Next best instrument?

RichardWitt · September 21st, 2006, 10:07 PM

If you weren't playing guitar, what would be the next best instrument you would pick up? I'll start!

When I was about 10 in grade school, my music teacher pulled me out of my normal class and had me sit in on a musical aptitude test that was being conducted by some for kids 2 year levels above me.

I scored second highest out of everyone.

Some time later, my music teacher pulled me out of class and told me how I scored and then asked me if there was an instrument I would like to learn,
"DRUMS!" I said,
"How about something that isn't so loud, like guitar perhaps?"
"Nah! DRUMS!"
My music teacher then sent me back to class and I never heard anything of it ever again?
6 years later I picked up a guitar.

clayfeat · September 21st, 2006, 10:15 PM

I am glad my parents made me take piano lessons. I still visualize most music on a piano keyboard even though I have never owned a piano myself.

RevMike · September 21st, 2006, 10:27 PM

Easy, upright bass. I love slappin the big bull fiddle!

Bill · September 21st, 2006, 10:36 PM

Theremin. Seriously. I built one a couple of years ago and it's a kick to play. Name one other instrument you play without touching.

I even provided the score for an amateur movie a friend made!

zombywoof · September 21st, 2006, 10:36 PM

Violin. I actually have played one for decades, just not properly (I was a blues fiddler). Would have loved to learn to play one right.

TheViking · September 21st, 2006, 10:37 PM

Drums hehe

RichardWitt · September 21st, 2006, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Theremin. Seriously. I built one a couple of years ago and it's a kick to play. Name one other instrument you play without touching.

I even provided the score for an amateur movie a friend made!

Now you're talking!
I built one last year to see if I could and a heap of fun with once it was together. But I really want one that's like the Beach Boys Theremin from "Good Vibrations" that is set out more like keyboard or even like a lap/pedalsteel kind of setup. Not so much a need for steady hands that way!

Stuco · September 21st, 2006, 11:02 PM

Mandolin

Val-tone · September 22nd, 2006, 12:03 AM

My first instrument was piano. I was taking lessons in third grade, the teacher was a nun who was as old as dirt. She'd whack my knuckles with her pointer if I didn't hold my fingers the right way.

So I guess guitar is my next best instrument.

Bill · September 22nd, 2006, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardWitt

Now you're talking!
I built one last year to see if I could and a heap of fun with once it was together. But I really want one that's like the Beach Boys Theremin from "Good Vibrations" that is set out more like keyboard or even like a lap/pedalsteel kind of setup. Not so much a need for steady hands that way!

Sounds like you want a Tannerin.

PK · September 22nd, 2006, 01:13 AM

I put about a year into the cello, but gave it up because it was taking time away from guitar. It was easy to get past beginner stage, but I could see a lifetime of toiling to become a good cello player. I love the tones the cello puts out :). I also have put time in on the piano. The piano makles sense as the black keys are sharps and flats and the scales and chords are easy to find. Again... easy to get mediocre but a lifetime of dedication to get really good. I have too much invested in the guitar to quit now... that plus I love it :)

PK

Deacon Blue · September 22nd, 2006, 01:21 AM

When I was a teenager, all the great rock n' roll bands had a great tenor sax man. At that time in my life, I would have given anything to be able to play sax like Clifford Scott, Fathead Newman, or Bill Justis.

Jeff

Durtdog · September 22nd, 2006, 01:36 AM

Accordian.

I'm looking on ebay now.

Paul in Colorado · September 22nd, 2006, 01:48 AM

If I had my life to live over, and I didn't play guitar, I'd devote myself to violin, drums and Hammond B-3.

scudgebucket · September 22nd, 2006, 01:49 AM

If you want something you can play WITH the guitar, then try a blues harp. Playing straight harp is relatively easy (Dylan style). Playing cross harp (blues style) is more difficult. I cannot play the guitar and play cross harp at the same time. If you want to be completely absorbed in the music, try straight harp and guitar a la Dylan. So much fun, it should be illegal.

For a very different experience, try a child's accordion. Its just a smaller version of a full size accordion. Fewer buttons and keys. The sound is amazing. Similar to a bagpipe - high pitched and droning. Very easy to play. Excellent for folk or blues accompaniment.

RichardWitt · September 22nd, 2006, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Sounds like you want a Tannerin.

