5 Things You Need to Learn Playing a New Instrument

Learning a new instrument makes things fun and interesting, though the learning process does pose some challenges. Each instrument has different equipment to consider, such as strings, reeds, and others, but there are basic principles you can look into. Due to this, we decided to create a list of five things you need when learning a new instrument.

Learn to Read Sheet Music

Whenever you learn a new instrument, you have to spend time learning to read sheet music. Some people may see this as excessive, but learning sheet music will help you in the long run. For example, if you want to learn a song for your instrument, most people will put the music on a sheet, so you won't know how to play without learning the notes.

Even if you know how to read sheet music, a new instrument could be in a different cleft, so you will have to re-learn the sheet music. Either way, it never hurts to review the sheet music and make sure you understand it.

Get the Right Equipment

As you start to learn an instrument, you will notice they require different types of equipment to function. For example, some will require strings, others need reeds and a few may require some valve oil. Make sure you know what equipment you need and purchase it to keep your instrument in good condition.

If you learn the violin, you will need to get the best violin strings and a bow to play it. The same applies to various instruments, such as strings for guitars or mouthpieces for band instruments. It all varies depending on the instrument you learn, so look into these details and get the right equipment for your instrument.

Find Scales for Your Instrument

Instruments have their scales and chords you need to learn, so make sure you spend time on them. Many people want to jump straight into songs when they pick up instruments, but using that approach will cause you problems in the long run. The scales will help you learn all the finger positions and notes you need for your instrument.

By going through scales and chords, you learn how to shift your hands between notes. This will help you make the transition to playing songs since you will connect those notes to the correct finger positions. If you want to tackle advanced songs, you must start with the basics.

Pick a Favorite Song to Learn

When it comes to learning a new instrument, you need to give yourself some motivation if you want to stick with it. You can choose a song you enjoy to help you stick to the instrument. If you want to learn the one you enjoy, you will have to keep practicing and learning it.

On top of that, when you learn a song you know, you will recognize the beats and notes. That will help you see if you get the notes right whenever you play the song, so you can work on the song until you perfect it. In short, it motivates you and helps you get better.

Have Time to Practice Regularly

Learning an instrument comes down to practicing it regularly. If you don't pick up the instrument often and practice, you won't get better at it which can cause you to lose motivation. This means you should create a schedule to regularly practice the instrument, so you can improve at it.

Depending on your schedule, you may want to practice every day to keep improving. However, if you get busy or struggle with the instrument, you can play it less often to accommodate it. For example, you can practice once a week or a few times a week, but make sure you stick to a schedule no matter what.

Conclusion

While learning a new instrument can pose some challenges, you can help yourself learn by taking advantage of the tips listed above. They will help you learn the basics, so you can pick up on something new. Instruments can quickly become a fun hobby, so make sure you take advantage of these tips to help you get better at your new instrument.