Comments on: Make Your Own Kind of Music http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:44:08 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: billy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-287481 billy Mon, 26 May 2008 18:26:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-287481 With guitar and bass, buying a good-quality used instrument is a better choice than a new poor-quality instrument, because if you decide you don't like it, you can resell it for pretty close to what you bought it for (sometimes more, even). Don't buy a new guitar or bass without knowing what it's really worth. Some research online and a look at craigslist can save you a lot of money. But honestly, when you buy a 200$ guitar, you're out 200$ when it's time to upgrade, since you're unlikely to sell it for much, whereas if you buy a 400$ guitar and decide to upgrade a year or two down the road because the guitar isn't meeting your needs, you can likely sell it for close to it's original value (especially if you bought it used). Like a car, an instrument loses value the second it leaves the shop, but, unlike a car, it doesn't neccessarily keep doing so every year. The great thing about many musical instruments is that if they're cared for and well-made they can last pretty much forever. On the other hand, low-end models are eventually going to get discarded after their flaws get worse and worse. Self-teaching is kind of a toss-up, sure you save some money on lessons, but a few hours with a good teacher can save you years of confusion, as well as give you proper technique to protect you from problems like carpal tunnel or repetive motion stress. I've seen lots of amazing self-taught musicians (and Youtube is making it easier), and after I got past the basics with bass and jazz theory, I stopped taking lessons, but I think the teachers I've had have been very valuable to me. With guitar and bass, buying a good-quality used instrument is a better choice than a new poor-quality instrument, because if you decide you don’t like it, you can resell it for pretty close to what you bought it for (sometimes more, even). Don’t buy a new guitar or bass without knowing what it’s really worth. Some research online and a look at craigslist can save you a lot of money. But honestly, when you buy a 200$ guitar, you’re out 200$ when it’s time to upgrade, since you’re unlikely to sell it for much, whereas if you buy a 400$ guitar and decide to upgrade a year or two down the road because the guitar isn’t meeting your needs, you can likely sell it for close to it’s original value (especially if you bought it used). Like a car, an instrument loses value the second it leaves the shop, but, unlike a car, it doesn’t neccessarily keep doing so every year.

The great thing about many musical instruments is that if they’re cared for and well-made they can last pretty much forever. On the other hand, low-end models are eventually going to get discarded after their flaws get worse and worse.

Self-teaching is kind of a toss-up, sure you save some money on lessons, but a few hours with a good teacher can save you years of confusion, as well as give you proper technique to protect you from problems like carpal tunnel or repetive motion stress. I’ve seen lots of amazing self-taught musicians (and Youtube is making it easier), and after I got past the basics with bass and jazz theory, I stopped taking lessons, but I think the teachers I’ve had have been very valuable to me.

]]> By: jana http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-286442 jana Sun, 25 May 2008 14:50:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-286442 it is funny - i just came back from london whre i went for a coldplay interview (they are releasing a new record shortly) and the bass player said how many people were usin their music for various unexpected things (and also recording and sending the band various quirky cover versions:) it is funny – i just came back from london whre i went for a coldplay interview (they are releasing a new record shortly) and the bass player said how many people were usin their music for various unexpected things (and also recording and sending the band various quirky cover versions:)

]]> By: Ginger http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284931 Ginger Fri, 23 May 2008 18:31:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284931 Music (the making thereof) can be really inexpensive, or not. My DH is self-taught, both guitar (12 string, 6 string, and electric) and piano. Where we blow it financially, is on upgrades, like a digital Yamaha that broke down and we can't afford to get it fixed. And music books. Music books everywhere. But we scavenge the thrift stores for used, NEVER buy new music books unless you are rich. We also got a 'free' piano from friends who are moving to Ireland. Check Craigslist and Freecycle for deals like that, but be prepared to pay several hundred dollars to have it moved. Trent, keep at it...I've been playing off and on for almost 50 years (yikes), never had lessons which held me back enormously, until I went back to school at the age of 40. Took Music Theory for 2 years, was almost over my head but it helped so much. I'll never play Carnegie, but my DH now plays professionally, and makes good money at it. We both also sing and are practicing a set just for me. Practicing is free too! Music (the making thereof) can be really inexpensive, or not. My DH is self-taught, both guitar (12 string, 6 string, and electric) and piano. Where we blow it financially, is on upgrades, like a digital Yamaha that broke down and we can’t afford to get it fixed. And music books. Music books everywhere. But we scavenge the thrift stores for used, NEVER buy new music books unless you are rich.