Bill you're awesome! Thanks a bunch!

daviddoubleu · September 22nd, 2006, 03:04 AM

Piano/ keyboards would be fun.

Big Tony · September 22nd, 2006, 03:10 AM

Bass.

/ Tony

daviddoubleu · September 22nd, 2006, 03:16 AM

Oh if bass counts, bass for me too, then piano/ keyboards.

simonc · September 22nd, 2006, 04:41 AM

A keyboard/synth.But one of those ones that was like a guitar, from the 80s, that you can strap on

I remember being a young keyboard player & positively DROOOLING over these in a casio catalouge from about 87' or so.
somethin like this :

Fuzzyhead · September 22nd, 2006, 04:42 AM

Played accordion before I started playing guitar...

simonc · September 22nd, 2006, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzyhead

Played accordion before I started playing guitar...

Awesome! thats in the same vein as where im comin from ;).Actually my dad plays the accordion, can knock up a smokin tarantella I tell you .(if there was anything even remotely shred like about the accordion, this is it :).

Fuzzyhead · September 22nd, 2006, 04:49 AM

Haha.... Yeah... I eventually switched to guitar because it really is one tough instrument to play (I was playing classical stuff, mind you). Takes you ages to even get one song down properly... haha....

Sarge · September 22nd, 2006, 07:56 AM

Ever since hearing Quarter Flash doing the song "Harded My Heart"...the saxaphone solo is awesome. I've always wanted to learn to play the sax. Second would be the piano...just sounds so sweet.

fenderix · September 22nd, 2006, 09:41 AM

I play the piano as well. Haven't done it much lately though ... As mentioned above, I too tend to visualize the keyboard whenever I think about music.

J. Hayes · September 22nd, 2006, 11:02 AM

but haven't had much luck with it! I've played the mandolin since 1956 and it's tuned the same so I know where all the notes are. It's just that I can't get the bow working right or any vibrato going or any of the other fiddle stuff. I've always been able to learn an instrument on my own without any trouble but the fiddle mystifies me. I probably should just throw my pride out of the window and take some dang lessons on the thing.......JH in Va.

September 21st, 2006, 10:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
RichardWitt Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Australia Age: 34 Posts: 1,150 1 Photos	Next best instrument? If you weren't playing guitar, what would be the next best instrument you would pick up? I'll start! When I was about 10 in grade school, my music teacher pulled me out of my normal class and had me sit in on a musical aptitude test that was being conducted by some for kids 2 year levels above me. I scored second highest out of everyone. Some time later, my music teacher pulled me out of class and told me how I scored and then asked me if there was an instrument I would like to learn, "DRUMS!" I said, "How about something that isn't so loud, like guitar perhaps?" "Nah! DRUMS!" My music teacher then sent me back to class and I never heard anything of it ever again? 6 years later I picked up a guitar.

September 21st, 2006, 10:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,667 59 Photos	Theremin. Seriously. I built one a couple of years ago and it's a kick to play. Name one other instrument you play without touching. I even provided the score for an amateur movie a friend made! __________________ B i l l B a e c k A journal of our year in London

September 21st, 2006, 10:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
zombywoof Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Back in the Heartland Posts: 2,903 17 Photos	Violin. I actually have played one for decades, just not properly (I was a blues fiddler). Would have loved to learn to play one right. __________________ "I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks." John Lee Hooker

September 21st, 2006, 10:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
TheViking Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Norway Age: 37 Posts: 666	Drums hehe __________________ Teles & Tube Amps, the essence of life

September 22nd, 2006, 12:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Val-tone Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 42 Posts: 621 5 Photos	My first instrument was piano. I was taking lessons in third grade, the teacher was a nun who was as old as dirt. She'd whack my knuckles with her pointer if I didn't hold my fingers the right way. So I guess guitar is my next best instrument. __________________ Is it raining, is it snowing Is a hurricane a-blowing Yes, the danger must be growing For the rowers keep on rowing And they're certainly not showing Any signs that they are slowing

September 21st, 2006, 10:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
clayfeat Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bloomington, in Posts: 592	I am glad my parents made me take piano lessons. I still visualize most music on a piano keyboard even though I have never owned a piano myself.

September 21st, 2006, 10:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
RevMike Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 1,059	Easy, upright bass. I love slappin the big bull fiddle!

