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.

EBay: The Real Musician's Friend

Any musician that has ever attempted to buy or research any musical instrument has probably encountered the retail site Musicians Friend. They have a very large selection of musical instruments and assorted accessories. They have detailed descriptions and customer reviews that help in the purchasing decision. I've purchased many things from their website and more often than not I've been very pleased. I endorse shopping at your LOCAL music store as much as possible. I've learned many invaluable lessons from the good people at my local stores, and I am lucky enough to have more than one to choose from. I understand that some people are not in that particular position. Simply, they do not live within 100 miles of a store that sells a selection of instrument and the internet is the best solution for them. In most cases, a purchase is aided in immeasurably ways by putting your hands of the item you want to buy.

Having said that, a savvy consumer can use EBay to save a great deal of money on your next musical purchase. I am not endorsed by EBay, Musician"s Friend, or any other retailer, I feel that my experiences may help my fellow musicians. You may be skeptical of used instrument, and I am too. I also recommend that you check out the return details and read description thoroughly. There is always a reason someone want to get rid of whatever they are selling. Be sure the reason isn't that the item is broken or problematic. I can't speak in depth on making large purchases, like high end guitars or complete drum sets ( there doesn't seem to be that much of a value in drum sets when shipping is considered). Things that really seem to be bargains are effects pedals. You can find them for about 50-60% of retail. Cymbals are another great chance to save some money. Again, prices here hang around half price and shipping doesn't break the bank.

Don't forget you get what you pay for. If something seems to good to be true. There is a learning curve to using EBay, but the time it take to learn the ins and out is worth it.