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Post subject: Thoughts On Learning Piano & Guitar At Same Time?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:08 am
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I play both instruments, but I started with piano. Wondering what the smartest move is for my child who is 10 between guitar and piano? Can he learn both at the same time if we mostly focus on one? Or do we focus on one first and then learn the other later? He has a lot of interest for both is the problem.

Thanks!


Last edited by dannyrichardson on Tue Mar 05, 2019 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Thoughts On Learning Piano & Guitar At Same Time?
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:07 am
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dannyrichardson wrote:
I play both instruments, but I started with piano. Wondering what the smartest move is for my child who is 10. Can he learn both at the same time if we mostly focus on one? Or do we focus on one first and then learn the other later? He has a lot of interest for both is the problem.

Thanks!
Hi, Danny. Welcome to the Forum(s). I don’t believe there is a definitive answer. I think it depends on the individual. First off, congrats to your child for his interest.

Looking at both instruments they can be challenging, and are different in how they are executed when playing and practicing. Along with technique and practice, I’m thinking one will come easier than the other. I play both, but I find keyboard is in some ways easier (at times) when it comes to finger position for example. I play by ear so I can’t address the notation part. I have read drum notation (now I blame the aging eyes) which is no easy skill, though. With electric guitar there are other concerns that can easily be embraced; but, most can be overcome from hands on experience. Acoustic guitar can be a very good and different experience with skills that can be taken to electric as well.

I play three instruments, keyboard, acoustic and electric guitar, and drums, not totally proficient, but not terrible either, in keyboard and guitar. I’ve played big grands to vintage Hammonds; but, I’m more experienced with long ago formal drum training including tymps, big jazz, military, and some rock bands.

I bring this up because there is a difference amongst drummers and percussionists. The keyboard is not always thought of as a percussion instrument, but it and keyboard like instruments are.

Take Lionel Hampton for example. He was and others are proficient at the vibes, piano, and drums likely learned at some similar time. I know it can be taught that way. I’ve had the luxury of playing marimba in the studio and so, if you have the ability, I suppose it’s all possible to learn together. There certainly are a lot of well known drummers who play guitar, and you’ll find that with keyboardist and guitars too. It’s certainly not unusual for band members to teach other their instrument which can be a feature when doubling up.

A late start on either instrument will be a shame, but always better than never, and, just my opinion, guitar will suffer the most. I can step away from the keyboard and pick it up fairly easy after some time away from it. Not so easy (mostly from lack of recall and rudimentary practice) with many other instruments including guitar and drums. This is different than ability and know how. But, that’s just me. YMMV. I mention this because there is quite a difference overall.

I’m of the belief that there are more natural pianists than guitarists (more so because of the instrument than the mojo). Look at all those little Chopins. So, it may be beneficial to have piano and guitar for training together. Oh, sure exceptions exist, once in awhile you’ll see an accomplished mini shredder, although the possibility of an accomplished little Segovia or Hendrix would also be small.

I can think of several instruments where the learning challenge together would be overwhelming. At least with piano and guitar you can have fun with even simple chords or melodies. Even were that the case, the teacher would be important and how great is it that training resources and methods have improved to increase the fun factor?

The piano is a great tool as you know, and it will always be useful from the music sense. Highly recommended, even more so in today’s world.

The guitar is a fine instrument; but as many of us have experienced, the learning curve is simple or steep. Getting an early run up the hill will get one further and higher allowing one to tackle bigger hills with ease. IMHO.

You may find talent for both or more or less for one. Your may discover that your son will have a preference, and that’s to be expected. If he takes to the guitar more than the keyboard be sure to pass on the encouragement, but make him aware of the benefit of the keyboard for overall experience with future considerations. Then there is the disappointment factor. If he finds one more difficult than the other, which he will, re-enforcing the rewards will help. However, music being what it is, has constant changes and development.

One mistake I made as a kid was to be disappointed with free lessons because my folks (especially my father who wanted to learn) wanted accordion/piano lessons. I didn’t when popularity shifted somewhat from piano to guitar and because of it I didn’t take up a great opportunity. Hey! It was the 60s. :lol: My second mistake was my hiatus with my early guitar playing. As Arnold said, “He’s baaaack”.

You’ll likely know much of the above, and it’s just my take, where I know others will chime in with theirs.

I say go for it. But, how the practice time is divided will be something you’ll want to tailor to the individual needs.

Best of luck in your journey, and have fun you two.

FSB

Note: I’m an old guy from the time where guitars were, as today, easily available at a family price. When I was a kid, unless you could score a good used piano or organ, keyboards (and drums) were relatively prohibitive being expensive to buy and maintain. Offshore, population, and choices changed that market, so today it’s much easier to have the experience of several instruments as discussed. :D

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Post subject: Re: Thoughts On Learning Piano & Guitar At Same Time?
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 6:26 pm
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Great post Gary!
My 2 cents, yes.

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Post subject: Re: Thoughts On Learning Piano & Guitar At Same Time?
Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:52 pm
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Thanks, Rollie. I always felt that I missed out by not learning or grasping music reading. Not an easy lesson to learn for me, but sometimes I wonder if the teacher had some bearing on it too. That's my story and I’m sticking to it. :lol: I’m guessing methods have improved audibly and visually, unfortunately, time is my enemy. That’s why I encourage an early start if possible.

Ironically, because of my knowledge of drum notation I can count the 1 two 2 two 3 two 4 two easy enough. I’d mark and follow charts of a band to preset and call camera shots. Sometimes, I had a more music savvy assistant or I would (by rehearsal) know what was coming. Sure, I could do it on the fly, but why not borrow from the skills I had when it was advantageous.

That in a nutshell is one way the more tools you can gather for and from your music box the more uses you’ll find for them. For maximum effect, the sooner the better. It may be a struggle in the beginning, but the payoff is less of a struggle later on. IMHO. :wink:
FSB

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