September 21st, 2006, 11:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
Stuco Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 3,120	Mandolin

September 22nd, 2006, 01:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
PK Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ventura California Age: 49 Posts: 614 7 Photos	I put about a year into the cello, but gave it up because it was taking time away from guitar. It was easy to get past beginner stage, but I could see a lifetime of toiling to become a good cello player. I love the tones the cello puts out :). I also have put time in on the piano. The piano makles sense as the black keys are sharps and flats and the scales and chords are easy to find. Again... easy to get mediocre but a lifetime of dedication to get really good. I have too much invested in the guitar to quit now... that plus I love it :) PK __________________ Wharf Rat

September 22nd, 2006, 01:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
Deacon Blue Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Waxahachie, Tx. Age: 65 Posts: 311	Sax! When I was a teenager, all the great rock n' roll bands had a great tenor sax man. At that time in my life, I would have given anything to be able to play sax like Clifford Scott, Fathead Newman, or Bill Justis. Jeff __________________ "Boomadilly wah wah bippy bopaloo la whoa!" Thurston Harris

September 22nd, 2006, 01:36 AM	#13 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,478	Accordian. I'm looking on ebay now.

September 22nd, 2006, 01:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 55 Posts: 4,330 3 Photos	If I had my life to live over, and I didn't play guitar, I'd devote myself to violin, drums and Hammond B-3.

September 22nd, 2006, 01:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
scudgebucket Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Cupertino, California Posts: 109	Next best instrument.... If you want something you can play WITH the guitar, then try a blues harp. Playing straight harp is relatively easy (Dylan style). Playing cross harp (blues style) is more difficult. I cannot play the guitar and play cross harp at the same time. If you want to be completely absorbed in the music, try straight harp and guitar a la Dylan. So much fun, it should be illegal. For a very different experience, try a child's accordion. Its just a smaller version of a full size accordion. Fewer buttons and keys. The sound is amazing. Similar to a bagpipe - high pitched and droning. Very easy to play. Excellent for folk or blues accompaniment. __________________ ...there was a Never Ending Tour, but it ended in '91. The Money Never Runs Out Tour, Why Do You Look at Me So Strangely Tour, Principles of Action Tour, Outburst of Consciousness Tour, The One Sad Cry of Pity Tour, and others too many to mention.

September 22nd, 2006, 03:04 AM	#17 (permalink)
daviddoubleu Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Taipei, Taiwan Posts: 578 7 Photos	Piano/ keyboards would be fun.

September 22nd, 2006, 03:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
Big Tony Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sweden, by golly! Posts: 2,522 28 Photos	Bass. / Tony __________________ {8^)> myspace.com/tonypersson

September 22nd, 2006, 03:16 AM	#19 (permalink)
daviddoubleu Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Taipei, Taiwan Posts: 578 7 Photos	Oh if bass counts, bass for me too, then piano/ keyboards.

September 22nd, 2006, 04:42 AM	#21 (permalink)
Fuzzyhead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bonn (Yer-up) Age: 25 Posts: 1,350 23 Photos	Played accordion before I started playing guitar... __________________ about me: blog, photos & musical preferences

September 22nd, 2006, 04:49 AM	#23 (permalink)
Fuzzyhead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bonn (Yer-up) Age: 25 Posts: 1,350 23 Photos	Haha.... Yeah... I eventually switched to guitar because it really is one tough instrument to play (I was playing classical stuff, mind you). Takes you ages to even get one song down properly... haha.... __________________ about me: blog, photos & musical preferences

September 22nd, 2006, 07:56 AM	#24 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Ever since hearing Quarter Flash doing the song "Harded My Heart"...the saxaphone solo is awesome. I've always wanted to learn to play the sax. Second would be the piano...just sounds so sweet.

September 22nd, 2006, 09:41 AM	#25 (permalink)
fenderix Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,039	I play the piano as well. Haven't done it much lately though ... As mentioned above, I too tend to visualize the keyboard whenever I think about music.

September 22nd, 2006, 11:02 AM	#26 (permalink)
J. Hayes Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. Posts: 973	I've always wanted to play the fiddle........... but haven't had much luck with it! I've played the mandolin since 1956 and it's tuned the same so I know where all the notes are. It's just that I can't get the bow working right or any vibrato going or any of the other fiddle stuff. I've always been able to learn an instrument on my own without any trouble but the fiddle mystifies me. I probably should just throw my pride out of the window and take some dang lessons on the thing.......JH in Va. __________________ Ralph Mooney rules!!