We also got a ‘free’ piano from friends who are moving to Ireland. Check Craigslist and Freecycle for deals like that, but be prepared to pay several hundred dollars to have it moved.

Trent, keep at it…I’ve been playing off and on for almost 50 years (yikes), never had lessons which held me back enormously, until I went back to school at the age of 40. Took Music Theory for 2 years, was almost over my head but it helped so much. I’ll never play Carnegie, but my DH now plays professionally, and makes good money at it. We both also sing and are practicing a set just for me. Practicing is free too!

]]> By: Michelle http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284922 Michelle Fri, 23 May 2008 18:15:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284922 My fiance did the barter thing, he really wanted to learn bagpipes, he found an instructor on craigslist for cheap ($20 for 1hr lesson, plus he came to us). Since my fiance is a hairdresser, and the instructor needed monthly hair cuts, they just did an exchange and it worked for everyone :) My fiance did the barter thing, he really wanted to learn bagpipes, he found an instructor on craigslist for cheap ($20 for 1hr lesson, plus he came to us). Since my fiance is a hairdresser, and the instructor needed monthly hair cuts, they just did an exchange and it worked for everyone :)

]]> By: Daniel E. Friedman http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284821 Daniel E. Friedman Fri, 23 May 2008 15:58:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284821 Although bartering for piano lessons looks good on paper, most teachers that I know would settle for nothing less than a 'paid for' lesson. Having said that, it doesn't hurt to try, I suppose. Also, starting out on a low quality instrument is not a great idea. Always go a couple of levels higher than the bottom of the barrel, even if it means spending a bit more. Good or above average instruments provide more incentive to practice. I enjoyed yor post and you make some great points. Thanks for sharing. Although bartering for piano lessons looks good on paper, most teachers that I know would settle for nothing less than a ‘paid for’ lesson. Having said that, it doesn’t hurt to try, I suppose.

Also, starting out on a low quality instrument is not a great idea. Always go a couple of levels higher than the bottom of the barrel, even if it means spending a bit more. Good or above average instruments provide more incentive to practice.

I enjoyed yor post and you make some great points. Thanks for sharing.

]]> By: Doug Ramsdell http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284352 Doug Ramsdell Fri, 23 May 2008 02:31:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284352 Everything that everyone's saying about cheap guitars is true (maybe MORE so) for cheap woodwinds (clarinets, saxes, flutes). The super-cheap Chinese instruments that are being imported nowadays are impossible to keep in adjustment because the keywork is so cheap (most ethical repair people won't touch them, because they can't guarantee the repair will hold up). Learning an instrument can be frustrating enough in the best of circumstances; a cheap, badly-functioning instrument makes it SO much worse. Almost every wind instrument has a dedicated core of nerds supporting one or another online forums (I'm a clarinet nerd myself) and they are DELIGHTED to give good advice on brands of used instruments to purchase. Just do a little googling and you'll find them. Another suggestion: When I first learned guitar, I took a group class, and with a good teacher, group classes are a reasonably inexpensive alternative to solitary practice--plus the scrutiny of the teacher keeps you from developing bad habits. Finally, having just re-learned (correctly!) the flute, I STRONGLY advise a crucial practice habit, especially for glass-is-half-empty kind of people: learn to recognize, and celebrate, every scintilla of progress you're making when learning an instrument. Learning an instrument requires a lot of "try," and nothing keeps the inspiration going like an awareness that, however slowly, you're getting better. Everything that everyone’s saying about cheap guitars is true (maybe MORE so) for cheap woodwinds (clarinets, saxes, flutes). The super-cheap Chinese instruments that are being imported nowadays are impossible to keep in adjustment because the keywork is so cheap (most ethical repair people won’t touch them, because they can’t guarantee the repair will hold up). Learning an instrument can be frustrating enough in the best of circumstances; a cheap, badly-functioning instrument makes it SO much worse. Almost every wind instrument has a dedicated core of nerds supporting one or another online forums (I’m a clarinet nerd myself) and they are DELIGHTED to give good advice on brands of used instruments to purchase. Just do a little googling and you’ll find them.

