Is the myth that if you can play one instrument, you can learn another instrument with ease true?Problems With Learning a Second InstrumentSoftware that transposes music?Learning an instrument onlineNeed Help in Starting to Learn Guitars?Will learning to play another instrument help me to become a better guitarist?How do I learn proper breathing when teaching myself the flute?What instrument can an old guy learn if the main goal is to write musicWhy is the recorder a good instrument to start with?Why would expectations of students vary largely between instruments?Alto Flute KeyingCan one be too old to learn an instrument?
How to prevent "they're falling in love" trope
Could the museum Saturn V's be refitted for one more flight?
How much of data wrangling is a data scientist's job?
What do you call someone who asks many questions?
Is "remove commented out code" correct English?
What about the virus in 12 Monkeys?
Are there any examples of a variable being normally distributed that is *not* due to the Central Limit Theorem?
Expand and Contract
What does “the session was packed” mean in this context?
Extract rows of a table, that include less than x NULLs
Can I run a new neutral wire to repair a broken circuit?
Do UK voters know if their MP will be the Speaker of the House?
A category-like structure without composition?
How does a predictive coding aid in lossless compression?
Solving a recurrence relation (poker chips)
If human space travel is limited by the G force vulnerability, is there a way to counter G forces?
Im going to France and my passport expires June 19th
What is the most common color to indicate the input-field is disabled?
What exploit are these user agents trying to use?
Why are the 737's rear doors unusable in a water landing?
How can I determine if the org that I'm currently connected to is a scratch org?
What does the expression "A Mann!" means
Why is this clock signal connected to a capacitor to gnd?
Should I tell management that I intend to leave due to bad software development practices?
Is the myth that if you can play one instrument, you can learn another instrument with ease true?
Problems With Learning a Second InstrumentSoftware that transposes music?Learning an instrument onlineNeed Help in Starting to Learn Guitars?Will learning to play another instrument help me to become a better guitarist?How do I learn proper breathing when teaching myself the flute?What instrument can an old guy learn if the main goal is to write musicWhy is the recorder a good instrument to start with?Why would expectations of students vary largely between instruments?Alto Flute KeyingCan one be too old to learn an instrument?
I've heard many people say this:
"If you can play one instrument, other instruments will be easy to learn"
I just can't help but wonder if this is true. Suppose I'm a professional flute player. Would learning an instrument, suppose guitar (while being the professional flute player) be simpler to learn than if I didn't play the flute?
guitar learning flute transition
add a comment |
I've heard many people say this:
"If you can play one instrument, other instruments will be easy to learn"
I just can't help but wonder if this is true. Suppose I'm a professional flute player. Would learning an instrument, suppose guitar (while being the professional flute player) be simpler to learn than if I didn't play the flute?
guitar learning flute transition
1
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
1
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
2
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago
add a comment |
I've heard many people say this:
"If you can play one instrument, other instruments will be easy to learn"
I just can't help but wonder if this is true. Suppose I'm a professional flute player. Would learning an instrument, suppose guitar (while being the professional flute player) be simpler to learn than if I didn't play the flute?
guitar learning flute transition
I've heard many people say this:
"If you can play one instrument, other instruments will be easy to learn"
I just can't help but wonder if this is true. Suppose I'm a professional flute player. Would learning an instrument, suppose guitar (while being the professional flute player) be simpler to learn than if I didn't play the flute?
guitar learning flute transition
guitar learning flute transition
edited 6 hours ago
Xilpex
asked 6 hours ago
XilpexXilpex
951326
951326
1
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
1
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
2
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago
add a comment |
1
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
1
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
2
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago
1
1
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
1
1
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
2
2
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
You wouldn’t need to relearn theory or reading music. You wouldn’t need to learn to establish a practice regimen. You wouldn’t need to relearn to hear intervals or feel a beat.
Going from flute to guitar, you would need to memorize the positions of notes and chords. You would need to develop calluses. You would have to suffer the pain of learning to contort your hand to make barre chords. It would take a lot of practice to develop the muscle memory you need to play proficiently.
