The Most Important Rule For Getting Better At ANY Instrument

I teach music and several instrument. I am asked all the time, "What will help me get better at ____". You can fill that blank in with anything you want and my answer will be the same. My guitar student ask me how they can get better at switching between chords. My drum students ask how to help they right/left independence. This is my best tip/hint/trick whatever, and I'm giving it to you for free on the internet. I am a guitarist of nearly 20 years and I use this in my practice (when I'm doing it right).

Practice.

That's it. Practice makes you better, but it makes you better at what and how you practice. If you practice sloppy, you'll play sloppy. If you practice clean and perfect, then you'll play clean and perfect. Practice makes perfect, but only at what you practice. Slow down and get it right. Speed comes with time. Also, the more consistent your practice, the faster you progress. So how do you get better? Practice. How do you get better faster? Practice consistently. Instead of playing for 2 hours once a week, try to play everyday for 15/30 minute.

There you have it. That's my most valuable tip/trick/hint I can get. There is not magic bullet. It comes with work. but you can make the most of you practice by following these rule. Get out there, practice, and be AWESOME!

The Ugly Truth About Playing Multiple Instruments

If you read any of my other posts, you probably know that I am a guitarist. Yes, I do play guitar and it is my main instrument, but if you are bad at context clues, let my let you in on a secrete: I play multiple instruments. I couldn't imagine not playing more than one instrument now, but there was a time that I did good just playing my six-string. Being able to throw-down on other instrument is great. I can rock out on other instruments and that's cool, but everything isn't as awesome as it may seem.

Each Instrument Add More Practice Time. 

Yes, I have a favorite instrument. obviously I play the guitar much more than the other instrument that I play. Although, if you don't use it, you lose it. So I have to keep up the other instruments that I want to continue to play. I currently have five instrument that I feel comfortable playing. Other instruments I am familiar with but not to the point were I could join other musicians with it. The first instrument that I added after the guitar was the drums. My friend asked if I wanted to join his band. I said, "Yes, I play guitar". He said, "Great, you can be our drummer." and that was how I learned how to play the drums. This started a passion for learning instrument that has yet to stop. I've since added Bass, Ukulele and Banjo to the list of instrument I am competent in. Each one of the instruments adds hours a practice to my routine. Being able to play these instruments is great, but it comes with work.

You Can Become The Back-up For Everyone. 

I'm not going to lie, I like being the guy that people call. It's like when Commissioner Gordon picks up the Bat-Phone. Except it's a cell phone and I don't get to punch crime in the face with a "Ka-POW!". Close enough though... It started out innocent enough. I wanted to help. I noticed that the bass player would be out occasionally so I offered to fill it. After all, I was lost in the mix playing acoustic behind two pianos. Bass seemed like a more significant addition. Being the guy that can fill in made me feel important. Even if I didn't play as well as the guys I filled in for.

You Probably Won't Be As Good As Someone Who Focuses On One Instrument

I know many people who play several instruments on an expert level. I'm not saying that you can't be good at more than one instrument, but there is a point where one instrument will be will win out and the others suffers. I could, rather easily rank my ability on the instrument that I play. In a since it's like riding a bike. I'll never forget how to play G, C, and D on the guitar, but how to play a D flat minor on banjo? It sort of like the conversation about having more than one child (which I do). Can you spend the same amount of time with both of them? The same amount of attention? (well this took a weird turn) The true is that it's hard to keep all those plate spinning, but sure is rewarding.

The Best Deal on a Banjo has Been Found!

If you've been reading this blog (bless you) then you may know that this year I've resolved to learn new instruments this year. The banjo is one of the instrument that I want to learn. Those intrested in this instrument know that it can be a little daunting to choose the right instrument. First of all there are several types of banjo, but the most popular is the 5-string tenor banjo. Looking at many of the larger retailers, you'll see many options in the beginner range. there are options starting at around $150. Most of the banjos at this range have no resinator (the round wooden back piece that projects the sound forward). If your local music store is any thing like mine, then the banjos there are a little more cost prohibitive. Being a novice and on a tight budget limits my option.

