I honestly think that being a multi-instrumentalist in itself isn't really a big feat unless you're exceptional at them. Once you have a strong philosophy of music then it's just a matter of picking up technique (not that you shouldn't try to learn from the instrument). It gets more interesting for me when they start making their own instruments or reinventing them.

Anyway, I like Haino

I have great respect for anyone who can play an instrument, as I know for some people this can be a lifetime commitment, learning, honing your craft, getting better and so on. So anyone who can play more than one instrument instantly gets kudos from me. I tried both guitar and keyboards, and suck at both. Hey! Maybe I'm a multi-non-instrumentalist! :D

How much time did you put into it? Ain't nobody picks up their first instrument as a virtuoso, not even Coltrane or Hendrix. The learning curve varies a lot from person to person of course.

Keyboard I could play, though not well. You heard some of my stuff. Pretty damn awful, right? Guitar? Hell: I couldn't even push the strings down on the acoustic so like, thirty seconds maybe? :laughing: If you're actually interested and this isn't all just leading up to yet another put-down (which, to be fair, I wouldn't blame you for as a) I'm always slagging your music and b) my "music" could strip the paint from walls and send strong men crying for their mommies), the main problem I found was - was - what was it? I can't remem - oh yeah. I have a terrible memory. I would learn songs, then forget them. Even now, put me at a keyboard and I could muddle my way through, but don't ask me to play anything recognisable. Melody, maybe. Chords, no. Also I never got the hang of the two-hands-doing-separate-things style, so could not really be called anything like a piano player.

Serious. I don't like seeing people give up on music.

Muscle memory is huge part of playing too which is why practicing is pretty important. Did you try learning to read music? Even if you use a weird ass notation that only makes sense to you, it can be a big step in dealing with your memory. If you're interested in learning I'd recommend keeping at it and you'll see improvement. I might be wrong but it does seem like you have the time for at least a little bit a day.

Thanks. Nice to see someone take a genuine interest.
But yeah, I tried reading music. Was like trying to learn a new language, which I guess it is. Unfortunately I put my synth away for years and when I eventually went to retrieve it it was busted. Nothing but a few keys work now, the sequencer is ****ed, ain't got the power lead, speakers are wrecked etc. I thought of getting a new one, but then, I think of doing a lot of things.

You could get a simple keyboard that's standalone or one that works with a computer program for relatively cheap. Might be better for learning than a synth so that you don't get caught up in the (very fun) effects.

Maybe try a Ukulele, they're a lot easier on the fingers, they're generally cheaper than a full sized acoustic six string, and they're lighter and easier to handle. Different standard tuning, but the mechanics are the same. Lots of on-line tutorials too.

Kevin Gilbert.

I've had an acoustic guitar in my room for like a decade but never bothered to try learning past the first week. I have stubby fingers that don't want to reach across the frets and hand eye coordination that makes changing even between two chords a challenge.