Sezjeuric needs your help

[Sezjeuric]

I am seriously considering teaching myself either the acoustic guitar or piano.

To those of you who are musically inclined, which is easier to learn? What has your experience been with the instrument(s)?

My only backround is music has been playing the drum/percussion/recorder... so an xylophone is layed out the same as a piano, but the sheet music is way different. PLus that was quite some time ago

I appreciate any feedback, pros, cons, and the like. Thanks guys and gals

[marcus]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I bought an accoustic/electric guitar last week and all I can tell you is that my fingers hurt. The strings are pretty thick and the major chords aren't friendly for people with big ape hands.

My only musical experience is playing the sax so I at least know how to read sheat music. The piano is pretty easy to pick up IMO. Most string musicians at least learn the basics so they can tune their instruments to a piano.

[highwind]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

i think that piano is considered easier to learn but harder to master.

guitar takes a while because you need to build a lot of finger dexterity (and callouses) before you can even attempt to play anything.

EDIT: but as with anything - learn whichever you have the most interest in. since that's all that will motivate you in the end!

[Sezjeuric]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I have the hands of a 7 year old, so I am not worried about that.

My 10 year old cousin has an electric guitar and he can self tune it with this little meter device so I am game for that.

Thanks for the input Marcus

and Highwind, I think you nailed that one about learning vs. mastering.

I haven't told Karr about how serious I am with regards to this... I wonder what he will say- he'll have to listen to me learn :S ha ha

[highwind]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

i also have the hands of a seven year old and manage to play guitar moderately well.

so YEAH.

[Alex]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I wish I started with piano instead of guitar. I'm not sure about seven year old's hands, but if you mean they are weak, small and delicate, you might struggle. A piano is easier to read and play.

[Jehuty]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

Piano is harder and more expensive. Guitar is cheap and easy.

Many consider piano's classier.

[Tintenfisch]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I'd say go for piano. All the notes are laid out in front of you and you can take what you learn from piano and apply it to the guitar.

[Sezjeuric]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I mean my hands are small and nimble, but strong and agile.

I keep hearing that learning piano first means guitar is easier, but I don't have the storage to own both.

I know my notes already is that's what you guys mean by "It makes it easier".

[DK]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

The piano is an easier instrument to pick up and play because you have no awkward finger/hand positions to learn. I've been playing guitar for a while and while now I'm at the time where I can use heavy strings and not be bothered it takes a good period of time where you are consistently playing before you develop the strength for it.

Yeah, knowing the notes also makes it go quick but piano is also a lot easier to visualize when phrasing out chords and stuff, which would be a useful habit to learn now and then transpose to guitar later.

[Alzar]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

my fingertips are double jointed and that is more of a hinderance playing guitar than playing piano

i played both for a small while and i heavily prefer piano

this guy inspired me

[Cutter De Blanc]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I'd say go for guitar. All the notes aren't laid out in front of you but you can take what you learn from guitar and apply it to the piano.

[Alex]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I'd recommend a digital keyboard/synthesizer. They can be cheap. And small.

[Kire]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

I've been contemplating the guitar queero expert level to guitar transition myself...then again i have a keyboard as well so I've been in a similar conundrum. Go fig!

[Alzar]

Re: Sezjeuric needs your help

the other cool thing about getting a synthesizer / digital keyboard is that you can plug in headphones and not annoy the crap out of everybody