Posted in: Instruments by Viola King on May 2nd, 2008 | 0 Comments
There are hundreds of instruments out there. All you need are the tools to pick the perfect one for you.
With so many different musical instruments out there to choose from, there are some options you have to consider before diving into the world of music. Here are some questions you should ask yourself to guide you in the direction of the instrument you’re suited for.
Many people play for mere enjoyment, but you may have a special reason for taking up the instrument you’re going to play. For example, if you’re planning on joining a rock band, chances are that you shouldn’t take up the tuba (although it’s up to you). If you want a portable instrument that you can take to your friends’ places, you probably won’t opt for piano. Be aware of your musical goals before making a decision.
While any song can be adapted for any instrument, choosing an instrument suited to your genre of music is the easiest way to select a repertoire. Guitar and electric bass are suited to rock, metal or pop; woodwinds usually play classical music; and brass instruments and saxophones are often associated with jazz. Some instruments, like drums or piano, are versatile when it comes to genre, but not necessarily suited to one style or another.
Instruments come in all shapes and sizes, some of which are difficult to adapt to for smaller-sized players. Large instruments in general, like an upright bass or a tuba, are hard to handle for musicians of small stature. In addition, to play instruments like the piano or bassoon, which require a large hand span, you’ll need to have, obviously, big hands. You need to be sure that you can handle the instrument you choose.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you have a small living space, don’t buy a grand piano. It’s that simple.
Some people have sound-proofed studios in their basements for practicing their instruments, but if you live in an apartment or townhouse, you may not want to have the police knocking on your door because of your 2AM drum sessions. If your circumstances won’t allow you to play a characteristically loud instrument, don’t bother with it. There are hundreds of quieter instruments to choose from.
Instruments generally aren’t cheap. While I’m sure you can find $10 axes on eBay, quality will always be an issue. If you’re serious about being a musician, try and save up your cash and buy a decent instrument. If you just want to play an instrument because it sounds like a cool thing to do, you can compromise-an instrument like a recorder is only about four dollars!
After you’ve answered these questions, you’re pretty much ready to choose an instrument to play and make music with. Look into your musical soul, just to be sure you’ve made the right choice. You won’t regret it!