Another suggestion: When I first learned guitar, I took a group class, and with a good teacher, group classes are a reasonably inexpensive alternative to solitary practice–plus the scrutiny of the teacher keeps you from developing bad habits.

Finally, having just re-learned (correctly!) the flute, I STRONGLY advise a crucial practice habit, especially for glass-is-half-empty kind of people: learn to recognize, and celebrate, every scintilla of progress you’re making when learning an instrument. Learning an instrument requires a lot of “try,” and nothing keeps the inspiration going like an awareness that, however slowly, you’re getting better.

]]> By: Andre http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284300 Andre Fri, 23 May 2008 00:55:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284300 On your first point about "low-end" instruments it might be a good idea to clarify what you mean. I've been in and around music musicians and instruments my whole life, not to mention music lessons. If you start off learning on the lowest quality instrument possible, you're much more likely to quit early on. You're right, a Stratocaster Guitar or Steinway piano isn't necessary for beginners. But if you start playing on a guitar you got for $40, chances are the guitar isnt going to last very long. Cheap instruments usually get naturally out of tune quickly, have bad tone quality or generally break down somehow earlier than an instrument should. Repairs for instruments are expensive (in some cases the same cost as repairing a car.) A good start for cheap but effective instruments are student models. While not free you can get a good student model Guitar or Keyboard for about $100 and horns for $2-300. If you take proper care of them they'll last for years so you wont be needing to buy a new one over and over again (had my first student model horn for over 8 years.) Plus they have the advantage of having warranties where used stores don't. If not into spending the money, like the people mentioned above, try and find someone with an extra piece laying around. Musicians with extra instruments tend to be pretty generous in sharing with aspiring learners. It's definitely possible to find free or really cheap quality instruments as you mentioned above, but if you think you'll really be investing your time into music, with low-end used instruments it's definitely caveat emptor. On your first point about “low-end” instruments it might be a good idea to clarify what you mean.

I’ve been in and around music musicians and instruments my whole life, not to mention music lessons. If you start off learning on the lowest quality instrument possible, you’re much more likely to quit early on.

You’re right, a Stratocaster Guitar or Steinway piano isn’t necessary for beginners. But if you start playing on a guitar you got for $40, chances are the guitar isnt going to last very long.

Cheap instruments usually get naturally out of tune quickly, have bad tone quality or generally break down somehow earlier than an instrument should. Repairs for instruments are expensive (in some cases the same cost as repairing a car.)

A good start for cheap but effective instruments are student models. While not free you can get a good student model Guitar or Keyboard for about $100 and horns for $2-300. If you take proper care of them they’ll last for years so you wont be needing to buy a new one over and over again (had my first student model horn for over 8 years.) Plus they have the advantage of having warranties where used stores don’t.

If not into spending the money, like the people mentioned above, try and find someone with an extra piece laying around. Musicians with extra instruments tend to be pretty generous in sharing with aspiring learners.

It’s definitely possible to find free or really cheap quality instruments as you mentioned above, but if you think you’ll really be investing your time into music, with low-end used instruments it’s definitely caveat emptor.

]]> By: Kell http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284207 Kell Thu, 22 May 2008 22:34:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284207 I can tell you first hand experience, once you start getting serious about learning the piano, it can become very costly. I am working towards my grade 7 exams and my current piano just doesn't cut it for me, so I need to replace it with a high quality one. I can probably get away with spending AU5000, but that's about as cheap as I can go. Also, you are expected to do hourly lessons per week when working towards grading, so for me that's a cool $52 a week on lessons. Tuning every three months is around $120 (cause you play it so much) and then the technical books on top of that. If you want a cheap instrument, take up the guitar instead :) Although all that being said, if you are only doing it for fun, it's not as bad as all that. I can tell you first hand experience, once you start getting serious about learning the piano, it can become very costly. I am working towards my grade 7 exams and my current piano just doesn’t cut it for me, so I need to replace it with a high quality one. I can probably get away with spending AU5000, but that’s about as cheap as I can go. Also, you are expected to do hourly lessons per week when working towards grading, so for me that’s a cool $52 a week on lessons. Tuning every three months is around $120 (cause you play it so much) and then the technical books on top of that. If you want a cheap instrument, take up the guitar instead :)
Although all that being said, if you are only doing it for fun, it’s not as bad as all that.

