What instrument is best to take up?

BetterThanThou

Right now, I'm 16, so, for now, it's only a hobby, but, in the future, I'd like to work in the music industry, as a session musician, touring player, anything. I'm looking to take up an instrument, right now, I can play piano at a very beginner level, I've never put any major work into it or gotten any real lessons. I was thinking of taking up piano, bass guitar, guitar or drums. Leaning towards guitar, however, I'd think there's a lot of competition, and I'm thinking, possibly bass guitar would be a better idea, due to the fact not as many people play bass. Same with drums. Piano and guitar would be my two favorite, though, I also like drums and bass. Which instrument would be best to take up? Or would multiple instruments be a better idea? Perhaps taking up guitar and then taking up bass, as they're somewhat similar? Also, I like many styles of music, so, I'll learn how to play many styles of music, which I feel would be a big advantage and almost vital for a session or touring musician.

Rigsby

There is no "best" when it comes to instruments. Whichever instrument appeals to you most, is the "best" one for you. If you want to take up a second instrument, then the next one in line that appeals to you is the one to go for.

Granted, as you say yourself, there are practical reasons for not using the above criteria. For example, bassists and drummers are generally much harder to find than guitarists. However IMO this is not a good reason to take up an instrument, if you have a preference for something else. Also, be aware that the bass and guitar are different animals altogether. They play completely different roles in a band.

So, in a nutshell.....let your heart decide. If you change your mind at a later time you can try something else then. You will not have wasted your time.

BetterThanThou

Thank you, but, in regards to learning multiple instruments, as far as a session musician goes, would it better to be great at one instrument or good at more than one?

Rigsby

BetterThanThou wrote: »

Thank you, but, in regards to learning multiple instruments, as far as a session musician goes, would it better to be great at one instrument or good at more than one?

Good question. You may have heard of the iconic bassist named Carol Kaye ? She is one of the most recorded bassists in the world. She started off playing guitar. Then at one recording session, she stood in for a bassist who was ill and could not be at the session. Her bass playing made such an impression on people, that she was repeatedly called upon to play bass. She is also a great guitarist.

So, from the point of view of getting work, it is probably better to be proficient on more than one instrument.

KeithTS

I'm assuming you're joking right?
Your post is like a 16 year old wanting to become a pro footballer without ever having played football, it's not gonna happen. To get good enough to play session and make a living out of it you need years and years of practice, passion and great knowledge of your instrument(s), none of which you seem to possess.

Rigsby

KeithTS wrote: »

I'm assuming you're joking right?
Your post is like a 16 year old wanting to become a pro footballer without ever having played football, it's not gonna happen. To get good enough to play session and make a living out of it you need years and years of practice, passion and great knowledge of your instrument(s), none of which you seem to possess.

This is a bit harsh if you dont mind my saying. To quote the OP :.. "in the future, I'd like to work in the music industry,.." The important words are the first three. He does not give me the impression of expecting to become a session player overnight. It is generally accepted that it takes about 10,000 hours of focused practice to become really proficient on an instrument. At sixteen years of age, if he puts in the time and effort, he can fulfill his ambition.

KeithTS

I was a tad harsh accepted, however the OP just comes across as somewhat naive to the amount of effort and the sheer talent professionals put in to their instruments.
These guys don't just think "Oh, I think I'll become a professional musician someday", they graft for years and years and have a passion for what they do, which is evident in how they play.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the OP doesn't know what instrument they want to play, they certainly lack the passion for an instrument which is needed to dedicate 10,000+ plus hours of practice.

Rigsby

KeithTS wrote: »

I was a tad harsh accepted, however the OP just comes across as somewhat naive to the amount of effort and the sheer talent professionals put in to their instruments.
These guys don't just think "Oh, I think I'll become a professional musician someday", they graft for years and years and have a passion for what they do, which is evident in how they play.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if the OP doesn't know what instrument they want to play, they certainly lack the passion for an instrument which is needed to dedicate 10,000+ plus hours of practice.

You or I dont know the OP from Adam, so IMO it is unfair to assume he does not know what is involved in becoming a session musician.

As for choosing an instrument, the OP has a good idea of what he wants to play. Lots of well known musicians started on one instrument and changed to another. Whether or not he has the passion, he will discover himself, when he starts out on the learning journey. No need to discourage the guy, before he even gets started.

Perhaps you are correct in that he might be a bit naive and over ambitious. However, he asked a genuine and intelligent question, to which you replied in a negative and dismissive way.

You could have at least tried to answer the question he asked.

BetterThanThou

I'll admit, I am totally naive when it comes to the music industry. I find it's one of the few things I can realistically do in the future with enough dedication that I'll actually enjoy doing. I'm at the end of 5th year, and plan on studying Music in college, so, it's a minimum of 4 years before I'd attempt to make any type of a living out of it, and even I know, 4 years isn't much. And I feel I'd enjoy playing bass, guitar, drums or piano, I've always loved all 4 instruments, and to me, they all have their advantages over one another.

KeithTS

Well then I'd suggest picking an instrument and going with it. Try your hand at all four if you can and go with what suits you best.

Apologies for being negative, I just don't think it's in any way useful to fill your head with nonsense about it being an easy career path and whatnot.

Best of luck with it anyways

unclebill98

OP, learn how to read music. Also agree with Rigsby.

BetterThanThou

I'm already somewhat adept at Music theory and I can read music, however, I can't sightread yet, which I'd imagine would be important for any session musician, could anyone suggest the best way to practice sight reading? Or is it one of those things where I'll just have to practice reading slowly until I can do it much quicker?

Celly Smunt

BetterThanThou wrote: »

I'm already somewhat adept at Music theory and I can read music, however, I can't sightread yet, which I'd imagine would be important for any session musician, could anyone suggest the best way to practice sight reading? Or is it one of those things where I'll just have to practice reading slowly until I can do it much quicker?

Practice really,i can sight read tabs but wouldn't be able to read music as well.I just seem to delay my hands 1 second to my brain involuntary.So i guess the involuntary part comes down to practice.

Rigsby

BetterThanThou wrote: »

I'm already somewhat adept at Music theory and I can read music, however, I can't sightread yet, which I'd imagine would be important for any session musician, could anyone suggest the best way to practice sight reading? Or is it one of those things where I'll just have to practice reading slowly until I can do it much quicker?

Yes, the ability to sight read is a huge asset to the session musician, and to any musician for that matter. Sight reading will come with constant practice. You already have the basics, so you are well on your way. Put aside say a half an hour every day for reading. Regularity is more important than actual time spent on a practice session.