Author Topic: Piano playing AKA my lift hand is gimped (Read 1220 times)

BlueTsunami · « **on:** March 16, 2009, 01:41:09 AM »

:'(

Never played an instrument in my life, trying to learn the basics off a shitty 49 Key Synthesizer Piano. I really need to buy something better (Electronic Piano with Weighted Keys). Thought about an acoustic guitar but I've been reading that as a base for music theory, th e Piano is one of the best instruments to learn then springboard from.

The whole two hand dynamic is pretty mind boggling, fuuuuggggggggggg

Bildi · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2009, 01:54:41 AM »

I think you can learn music theory well on both instruments, but they are very different in how you apply the theory to the instrument. At least technically if you learn one, I'm sure the other will be easier since your hands will become more dexterous and coordinated.

What sort of stuff are you going to be doing on the piano?

Brehvolution · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:49:13 AM »

Quote from: Armitage on March 16, 2009, 03:54:57 AM

Getting two hands independent is a big hurdle. Piano wasn't my first instrument but I still had lots of trouble with it. It just takes practice. Learning to play piano is great for showing off, lots of people have pianos in their houses so if you can play a couple of impressive pieces people will think you're awesome and chicks will want to sleep with you.

This man speaks the truth.

HyperZoneWasAwesome · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2009, 10:14:41 AM »

back in my playing career I had an accident, I hurt my right hand, I asked the doctor if I'll be able to play the piano after the cast comes off, he said I should be able to just fine.

I told him, "Wonderful, I couldn't play the piano before."

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2009, 01:52:32 PM »

I definitely want to get a better Electric one down the line. An electric Casio weighted keys piano is $499, which isn't bad. I'm just using this ghetto tween synth for learning the basic keys and chords, hopefully it'll facilitate with that.

I was thinking about getting a guitar but it seems like everyones doing it and also it wasn't my first choice (more like third). My first was the Violin but that one I absolutely need a teacher with (from what I've read) and shits expensive.

demi · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2009, 02:40:30 PM »

just buy guitar hero

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:06:50 PM »

Quote from: Green Shinobi on March 16, 2009, 08:48:47 PM

Quote from: BlueTsunami on March 16, 2009, 01:52:32 PM
My first was the Violin but that one I absolutely need a teacher with (from what I've read) and shits expensive.

Craigslist and youtube.

Its more than that though. From what I've read, the technique to achieve notes whilst learning how to read sheet music and learning about music theory in general. It would probably be too much for me. After I get used to the Piano though and learn more about the technical side of music making, I'll definitely take up the Violin.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:52:06 PM »

Got this

The cover is super cheesy but it was the only book at B&N that looked worthwhile. I then opened it up and was surprised at how information dense it is.

Chapter 1: Piano Basics
Chapter 2: The Basics of Reading Music
Chapter 3: Basic Hand Positions
Chapter 4: Playing Scales
Chapter 5: Playing Chords
Chapter 6: Beyond the Basics of Reading Music
Chapter 7: Tips to Improve Playing
Chapter 8: Special Playing Techniques
Chapter 9: Improvising and Playing with Others
Chapter 10: Styles of Music
Chapter 11: Buying and Caring for your Piano
Chapter 12: Reference

Bildi · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2009, 09:59:26 PM »

I think if you're learning without a teacher making sure you don't develop bad habits early on will be something to watch for. Maybe you could see a teacher now and then to see you're on the right track. I think youtube vids could be a good source for getting exposure to what good and bad techniques look like too.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2009, 11:34:44 PM »

When I was looking at the depressingly small Music/Instructional section, shifting through bios of random prolific artists I don't give a shit about, I started to realize that every other book was about guitars. I thought "holy shit", its as if everyone in the world goes through a phase that isn't just about learning an instrument but how to learn to play the guitar specifically. Next was the Piano that had like 4 books in the lot.

Esteban was taking up a nice chunk of real estate with his "L3RN TO PLAY LOVE S<3NGS, EASY". What a douche.

xnikki118x · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2009, 12:11:00 AM »

Guys who can play the piano turn me on. Any instrument can do it, really, but I love a piano.

I wish I could play it. When I have kids I want them to get lessons, because I'm sad that I missed out on that.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2009, 01:10:18 AM »

Nikki, I'm 23 and decided to take up my first instrument. I'm devoting atleast an hour a day to practice.

xnikki118x · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2009, 01:28:42 AM »

I think I'd probably take lessons if I/we could afford it, to be honest. I'm sure it would frustrate me, because I'd have to work so hard--everyone else in my mom's family can just pick up an instrument and play it, but not me. I think it would be so worth it, though.

Bildi · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2009, 03:34:36 AM »

Take lessons in secret and after a few years pull out the piano at a family get-together and kick all their asses.

xnikki118x · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2009, 03:36:04 AM »

That would be awesome. It's a running joke in my family, too, how everyone's musically-inclined except for me. It'd be very cool to do that.

Bildi · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2009, 03:42:53 AM »

It's not about the music. It's about being better than everyone else.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2009, 03:47:34 AM »

That would be awesome. Go to some silly house party, people who live there own a Grand Piano. Everyone is dressed casually but you go in with a tux, top hat and monocle. Everyone looks at you like "the fuck?". You talk it up with people and be easy. You then jump on the Grand Piano and bust out some "Flight of the Bumblebee" and blow shit up.

Bildi · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2009, 08:22:57 AM »

Awesome.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2009, 01:06:50 AM »

I just spent about 3 hours practicing various basics. I've nearly got the first segment of "Fur Elise" down (just Treble). God is this addicting! I had looked up from the book and keyboard just now and realized it was 12pm (started practicing at 9pm) From what I've read so far it makes me 1) Appreciate what musicians have to first learn and also composers of music and 2) realize that I should have taken up an instrument when I was younger (would have probably helped with concentration with school work). I haven't been this zoned in on something that isn't a game or book for a long time.

I need to buy a metronome though, or at least use an Online one. Trying to keep a beat while learning various timing is a bit awkward.

Bildi · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2009, 01:25:54 AM »

Progress.

Oh, definitely get a metronome. I'd personally go for a windup one rather than a digital one. It's great to change tempo instantly rather than have to press buttons, and there's no batteries. I've had a Wittner Taktell Piccolo since 1984 and it's still going strong, I was using it just last night:

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #20 on:** March 18, 2009, 05:38:54 PM »

I got the beginning of Fur Elise down but "O' Susana" is busting my balls, holy shit. And omfg at Repetition Markers and how Double Notes are marked, its like a puzzle ;_;

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Author Topic: Piano playing AKA my lift hand is gimped (Read 1220 times)