]]> By: Lucky http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284142 Lucky Thu, 22 May 2008 21:02:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284142 If looking for a cheap guitar, don't forget that almost everyone has one stashed in their house somewhere. Lots of people will be more than happy to give an instrument to someone who will actually play it. This is, incidentally, how orchestral musicians end up with instruments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's not because they make a lot of money, it's because someone who DOES have a lot of money doesn't want to watch a valuable instrument sit unplayed. If looking for a cheap guitar, don’t forget that almost everyone has one stashed in their house somewhere. Lots of people will be more than happy to give an instrument to someone who will actually play it.

This is, incidentally, how orchestral musicians end up with instruments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s not because they make a lot of money, it’s because someone who DOES have a lot of money doesn’t want to watch a valuable instrument sit unplayed.

]]> By: Jessica http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284061 Jessica Thu, 22 May 2008 19:21:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284061 Although there are plenty of ways out there to learn how to play on your own, I think even a few basic set of lessons can make a big difference. For instance, you may be able to get away with improper/casual technique until you get to a certain level, and then it's hard to unlearn your bad habits. Most community colleges have adult ed classes for piano and guitar-I know in my area you can do continuing ed course for $80 for a semester or 14 90 minute classes in a group setting. Most high school bands/orchestras keep a list of people who will give private lessons on an instrument, and if you contacted them they would probably give the information. Unless they're world renowned and working with an orchestra, you could probably negotiate a fair price for a one or a few lessons. Or even barter with them! Lessons could also make a great gift if you know someone who has been dying to learn! Although there are plenty of ways out there to learn how to play on your own, I think even a few basic set of lessons can make a big difference. For instance, you may be able to get away with improper/casual technique until you get to a certain level, and then it’s hard to unlearn your bad habits.

Most community colleges have adult ed classes for piano and guitar-I know in my area you can do continuing ed course for $80 for a semester or 14 90 minute classes in a group setting. Most high school bands/orchestras keep a list of people who will give private lessons on an instrument, and if you contacted them they would probably give the information. Unless they’re world renowned and working with an orchestra, you could probably negotiate a fair price for a one or a few lessons. Or even barter with them!

Lessons could also make a great gift if you know someone who has been dying to learn!

]]> By: FFB http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284053 FFB Thu, 22 May 2008 19:11:26 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284053 I agree with the above that you don't want too cheap an instrument. I play guitar and nowadays there are very inexpensive guitar packages out there. Unfortunately you get what you pay for. Many of these cannot keep tune for more than a minute. In learning an instrument it's important to develop your relative pitch and this is very difficult when your instrument will not stay in tune. When shopping try to bring someone with experience along and listen to them play. Don't trust the salesman at the store. They can have a tendency to be snobbish and talk down to you (I'm thinking of a place the rhymes with Glam Smash). A used instrument can be a great way to get a better instrument for less. My first guitar was used and it's still one of my favorites. When I started I would buy guitar magazines that had tabulature to learn songs. It was a great way to get a feel for the songs. There's a lot of places to get "tab" online too. Mmmm, drooling over the thought of a $3K Strat. Could I get a '69 these days for that much? That would also buy a beautiful Martin or PRS. Good look with your piano. One thing that helped me tremendously with piano is picking up the rules of music theory. You may be able to find a theory book at the library. It may sound intimidating but if you can learn some basic theory it will help your piano playing tremendously! I agree with the above that you don’t want too cheap an instrument. I play guitar and nowadays there are very inexpensive guitar packages out there. Unfortunately you get what you pay for. Many of these cannot keep tune for more than a minute. In learning an instrument it’s important to develop your relative pitch and this is very difficult when your instrument will not stay in tune. When shopping try to bring someone with experience along and listen to them play. Don’t trust the salesman at the store. They can have a tendency to be snobbish and talk down to you (I’m thinking of a place the rhymes with Glam Smash).

A used instrument can be a great way to get a better instrument for less. My first guitar was used and it’s still one of my favorites.

When I started I would buy guitar magazines that had tabulature to learn songs. It was a great way to get a feel for the songs. There’s a lot of places to get “tab” online too.

Mmmm, drooling over the thought of a $3K Strat. Could I get a ‘69 these days for that much? That would also buy a beautiful Martin or PRS.

Good look with your piano. One thing that helped me tremendously with piano is picking up the rules of music theory. You may be able to find a theory book at the library. It may sound intimidating but if you can learn some basic theory it will help your piano playing tremendously!

