thing because I'm a girl, and I don't want to be in a girl band playing some weird pop tunes, but on the other hand, I don't want to be the odd girl in the all-dewds band.
[QUOTE=lettuce_head;17793708]I can play guitar pretty well, but I can't find a band. I'm worried no one will ever hear me play :([/QUOTE]
Well, you could make a youtube video of you playing Dragonforce in your underwear and hope for internet fame...
[QUOTE=Water|Marine;17778338]I had to do it.
[b][u]Step 7[/u][/b]
[i]- Consider other instruments[/i]
You probably think that guitar is your instrument of choice, but if you find trouble getting in bands and such, take into consideration all the other ones. Many people strive to be successful guitarists. This leaves the drum, bass, synth, and keyboard areas wide open. Just think that you'd have a higher chance of survival as something that is needed and in few supply, especially in the dwindling number of bass players out there.[/QUOTE]
No love for the horns or strings? :(
I want to start a band, but only a few people I know can sing, and no one wants to sing. I know 2 bassists, one is already in a band and the other doesn't really like the same music as me. I know 2 drummers, one is already in a band and the other has just started playing, but he's alright he could definitely be in a band with me. And I have another friend who can also play guitar, but I fear it would end up in a battle to the death over who would be lead guitarist. Basically I need a singer and bassist.
More people need to play bass/keyboards. I swear everyone I know only plays guitar.
[QUOTE=poryon2;17799419]More people need to play bass/keyboards. I swear everyone I know only plays guitar.[/QUOTE]
That's since bass is boring (well uhh primus is awesome) and keyboards are not so sexy.
[QUOTE=evilking1;17799779]That's since bass is boring (well uhh primus is awesome) and keyboards are not so sexy.[/QUOTE]
synths are sexy though
[QUOTE=One Long Sausage;17799850]synths are sexy though[/QUOTE]
[img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:UAVHRVHLirHNOM:http://www.glossynews.com/artman/uploads/uk-banned-list-disgusting.jpg[/img]
ughhhgh
[QUOTE=evilking1;17799779]That's since bass is boring (well uhh primus is awesome) and keyboards are not so sexy.[/QUOTE]
Bass is extremely fun to play.
[QUOTE=evilking1;17800230][img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:UAVHRVHLirHNOM:http://www.glossynews.com/artman/uploads/uk-banned-list-disgusting.jpg[/img]
ughhhgh[/QUOTE]
look at that clavia nord, don't tell me that ain't sexy
I started on bass about half a year ago, DAMN, it's fun
no lessons though
I'd love to take up Clarinet. It's such a good sound.
this thread made me want to stop playing guitar.
I think beginners, If they are mature enough, should buy second hand high-end instruments, because on resell you get almost exactly the same money back for no net loss. whereas starter instruments hold no value whatsoever.
just My 0.2p
Oh and yamaha don't make shitty guitars, Properly set up my RBX374 was a great bass to play, very natural tone and the action I got with proper setup was incredible. Played better than the numerous Ibanez soundgears I've had in my hands. Then again I actually took the time and spent a few hours setting my basses up to perfection even to the point of using feeler guages and filing the nut for perfect action.
No love for brass instruments I see.
I'll change the thing about yamaha's, maybe I've just had bad experience with them. My bad.
This thread needs more brass and woodwinds.
[QUOTE=poryon2;17799419]More people need to play bass/keyboards. I swear everyone I know only plays guitar.[/QUOTE]
And hear I am looking for a band to join, with me apparently being the only keyboardist in the general area.
:crying:
[QUOTE=SaWAH;17793837]Start one!
I have a hard time with the band thing because I'm a girl, and I don't want to be in a girl band playing some weird pop tunes, but on the other hand, I don't want to be the odd girl in the all-dewds band.[/QUOTE]
It sounds like you're making it a bigger problem than it is.
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