Personal

[Soupy]

Last Instrument I had any instruction in was Sax. E Alto Flat and to this day I prefer it's sound to Tenor. Duane Eddy and The Bonnevilles Rocked My World when I was 10.

I Love Music and older I get more I regret I didn't Master any I played with.

I really want to start playing. Tests with various Employers and Military I've taken in my Life show I have poor fingeral dexterity but exceptional manual dexterity. Dad and younger Brother were both drummers, I played with Kits (fair) they owned but Heart was in Keyboards which I failed at and Woodwinds which I lacked patience for.

COPD has wind gone. Guitar and Keyboards seem out of the question. God knows I worship B3.

I can Sing better than Any of You but need to keep my hands busy.

Am I stuck with Bass or Drums? I Dig it all but need to face my limitations despite my desires.

Sincere desire to involve myself in learning.

Musicians only on this one Please.

Thanks - Soupy

[hulan]

I'm sorry, I have no useable advice as I've only played piano and guitar (only good enough to accompany my voice). At this time in my life, time is my restriction. I feel your pain, although I can't completely understand your situation having not experienced it.

Anyway, my question is would something like a xylophone be appealing to you?

[AJ]

Failing at an instrument is your first mistake. Its all mental; you need self-confidence in your ability and determination. Play what you like and like what you play. And, you NEVER master an instrument; you're always learning.

[tomzarbo]

http://condor.wesleyan.edu/openmedia/vim/large/steelpan05_003.jpg


If you enjoy Caribbian jazz music, a steel pan may be up your alley.
Easier to set up than drums too. Check out Andy Narell for what you can do with one of those, he is fantastic.
TomZ

[brianp]

Practice, practice, PRACTICE!

Like most people, I don't have much "natural talent," but I've become a competent enough guitarist to play in a working Irish band. Mostly rhythm, but also occasional leads (those fast fiddle tunes are real dexterity-builders) and some fingerstyle on the slow airs.

I'd "messed around" with the guitar for years, but never made much progress until I found a style of music I really liked and focused on it. Playing with other people was also a great help--going to informal fiddle jams and song circles taught me a lot about providing a rock-steady backing for soloists.

I think the main thing is to find an instrument you truly enjoy hearing, and work hard at it with a positive attitude. Study theory, and listen to other players for ideas and inspiration, but give at least half an hour a day (and at least one longer session a week) to just playing. And practice TUNES you like--scales and patterns are necessary, but quickly become boring if not approached in a musical context.

> Last Instrument I had any instruction in was
> Sax. E Alto Flat and to this day I prefer
> it's sound to Tenor. Duane Eddy and The
> Bonnevilles Rocked My World when I was 10.

> I Love Music and older I get more I regret I
> didn't Master any I played with.

> I really want to start playing. Tests with
> various Employers and Military I've taken in
> my Life show I have poor fingeral dexterity
> but exceptional manual dexterity. Dad and
> younger Brother were both drummers, I played
> with Kits (fair) they owned but Heart was in
> Keyboards which I failed at and Woodwinds
> which I lacked patience for.

> COPD has wind gone. Guitar and Keyboards
> seem out of the question. God knows I
> worship B3.

> I can Sing better than Any of You but need
> to keep my hands busy.

> Am I stuck with Bass or Drums? I Dig it all
> but need to face my limitations despite my
> desires.

> Sincere desire to involve myself in
> learning.

> Musicians only on this one Please.

> Thanks - Soupy