]]> By: chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-284000 chris Thu, 22 May 2008 17:33:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-284000 Nice Lost reference Nice Lost reference

]]> By: Andy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283982 Andy Thu, 22 May 2008 17:15:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283982 Let's see a concert. Have no shame. Video of you on a keyboard would be priceless. Maybe you're the Ronald Jenkees of personal finance blogs. Let’s see a concert. Have no shame. Video of you on a keyboard would be priceless. Maybe you’re the Ronald Jenkees of personal finance blogs.

]]> By: Bandmomma http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283965 Bandmomma Thu, 22 May 2008 16:58:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283965 There are many quality instruments that are inexpensive. However, a low quality instrument purchased on the internet can end up costing you considerably more in repairs(if the repair shop will even accept the instrument). Also, as it has been mentioned before, a low quality instrument will fight you back in many ways that will make playing difficult. I teach 5th and 6th grade band and have watched too many kiddos suffer on an instrument they purchased at unnameable big box stores. Do some research and find a suitable student instrument that will last. There are many quality instruments that are inexpensive. However, a low quality instrument purchased on the internet can end up costing you considerably more in repairs(if the repair shop will even accept the instrument). Also, as it has been mentioned before, a low quality instrument will fight you back in many ways that will make playing difficult. I teach 5th and 6th grade band and have watched too many kiddos suffer on an instrument they purchased at unnameable big box stores. Do some research and find a suitable student instrument that will last.

]]> By: Kathy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283941 Kathy Thu, 22 May 2008 16:13:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283941 I wonder if music lessons would be something that would lend it self to a barter exchange. I'm picturing a retired piano teacher who needed some light handyman jobs done or a college student with guitar skills who needed to some help editing a term paper. Of course, I have no idea how you'd hook up with these fantasy people-Craigslist maybe? I wonder if music lessons would be something that would lend it self to a barter exchange. I’m picturing a retired piano teacher who needed some light handyman jobs done or a college student with guitar skills who needed to some help editing a term paper. Of course, I have no idea how you’d hook up with these fantasy people-Craigslist maybe?

]]> By: Greg http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283940 Greg Thu, 22 May 2008 16:13:10 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283940 I agree--find an inexpensive but not cheap quality instrument. If it's junk, you won't like to play it and won't practice and won't ever get any good. Like buying tools, cheap ones sometimes end up being more expensive in the long run because you end up paying twice. Once to buy a cheap one and then a second time when you replace the junk you bought with something better. Better to just bite the bullet once. Once you know how to play and have an instrument, it is cheap entertainment. I play bluegrass music and going to jam with friends is fun and (usually) completely free. I agree–find an inexpensive but not cheap quality instrument. If it’s junk, you won’t like to play it and won’t practice and won’t ever get any good. Like buying tools, cheap ones sometimes end up being more expensive in the long run because you end up paying twice. Once to buy a cheap one and then a second time when you replace the junk you bought with something better. Better to just bite the bullet once.

Once you know how to play and have an instrument, it is cheap entertainment. I play bluegrass music and going to jam with friends is fun and (usually) completely free.

]]> By: Dean http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283935 Dean Thu, 22 May 2008 16:02:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283935 It is never too late to learn to play an instrument. My dad, who is retiring in a few weeks at age 65, started to get into blue grass music and has started to learn top play the guitar. I have been playing for about 10 years and it is fun to help my dad learn and to reconnect via a common hobby. He lives in MN and I live in MO and we only see each other twice a year, but we talk to each other about the guitar and send each other web links or other guitar tidbits to help each other learn. Good times! I have a not so expensive guitar that my kids can "play" with too. I hope at least one of them gets interested enough to want to learn how to really play. Until then it is fun to see them mess around and watch as i play a few riffs they like to hear. YouTube is your best friende when it comes to learning the guitar. There are so many high quality and free videos to help you pick a guitar, tune it, maintain it and learn cords, riffs, or songs. Learning the guitar is hard work but it is so satisfying to be able to play a recognizable riff or song and maybe even write a few or your own. Good luck to all of you new guitar learners. Welcome ot the club! It is never too late to learn to play an instrument. My dad, who is retiring in a few weeks at age 65, started to get into blue grass music and has started to learn top play the guitar. I have been playing for about 10 years and it is fun to help my dad learn and to reconnect via a common hobby.