Is there an option at the $150 mark that is suitable for a serious beginner? Absolutly, and I'll share with you exactly where I found it. I found a retailer on eBay, but their prices are slightly less at there site (probably due to eBay fees. The site is Musicians Discount Warehouse I can't speak for anything other than the 24 Bracket Closed Back Jameson Banjo with Remo Head but what I've found really surprised me.

I'm sure that this banjo is imported for china or someplace simular. I'm am no stranger to these "value" instruments. I'm always on the look out for a great deal on any instrument. So, when I found this banjo that appeared to have all the features as other banjos costing 2 or 3 times the price. I was suspisious to say the least. When it arrived I was pleased to see that it was shipped in a double box and well packaged. It was well set-up out of the box. The bridge was well placed and after tuning the insturment was ready for action. I was planning on putting some time into adjusting things like head tention or bridge placement, but everything seemed to be in good working order. Next thing I instected was the fit and finish, and again, I was impressed. No noticable finsh flaw and all the fittings were snugg and well fitting. The only thing that I could complain about is that there a loose retaining screw for he resinator.

If you are concidering purchasing a banjo you should really consider the one linked about. I'm not sponcered by the retailer or brand or anything of the sort. I was just impressed by the value of the instrument that I received. I wouldn't call it a professional instrument and the appointment are not ornate. As far as a functional insturment, this banjo really shines. I have no doubt that I can learn on and use this instrument for my needs.

New Years Resolution: Be More Musicial

Here it is. Another close to to another year. I've never been one for the New Year's resolution in the past. I've had all of the standard "lose weight", "be more active", and "do more good things" resolutions. I've obviously keep all of those... So I decided to make a challenging one for the year of 2014. Perhaps now you are wondering what a mysterious music-blogger could resolve to do. Maybe it is that I will blog more, or start a new blog, or make my blog better in some way, or find someone that actually reads blog any more. None of those I'm afraid. I already try to blog more. Looking at my history, you might find that I took something of a hiatus... for the most of 2012 and 2013. So what do I actually resolve to do in 2014? Well, learn more instruments.

I've been a guitarist fore most my life. I learned my first chords when I was about 12 years old. I haven't been the most devote student of the guitar. For a time, I focused on learning the drums. I had a friend that let me join his band with the caveat that I learn and play the drum for said band. It was my first "real" band and I jumped at the chance. I love playing percussion. I don't post much about drumming because I am really a laymen in that area. I could talk about what I like and don't like about drums and drum gear... kind of like this blog. Anywho! Would you like to know what instrument I plan to learn this learn and who I plan to do so? You absolutely would?! That great, because I was planning on doing that anyways. (By the way, you are really agreeable. It's almost like I'm imagining your entire side of the conversation.)

The plan: I learned to play the instrument that I do when I was much younger and the only thing I had to worry about was not failing school and playing music. Of course I thought myself to be Tony Hawk and Jimi Hendrix all rolled into one. To be honest I've already tried to learn new instruments. Its really frustrating. I'm surprised I was ever able to learn the instruments that I do know.  I get frustrated so easily and when I don't start playing angel farts from the word go then I want to throw said instrument across the room. Pro tip: don't try throwing a piano. So what do I plan on learning and how do I guarantee the learning of the instruments in the future. First things first, I plan to learn Violin and Banjo. Kinda random, I know, but I've been want to learn the violin for some time and the banjo is becoming a very popular instrument as of late. How will I do this when attempts have failed before? Scheduling. I will schedule time for each instrument every week. It is easy to get frustrated and spend time making yourself feel better by picking up something that is more familiar, but learning is a discipline.

So there you have it. 2014 is the year of new instruments. I tried several years ago to learn the violin, so I still have the fiddle, but I have to acquire a banjo. If there is anyone out there that has a banjo they'd like to donate then feel free to comment and let me know. Happy New Year, everyone!