If you’re going between similar instruments—organ to piano, for example—you would certainly be influenced by the techniques of your original instrument. It could be an advantage. Chords are fingered the same on both instruments. But you’d have a set of disadvantages to overcome as well. In this example, you’d have to learn dynamic expression in a whole new way. Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!
The answer definitely depends on what instrument you’re coming from and what instrument you’re going to. But, in general, yes, as an experienced musician, you have a considerable advantage that an absolute beginner lacks.
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
|
show 3 more comments
Well, it certainly won't be easy, but I think it'll be easier than starting as a complete beginner.
For starters, you'll know the musical side of things. Everyone who's played an instrument knows music theory to some extent, and even if you just know what notes are in a scale, you'll have an advantage over a complete beginner. Any music theory knowledge will help one understand more what one is learning. It may seem like there's a longer way to go because you know from learning one instrument what it takes to learn another, but you're closer than you think, and closer than beginners.
For some instruments, there is a bit of correlation in the actual playing. I imagine most keyboard instruments share similar technique and ergonomics, and instruments of the same family are similar to play (like saxophones). I wouldn't count on much of it for flute and guitar, though, besides maybe the fingering aspect being similar.
I play a couple instruments (decently), and I think the most important thing to remember is that each instrument is different, and serves a different role. Keyboard instruments, like piano, can certainly be melodic, but flute is nearly always carrying the melody, and guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that flautists don't usually need to learn.
Best of luck in this endeavor!
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
add a comment |
This is no myth!
It is absolutely obvious that you won’t have to start at zero as you know already the basics and the grammar of music language, (notation system, staffs, chords, clefs and keys).
Many related instruments of the same section have similar systems of construction and technics of playing.
Mind that practicing a second instrument will be for benefit in any other direction of learning something new (look up “super learning” in my answer to the other question:
Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function()
var channelOptions =
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "240"
;
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
createEditor();
);
else
createEditor();
);
function createEditor()
StackExchange.prepareEditor(
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader:
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
,
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
);
);
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
var $window = $(window),
onScroll = function(e)
var $elem = $('.new-login-left'),
docViewTop = $window.scrollTop(),
docViewBottom = docViewTop + $window.height(),
elemTop = $elem.offset().top,
elemBottom = elemTop + $elem.height();
if ((docViewTop elemBottom))
StackExchange.using('gps', function() StackExchange.gps.track('embedded_signup_form.view', location: 'question_page' ); );
$window.unbind('scroll', onScroll);
;
$window.on('scroll', onScroll);
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fmusic.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f82337%2fis-the-myth-that-if-you-can-play-one-instrument-you-can-learn-another-instrumen%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
You wouldn’t need to relearn theory or reading music. You wouldn’t need to learn to establish a practice regimen. You wouldn’t need to relearn to hear intervals or feel a beat.
Going from flute to guitar, you would need to memorize the positions of notes and chords. You would need to develop calluses. You would have to suffer the pain of learning to contort your hand to make barre chords. It would take a lot of practice to develop the muscle memory you need to play proficiently.
If you’re going between similar instruments—organ to piano, for example—you would certainly be influenced by the techniques of your original instrument. It could be an advantage. Chords are fingered the same on both instruments. But you’d have a set of disadvantages to overcome as well. In this example, you’d have to learn dynamic expression in a whole new way. Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!
The answer definitely depends on what instrument you’re coming from and what instrument you’re going to. But, in general, yes, as an experienced musician, you have a considerable advantage that an absolute beginner lacks.
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
|
show 3 more comments
You wouldn’t need to relearn theory or reading music. You wouldn’t need to learn to establish a practice regimen. You wouldn’t need to relearn to hear intervals or feel a beat.
Going from flute to guitar, you would need to memorize the positions of notes and chords. You would need to develop calluses. You would have to suffer the pain of learning to contort your hand to make barre chords. It would take a lot of practice to develop the muscle memory you need to play proficiently.
