Have any of you learned a new instrument late in the game?

[Moustache_Bash]

I've been playing bass/guitar for probably 6 or so years (oh god), and never really learned them proper. Like, I know chords, some scales, can read music (but not proficiently), a little bit of theory. Anyways, I've been trying to learn piano these past few months and it's annoying. I've considered myself a fairly rippin' guitarist (minus my lack of knowledge), and it's kinda frustrating. I can't immediately express myself the way I want to. Takes me forever to read music, too. And I'm tired of playing these stupid little happy blues songs from these instruction books. Gonna stick with it, though, because this is an instrument I've always wanted to learn.

So, any of ya'll done/doing anything similar?

[sonidero]

I never stop learning new instruments... There is a real good book by the Guitar Grimoire guys called Keys for Guitarists or the Guitarists Keyboard Book or something but it really helped me learn the chords and such... Once you learn the basics it's up to you and since you can already play Guitar and know notes and scales and stuff it's all that much easier to translate to another instrument...

[osbornkt]

Learning new stuff is a hobby for me.
I try to get one new instrument playable every year just to stay fresh...This year was accordion and clarinet.
But yeah, never did lessons on anything besides my primary instruments (flute and piano). I try to stay away from books and stuff unless I'm in a pinch. Seems more fun to spend the time doing trial and error to learn it.

[Moustache_Bash]

Seems more fun to spend the time doing trial and error to learn it.

I definitely agree with you, but I don't want to develop any bad fingering habits for pianer. Like, I don't think I would have ever thought of the thumb passing under the hand thing when playing more than 5 notes at in a row (12312345).

[Moustache_Bash]

I never stop learning new instruments... There is a real good book by the Guitar Grimoire guys called Keys for Guitarists or the Guitarists Keyboard Book or something but it really helped me learn the chords and such... Once you learn the basics it's up to you and since you can already play Guitar and know notes and scales and stuff it's all that much easier to translate to another instrument...

That's a really good attitude. I'll have to peep that book, for sure.

[ryan summit]

i took a couple lessons when i was 12
but didnt really start playin guitar till 2 yrs ago
im 34 so i was 32
i knew basic chords
only 4 of em i could play comfortably
e-g-d-a
so i basically just started
definately with the gear obsession
it is frustrating to hear stuff in my head
and not be able to translate
but having a hunger for this late in life is cool
my guess i woulda came up with reasons never to play again
im gonna check out that book too

[dubkitty]

i've been threatening to take up the saxophone for years now. i should think i'd at least be able to do it as well as Bowie.

[Chankgeez]

i've been threatening to take up the saxophone for years now. i should think i'd at least be able to do it as well as Bowie.

IDK about that, dubs. His sax playing belies his greater musicianship.

I'm not really much of a musician, but stick any instrument in my hands (TWSS) and I'll make it sound good.

On the other hand, real musicians, M_B, may need some time for their abilities to translate from one instrument to the next. It just may take some more time than others.

[dubkitty]

i just meant in terms of chops and tone. i agree that he's used his limited skills on the instrument very well.

[Chankgeez]

Yeah, I'm sure you can equal his chops and tone.

If you could pull this off though, I'd be impressed:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbDbQc3QdXU[/youtube]

Makes me want a blue 12 string acoustic.

[bigchiefbc]

Just like you, Stachy, I took up piano for the first time later on (in my mid-20s). I had spare money sitting around since I was employed and still single so I went out and bought a Yamaha P-60. I didn't need anything fancy, but I wanted 88 keys and weighted keys.

My method of learning was I bought the Beatles complete scores, and a couple Ben Folds Five album transcriptions. Once I was able to play most of that, I moved on to basic classical stuff like the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata and Fur Elise and crap like that. I mean, I'm still not good. But I can muddle through playing basic stuff. I've found that banging around on a piano is a surprisingly easy way for me to write music. Whenever I have a bout of writers block, I'll put down my bass and go to the piano.

[Chankgeez]

... Whenever I have a bout of writers block, I'll put down my bass and go to the piano.

You're starting to sound like Mingus?