He lives in MN and I live in MO and we only see each other twice a year, but we talk to each other about the guitar and send each other web links or other guitar tidbits to help each other learn. Good times!

I have a not so expensive guitar that my kids can “play” with too. I hope at least one of them gets interested enough to want to learn how to really play. Until then it is fun to see them mess around and watch as i play a few riffs they like to hear.

YouTube is your best friende when it comes to learning the guitar. There are so many high quality and free videos to help you pick a guitar, tune it, maintain it and learn cords, riffs, or songs. Learning the guitar is hard work but it is so satisfying to be able to play a recognizable riff or song and maybe even write a few or your own. Good luck to all of you new guitar learners. Welcome ot the club!

]]> By: Patrick http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283919 Patrick Thu, 22 May 2008 15:42:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283919 I agree with the other Trent's statement - if you get a guitar (or other instrument) make sure you get a quality instrument, not just an inexpensive instrument. I've played inexpensive guitars that sound great and cheap guitars that are so frustrating they aren't worth having. If you have an instrument that sounds good and is easy to play, it is more encouraging for beginners and facilitates learning. That said, I love music and it is a *great* hobby and can be inexpensive - if you don't go out and buy tons of accessories! I primarily just play the acoustic now, though I used to play a little bit of everything. I don't play as often anymore and as a result I have a lot of unused gear (a couple electric guitars, some recording equipment, amps, processors, mics, etc.). I used them all frequently until a few years ago. I could probably sell a few items and make some cash... :) I agree with the other Trent’s statement – if you get a guitar (or other instrument) make sure you get a quality instrument, not just an inexpensive instrument. I’ve played inexpensive guitars that sound great and cheap guitars that are so frustrating they aren’t worth having. If you have an instrument that sounds good and is easy to play, it is more encouraging for beginners and facilitates learning.

That said, I love music and it is a *great* hobby and can be inexpensive – if you don’t go out and buy tons of accessories! I primarily just play the acoustic now, though I used to play a little bit of everything. I don’t play as often anymore and as a result I have a lot of unused gear (a couple electric guitars, some recording equipment, amps, processors, mics, etc.). I used them all frequently until a few years ago. I could probably sell a few items and make some cash… :)

]]> By: Tom Printy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283906 Tom Printy Thu, 22 May 2008 15:36:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283906 You tube is a great resource. I have been learning to play the guitar and found that You Tube had everything that I need. I found this resource so useful that I built a website to showcase these videos. Check it out at <a href="http://www.learn2strum.com" rel="nofollow">Learn2Strum.com</a> You tube is a great resource. I have been learning to play the guitar and found that You Tube had everything that I need. I found this resource so useful that I built a website to showcase these videos. Check it out at Learn2Strum.com

]]> By: Angie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/comment-page-1/#comment-283898 Angie Thu, 22 May 2008 15:31:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/22/make-your-own-kind-of-music/#comment-283898 Ok, I see someone's mentioned this above, but if you plan on playing an instrument and expect to be good at it, you cannot have an instrument that is in bad shape. You can find good quality instruments at cheap prices, yes, but don't go for poor quality. Part of the success of playing an instrument is the quality of the instrument itself. I have learned this from band instructors in school. I played the flute primarily (and added additional instruments throughout the years), and have had both a cheap cheap flute and a very nice flute. My skill level didn't change but I was much better on the nice flute. Just a word of caution. It's ok not to splurge the first go around, but if you're serious, look for a decent quality instrument the first time. It makes sense, if you end up giving up because you cannot play decent and quit, then paying for a cheap instrument was not a good buy in the first place. Ok, I see someone’s mentioned this above, but if you plan on playing an instrument and expect to be good at it, you cannot have an instrument that is in bad shape. You can find good quality instruments at cheap prices, yes, but don’t go for poor quality. Part of the success of playing an instrument is the quality of the instrument itself. I have learned this from band instructors in school. I played the flute primarily (and added additional instruments throughout the years), and have had both a cheap cheap flute and a very nice flute. My skill level didn’t change but I was much better on the nice flute. Just a word of caution. It’s ok not to splurge the first go around, but if you’re serious, look for a decent quality instrument the first time.
It makes sense, if you end up giving up because you cannot play decent and quit, then paying for a cheap instrument was not a good buy in the first place.

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