If you’re going between similar instruments—organ to piano, for example—you would certainly be influenced by the techniques of your original instrument. It could be an advantage. Chords are fingered the same on both instruments. But you’d have a set of disadvantages to overcome as well. In this example, you’d have to learn dynamic expression in a whole new way. Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!
The answer definitely depends on what instrument you’re coming from and what instrument you’re going to. But, in general, yes, as an experienced musician, you have a considerable advantage that an absolute beginner lacks.
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
|
show 3 more comments
You wouldn’t need to relearn theory or reading music. You wouldn’t need to learn to establish a practice regimen. You wouldn’t need to relearn to hear intervals or feel a beat.
Going from flute to guitar, you would need to memorize the positions of notes and chords. You would need to develop calluses. You would have to suffer the pain of learning to contort your hand to make barre chords. It would take a lot of practice to develop the muscle memory you need to play proficiently.
If you’re going between similar instruments—organ to piano, for example—you would certainly be influenced by the techniques of your original instrument. It could be an advantage. Chords are fingered the same on both instruments. But you’d have a set of disadvantages to overcome as well. In this example, you’d have to learn dynamic expression in a whole new way. Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!
The answer definitely depends on what instrument you’re coming from and what instrument you’re going to. But, in general, yes, as an experienced musician, you have a considerable advantage that an absolute beginner lacks.
You wouldn’t need to relearn theory or reading music. You wouldn’t need to learn to establish a practice regimen. You wouldn’t need to relearn to hear intervals or feel a beat.
Going from flute to guitar, you would need to memorize the positions of notes and chords. You would need to develop calluses. You would have to suffer the pain of learning to contort your hand to make barre chords. It would take a lot of practice to develop the muscle memory you need to play proficiently.
If you’re going between similar instruments—organ to piano, for example—you would certainly be influenced by the techniques of your original instrument. It could be an advantage. Chords are fingered the same on both instruments. But you’d have a set of disadvantages to overcome as well. In this example, you’d have to learn dynamic expression in a whole new way. Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!
The answer definitely depends on what instrument you’re coming from and what instrument you’re going to. But, in general, yes, as an experienced musician, you have a considerable advantage that an absolute beginner lacks.
edited 5 hours ago
answered 5 hours ago
trwtrw
3,2081329
3,2081329
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
|
show 3 more comments
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
+1, but an extremely minor quibble: "Suddenly, the force you put on the keys matters in a way it never did before!" It matters on the organ too, it is just that the result is different: a change in timbre versus a change in dynamic level.
– replete
5 hours ago
1
1
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
Another disadvantage is that you are going from being able to play an instrument fluently to not really being able to speak, if you will. This can be quite frustrating and held me back from learning a second instrument for some time.
– b3ko
5 hours ago
1
1
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
@replete You're saying that on an organ, if you press keys harder you get a change in timbre? I had no idea. Are there any videos out there that demonstrate that?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
1
1
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@BobRodes This is true only of proper mechanical action or tracker organs. Many organs have an electric action reducing the keys to mindless on/off operation. Tracker organs are interesting because of a fellow named J. S. Bach who wrote good music for them. Yes my tongue is in my cheek. He did not write for mindless bloated electric action instruments which began to proliferate a century and a half ago. The mechanical action gives a direct connection to the pallet which allows air into the pipe, allowing the player to control the consonant somewhat like the tonguing of a wind player.
– replete
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
@replete Very interesting. Are there many of those organs still around, or are they all also of the type from the pre-electric days where someone had to work the bellows or whatever?
– BobRodes
1 hour ago
|
show 3 more comments
Well, it certainly won't be easy, but I think it'll be easier than starting as a complete beginner.
For starters, you'll know the musical side of things. Everyone who's played an instrument knows music theory to some extent, and even if you just know what notes are in a scale, you'll have an advantage over a complete beginner. Any music theory knowledge will help one understand more what one is learning. It may seem like there's a longer way to go because you know from learning one instrument what it takes to learn another, but you're closer than you think, and closer than beginners.
