Playing an instrument is only one part of the battle in making your own music. Finding the instrument that is right for you is the other part. You may find it difficult at first to find the right instrument to play, but with time, you can find an enjoyable instrument and make your own music.
Find an Instrument
Music stores are full of various instruments that range from percussion to guitars to electronic instruments, such as keyboards and electric bass guitars. Pick up any instrument and attempt to acquire a feel for it. Play a few notes on it or strike it a few times. If you decide that you are not comfortable playing the instrument, look for another one until you can find the right choice.
You do not need to rely on tests to determine what instrument is right for you. If you know your strengths and weaknesses in your entire life, you may be able to decide what type of instrument to play.
For instance, if you are not outgoing, you may prefer to play the keyboard or the piano. With these, you can play softly or loudly according to your mood. On the other side, if you are extroverted or do not get opportunities to express yourself in a loud manner, you may prefer to play the drums and perfect its rudiments and rolls for a genre of your choice.
What Is Your Purpose in Using the Instrument?
To use an instrument, you need to find purpose in using it. Without understanding your purpose in playing the instrument, you may just play and hope to get somewhere with it. However, with purpose, you can know how to apply the instrument when you are making your own music. Here are some potential purposes for some instruments:
- You might choose to play the guitar for a folksy song or general acoustics.
- You may play an electric keyboard for sound effects.
- You may play the piano for making a song based on your mood.
- You may want to lead the beat on a song. If that is the case, then the drum set is for you. With a bass drum, you will set the heart of the song, and all other instruments in the song will follow along with it.
However, in knowing your purpose in playing an instrument, you must know your limitations.
Limitations of Playing Your Instrument
You may be limited on your playing abilities due to physical or mental capabilities. A guitar requires hard work in holding down the strings and playing on each fret, but you can practice to expand your limitations. You may start out with simple beats on the drums, but with time and dedication, you can master your whole set and create a beat for any song that you make.
With mental limitations, you may struggle to find a rhythm for playing an instrument. Do not be afraid to make mistakes because you likely will. You make occasionally miss the snare drum or strum an unintended string, but that is no reason to quit unless you get bored or become uncomfortable with the instrument.
However, you can find a teacher so that you can learn how to overcome your potential lack of confidence in playing the instrument. Teachers are meant to expand your boundaries, but if you feel that you are straining to grip the guitar strings or memorize the sound of each piano key, it may be time to choose a different instrument.
Source: ShutterstockNot the Right Instrument for You? Find Another One
You may not find the instrument that you want to continually learn and play at first. Sometimes, you go through trial and error to find what works best with your budget, time and physical capabilities. You might go through a series of instruments before you find one that you can enjoy and make your own music with it. Do not get discouraged though if that is the case. Continue pursuing your original mission and assess all the possible instruments you may consider trying.
Wrap-Up
Finding the right instrument for you is a matter of what instrument you want to be able to learn and play. The process can be long or short, and it depends on your physical and mental strengths and weaknesses for playing instruments. If you want to make your own music, be persistent in mastering your instrument. Be confident when playing and do not be afraid of making mistakes. If you do make a mistake, use it as a stepping stone and learn from it.
