If you’re already a musician but want to learn how to play another instrument, you’re in luck. Learning to play a new instrument when you already know how to play another one means it’ll be much easier for you to pick up a second one. However, this isn’t to say it’s going to be a piece of cake.
If you’re looking for tips on how to learn to play an instrument, keep reading.
- Practice Patience
Although you might be an expert in your primary instrument, picking up a new one will take some patience. You may want to start playing songs right away and grow frustrated when you can’t. But the important thing to keep in mind is that practice makes perfect.
- Use Similar Techniques
Many people choose to learn instruments that are within the same family as the one they already play. This is because the same techniques can be imposed on the new instrument as well. Choosing an instrument similar to the one you’ve already mastered will help you much more in the long run.
- Know Your Music Theory
Learning a new instrument is easy when you already know how the instrument works. If you’re already familiar with basic scales and chords, it should be easy for you to start playing songs on your new instrument.
- Find a Group
Another good way to pick up a new instrument is to get into a group with others. Find people who are willing to be patient while you learn your new instrument and who will offer their support as well. The more you practice with them, the faster you’ll be able to pick it up.
- Start Lessons
If all else fails, you can always get lessons from a teacher who knows what they are doing. Having someone to guide you along your musical journey will make you a better player and will also keep you from picking up bad habits when playing your new instrument.