Learning to play a musical instrument

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 07 Feb 2024, 18:54

Has anyone ever tried to learn to play a new musical instrument by watching lessons on YouTube or a similar video instruction? I'm wondering if this would be a good way to learn to play a different instrument since I've already played one instrument and read music for many years. What are your thoughts? If you tried this method, how did it go?

João Ramos · Post by **João Ramos** » 11 Feb 2024, 16:44

I think YouTube (and the internet) are incredible tools for learning new skills. Still, I can't imagine anyone learning to play an instrument very well from YouTube videos. At least the basics must have been learned from lessons with a competent professional. Of course, this is my layman's opinion, and I could be wrong.

Post by **Do Thi Huong** » 18 Feb 2024, 10:04

I tried to learn to play the ukulele from a Youtube channel before, and I think it's totally possible to learn from Youtube if you just play for fun. The guy I followed had this whole series of beginner lessons, starting from scratch. And there are tons of other resources like that on YouTube too. It's definitely a great place to start.

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 18 Feb 2024, 18:50

Do Thi Huong wrote: ↑18 Feb 2024, 10:04 I tried to learn to play the ukulele from a Youtube channel before, and I think it's totally possible to learn from Youtube if you just play for fun. The guy I followed had this whole series of beginner lessons, starting from scratch. And there are tons of other resources like that on YouTube too. It's definitely a great place to start.

Thanks for your input Do! I hope you had fun learning to play the ukulele. I tried out a ukulele a few months ago when I visited a guitar store. I think they are interesting and maybe easier to learn, but I still prefer the guitar over the ukulele. I think you are right about YouTube being a great resource to start. One could get a taste of what learning a particular instrument would involve before investing in traditional in-person lessons.

Post by **Do Thi Huong** » 19 Feb 2024, 03:00

Sandra Smith 18 wrote: ↑18 Feb 2024, 18:50
I think they are interesting and maybe easier to learn, but I still prefer the guitar over the ukulele.

Yup, I totally agree with you

Tobi Adefila · Post by **Tobi Adefila** » 29 Feb 2024, 12:37

I've always had interest in playing keyboard. I wish I find someone who will teach me.

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 29 Feb 2024, 17:50

Tobiloba Christiana wrote: ↑29 Feb 2024, 12:37 I've always had interest in playing keyboard. I wish I find someone who will teach me.

Thank you for your response! I, too, have had an interest in playing piano/keyboards for a long time. There are many videos online for piano lessons if you search for "learn to play piano free." Someday, I hope to purchase a small keyboard and give it a try with the free video lessons. I'm not wanting to be a professional pianist, so I think the free videos would be helpful and fun. I hope you are successful in your keyboard pursuits!

Ambar Gill · Post by **Ambar Gill** » 29 Feb 2024, 18:22

I tried learning to play the ukulele on YouTube. I have played several instruments prior, including the guitar and I thought it would be super easy to learn but I ended up giving it up after a few days. My motivation totally drained and I couldn't manage it. However, the internet is an incredible tool for learning so I think if you're dedicated, it would be easy. Especially with your previous music history.
Happy learning!
Also, what instrument were you hoping to learn?

Anna Surdziel · Post by **Anna Surdziel** » 11 Mar 2024, 07:12

I tried to learn guitar that way. It only partially worked for me. At the beginning I had no idea where to start. There are more videos teaching guitar than necessary, witch ultimately led to my confusion. Because of this I took lessons for about 2 months, after witch I learnt the basics and could continue learning by myself off of youtube

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 11 Mar 2024, 23:51

Ambar Gill wrote: ↑29 Feb 2024, 18:22 I tried learning to play the ukulele on YouTube. I have played several instruments prior, including the guitar and I thought it would be super easy to learn but I ended up giving it up after a few days. My motivation totally drained and I couldn't manage it. However, the internet is an incredible tool for learning so I think if you're dedicated, it would be easy. Especially with your previous music history.
Happy learning!
Also, what instrument were you hoping to learn?

Thank you for sharing Ambar. I hope you will give the ukulele another chance someday and be successful with it! I am hoping to learn acoustic guitar and also piano. I don't have instruments yet, but hope to purchase in the near future.

Post by **Sandra Smith 18** » 11 Mar 2024, 23:55

Anna Surdziel wrote: ↑11 Mar 2024, 07:12 I tried to learn guitar that way. It only partially worked for me. At the beginning I had no idea where to start. There are more videos teaching guitar than necessary, witch ultimately led to my confusion. Because of this I took lessons for about 2 months, after witch I learnt the basics and could continue learning by myself off of youtube

Thank you for sharing that Anna. I think your strategy of taking lessons first to get the basics down is a good one. I hope you have great success with the guitar!

michael dunlea · Post by **michael dunlea** » 12 Mar 2024, 13:59

The single easiest way to learn to play an instrument is to take lessons. Books will show you the basics, but only take you so far. Once you have established an instrument such as guitar, Instagram has a plethora of accounts that show you little solo licks with notation that you can save and mimic to enhance your skills.

Blueberry Dragon · Post by **Blueberry Dragon** » 21 Jul 2024, 08:00

@Sandra Smith 18 I tried learning the guitar on Youtube but felt that taking in-person lessons may have helped better to start off with as I have little experience with reading music. I wish there was an easy way to learn to read music sheets.