For some instruments, there is a bit of correlation in the actual playing. I imagine most keyboard instruments share similar technique and ergonomics, and instruments of the same family are similar to play (like saxophones). I wouldn't count on much of it for flute and guitar, though, besides maybe the fingering aspect being similar.
I play a couple instruments (decently), and I think the most important thing to remember is that each instrument is different, and serves a different role. Keyboard instruments, like piano, can certainly be melodic, but flute is nearly always carrying the melody, and guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that flautists don't usually need to learn.
Best of luck in this endeavor!
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
add a comment |
Well, it certainly won't be easy, but I think it'll be easier than starting as a complete beginner.
For starters, you'll know the musical side of things. Everyone who's played an instrument knows music theory to some extent, and even if you just know what notes are in a scale, you'll have an advantage over a complete beginner. Any music theory knowledge will help one understand more what one is learning. It may seem like there's a longer way to go because you know from learning one instrument what it takes to learn another, but you're closer than you think, and closer than beginners.
For some instruments, there is a bit of correlation in the actual playing. I imagine most keyboard instruments share similar technique and ergonomics, and instruments of the same family are similar to play (like saxophones). I wouldn't count on much of it for flute and guitar, though, besides maybe the fingering aspect being similar.
I play a couple instruments (decently), and I think the most important thing to remember is that each instrument is different, and serves a different role. Keyboard instruments, like piano, can certainly be melodic, but flute is nearly always carrying the melody, and guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that flautists don't usually need to learn.
Best of luck in this endeavor!
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
add a comment |
Well, it certainly won't be easy, but I think it'll be easier than starting as a complete beginner.
For starters, you'll know the musical side of things. Everyone who's played an instrument knows music theory to some extent, and even if you just know what notes are in a scale, you'll have an advantage over a complete beginner. Any music theory knowledge will help one understand more what one is learning. It may seem like there's a longer way to go because you know from learning one instrument what it takes to learn another, but you're closer than you think, and closer than beginners.
For some instruments, there is a bit of correlation in the actual playing. I imagine most keyboard instruments share similar technique and ergonomics, and instruments of the same family are similar to play (like saxophones). I wouldn't count on much of it for flute and guitar, though, besides maybe the fingering aspect being similar.
I play a couple instruments (decently), and I think the most important thing to remember is that each instrument is different, and serves a different role. Keyboard instruments, like piano, can certainly be melodic, but flute is nearly always carrying the melody, and guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that flautists don't usually need to learn.
Best of luck in this endeavor!
Well, it certainly won't be easy, but I think it'll be easier than starting as a complete beginner.
For starters, you'll know the musical side of things. Everyone who's played an instrument knows music theory to some extent, and even if you just know what notes are in a scale, you'll have an advantage over a complete beginner. Any music theory knowledge will help one understand more what one is learning. It may seem like there's a longer way to go because you know from learning one instrument what it takes to learn another, but you're closer than you think, and closer than beginners.
For some instruments, there is a bit of correlation in the actual playing. I imagine most keyboard instruments share similar technique and ergonomics, and instruments of the same family are similar to play (like saxophones). I wouldn't count on much of it for flute and guitar, though, besides maybe the fingering aspect being similar.
I play a couple instruments (decently), and I think the most important thing to remember is that each instrument is different, and serves a different role. Keyboard instruments, like piano, can certainly be melodic, but flute is nearly always carrying the melody, and guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that flautists don't usually need to learn.
Best of luck in this endeavor!
edited 45 mins ago
answered 1 hour ago
user45266user45266
3,7521734
3,7521734
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
add a comment |
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
+1, but what do you mean about “guitarists need to be able to create harmony in a way that pianists don’t usually need to learn.” Can you clarify? I’m curious because I see guitar and piano as the two of the most prevalent and important instruments for harmony and there’s a ton of overlap in the roles they play. Or did you mean flautists rather than pianists?
– trw
47 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
@trw Argh! Every time I change topics and try to replace words in my answers, I forget one! Thanks.
– user45266
45 mins ago
add a comment |
This is no myth!
It is absolutely obvious that you won’t have to start at zero as you know already the basics and the grammar of music language, (notation system, staffs, chords, clefs and keys).
