Picking up an instrument

[Luthor Rex]

I've been thinking about learning how to play an instrument because it's one of those things I've never done but always thought would be interesting to do. I've narrowed it down to three choices, but I'm not sure which way I should go.

Guitar - Obviously a chick magnet, but I like the sound the least.

Violin - I like the sound of the violin the best, but I've been told it's a bit "gay", (and I already have an image problem with people thinking I'm gay). *sigh*

Piano - I like this sound of this one second best, and a friend of mine thought about this one for me because I can touch-type on a computer keyboard (I don't have to look at the letters to know where they are).

How hard would it be to learn any of these. I wouldn't mind if learning how to play also scored me some azz along the way. Pro's / Con's, general thoughts?

 

[Sojourn]

I'm in the same boat right now. I wanted to pick up an instrument so I went for the piano and the guitar. I am trying to learn both of them right now. I picked up both around two months ago. It's hard because I am not taking lessons, but it is a lot of fun. The key is to be consistent though. I play the piano everyday for at least half an hour, and I am doing ok. I can play some songs I like. On the other hand I haven't been consistent with my guitar, and I am terrible at it. So the key is to be consistent at least for me.

 

[search1ng]

I'm self taught with the piano and guitar, i also have experience with the violin (6 years).

Personal opinion, pick one instrument and stick to it.
Each instrument has it's pro's and cons, choose the one you ENJOY playing.

You see the guy on the guitar that can play an awesome tune and/or sing along? women love this because he's passionate.

See the guy on the piano who feels the music as he plays? Women love this because he's passionate.

See the violinist who plays music that can move hearts? Women love this as well.

No instrument is 'gay,' as long as you really enjoy playing it and passionate about it.

IF you're just after a cheap gimmick to help you get 'azz,' forget it.

 

[Desert Fox]

I know piano and guitar.

Guitar is easiest to learn IMO. Violin is second easiest to learn.

Piano is hardest (you got to read 2 sets of notes as opposed to 1 set for violin/guitar/other string instruments/wind instruments).

Just pick up a piece of piano music and compare, it will look crazier since you are playing notes with like 10 fingers at once instead of 1 note at a time w/violin/guitar.

Alright so that's the difficulty. I don't think violin is good because it's very restricted...also not too good for your image carrying a violin around everytime you wanna play.

Guitar has the best portability because its not weird carrying a guitar around.

Piano is the least portable but I gotta admit I feel like a pimp walking into Macy's or one of those stores with a bigass grand piano and just busting out some blues. Chicks gravitate towards that sh1t like bears to honey from personal experience. Just don't dress in a tux and you'll seem like this fvcking random genius kid instead of someone the store hired. If you are with a gal, she will think you're the fvckin hero.

Anyways, I play because it is a good way to get out your emotions, esp playing stuff like the blues..its just freakin awesome. I mean check out this song here...so emotional man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQwysEV6WME

I like improv on piano the best.

I think violin sounds ****ty unless you are really good IMO. It will sound pretty ****ty in the beginning, but guitar/piano can both sound decent even as a beginner.

 

[Desert Fox]

also if you need more convincing about the women part...check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAzBa3QSpUY

Hugh Laurie could have his pick of the room.

But like the other dude said, play for yourself bro...or you will not get far. As a kid I hated this sh1t and didn't play at all...I only got into it and got good after I was like "damn I love this."

 

[search1ng]

I know piano and guitar.

Guitar is easiest to learn IMO. Violin is second easiest to learn.

Piano is hardest (you got to read 2 sets of notes as opposed to 1 set for violin/guitar/other string instruments/wind instruments).

Just pick up a piece of piano music and compare, it will look crazier since you are playing notes with like 10 fingers at once instead of 1 note at a time w/violin/guitar.

Alright so that's the difficulty. I don't think violin is good because it's very restricted...also not too good for your image carrying a violin around everytime you wanna play.

Guitar has the best portability because its not weird carrying a guitar around.

Piano is the least portable but I gotta admit I feel like a pimp walking into Macy's or one of those stores with a bigass grand piano and just busting out some blues. Chicks gravitate towards that sh1t like bears to honey from personal experience. Just don't dress in a tux and you'll seem like this fvcking random genius kid instead of someone the store hired. If you are with a gal, she will think you're the fvckin hero.

Anyways, I play because it is a good way to get out your emotions, esp playing stuff like the blues..its just freakin awesome. I mean check out this song here...so emotional man: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQwysEV6WME

I like improv on piano the best.

I think violin sounds ****ty unless you are really good IMO. It will sound pretty ****ty in the beginning, but guitar/piano can both sound decent even as a beginner.

hell no man. Piano is the easiest to play, probably intermediate to play at a decent level. Years to master (if at all).

Violin, hardest to learn and master. YOU WILL sound like sh1t for a long while unless you're really into it.

Guitar is the easiest to play, really versatile and probably 'impossible,' to master as their are so many different ways you can play.

Personally i love the piano and guitar, i love the music i can play on the piano when the situation presents itself, and the guitar is just. . . a great, great skill to have.

I kind of wish i'd never stopped playing the violin though. I stopped because i thought it looked, 'lame,' and i've regretted the decision ever since. The violin is different, played well it is moving.
check it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUO6kYLb6As
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arUxvdzIAPA&feature=related

etc.

 

[Luthor Rex]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think over the next year I think I'll try all three instruments and see which one I enjoy playing better and then stick with just that one instrument. I guess I should have thought of that: just because I like the sound of an instrument doesn't mean I'll enjoy playing it.

But like the other dude said, play for yourself bro...or you will not get far. As a kid I hated this sh1t and didn't play at all...I only got into it and got good after I was like "damn I love this."

I know what you're saying, when I was a kid I was forced to play the recorder (a wind instrument) and I hated the experience. So from like 4th grade until now (my early 30's) I haven't touched an instrument because of that bad early experience.

 

[horaholic]

If you want to play in a band, I suggest picking up bass. Its the easiest to learn, and there is always a shortage of bass players. One can join a simplistic-style band after learning bass basics, and pull it off.

This day and age, there arent a whole lot of talented guitar players in mainstream music, so a beginner guitar player can play just about anything popular anymore.There are plenty of three chord basic songs (that everyone knows) to learn that can make you feel like you've accomplished something. With piano, or violin, you are going to have to be at a much higher level of playing to impress people. Violin or piano would probably be a lot more frustrating to learn than guitar.

 

[ready123]

from my own experience with the piano, I'd say practice an hour a day and it would take you around 5 years to be able to play any song out there

as far as the violin being gay, look up Paul Dateh. the guy has girls yelling I love you whenever he performs