Many related instruments of the same section have similar systems of construction and technics of playing.
Mind that practicing a second instrument will be for benefit in any other direction of learning something new (look up “super learning” in my answer to the other question:
Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
add a comment |
This is no myth!
It is absolutely obvious that you won’t have to start at zero as you know already the basics and the grammar of music language, (notation system, staffs, chords, clefs and keys).
Many related instruments of the same section have similar systems of construction and technics of playing.
Mind that practicing a second instrument will be for benefit in any other direction of learning something new (look up “super learning” in my answer to the other question:
Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
add a comment |
This is no myth!
It is absolutely obvious that you won’t have to start at zero as you know already the basics and the grammar of music language, (notation system, staffs, chords, clefs and keys).
Many related instruments of the same section have similar systems of construction and technics of playing.
Mind that practicing a second instrument will be for benefit in any other direction of learning something new (look up “super learning” in my answer to the other question:
Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
This is no myth!
It is absolutely obvious that you won’t have to start at zero as you know already the basics and the grammar of music language, (notation system, staffs, chords, clefs and keys).
Many related instruments of the same section have similar systems of construction and technics of playing.
Mind that practicing a second instrument will be for benefit in any other direction of learning something new (look up “super learning” in my answer to the other question:
Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
answered 1 hour ago
Albrecht HügliAlbrecht Hügli
4,244220
4,244220
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
var $window = $(window),
onScroll = function(e)
var $elem = $('.new-login-left'),
docViewTop = $window.scrollTop(),
docViewBottom = docViewTop + $window.height(),
elemTop = $elem.offset().top,
elemBottom = elemTop + $elem.height();
if ((docViewTop elemBottom))
StackExchange.using('gps', function() StackExchange.gps.track('embedded_signup_form.view', location: 'question_page' ); );
$window.unbind('scroll', onScroll);
;
$window.on('scroll', onScroll);
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fmusic.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f82337%2fis-the-myth-that-if-you-can-play-one-instrument-you-can-learn-another-instrumen%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
var $window = $(window),
onScroll = function(e)
var $elem = $('.new-login-left'),
docViewTop = $window.scrollTop(),
docViewBottom = docViewTop + $window.height(),
elemTop = $elem.offset().top,
elemBottom = elemTop + $elem.height();
if ((docViewTop elemBottom))
StackExchange.using('gps', function() StackExchange.gps.track('embedded_signup_form.view', location: 'question_page' ); );
$window.unbind('scroll', onScroll);
;
$window.on('scroll', onScroll);
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
var $window = $(window),
onScroll = function(e)
var $elem = $('.new-login-left'),
docViewTop = $window.scrollTop(),
docViewBottom = docViewTop + $window.height(),
elemTop = $elem.offset().top,
elemBottom = elemTop + $elem.height();
if ((docViewTop elemBottom))
StackExchange.using('gps', function() StackExchange.gps.track('embedded_signup_form.view', location: 'question_page' ); );
$window.unbind('scroll', onScroll);
;
$window.on('scroll', onScroll);
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
var $window = $(window),
onScroll = function(e)
var $elem = $('.new-login-left'),
docViewTop = $window.scrollTop(),
docViewBottom = docViewTop + $window.height(),
elemTop = $elem.offset().top,
elemBottom = elemTop + $elem.height();
if ((docViewTop elemBottom))
StackExchange.using('gps', function() StackExchange.gps.track('embedded_signup_form.view', location: 'question_page' ); );
$window.unbind('scroll', onScroll);
;
$window.on('scroll', onScroll);
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
1
I suggest clarifying the question. First, you ask whether the second instrument will be easy to learn, but later, whether it will be easier. These are quite different questions.
– replete
6 hours ago
@replete Oops. I typed faster than I could think. I'll clarify.
– Xilpex
6 hours ago
1
Possible duplicate of Problems With Learning a Second Instrument
– replete
6 hours ago
2
IMO, no dupe. It's close, but that one asks about a more specific scenario.
– user45266
1 hour ago