All the talk about whistles at the Session lately coincided with the once-or-twice-a-year yearning I develop to learn to play another instrument. I used to think that it would just hinder my learning to play fiddle, but now I think I'm steady enough on fiddle to branch out. The last time this fit came on me, I bought a Sweettone and a Walton's Little Black Whistle. My husband had bought me a Casey Burns years ago when I was messing around and he decided he hated the tone of the metal whistles. But those seem easier to play right now. So, now I have *three* whistles I can't play! WhOA Nelly!
I'm using my fiddle to teach myself whistle, that is finding the tune on the fiddle and then transferring it over to the whistle. This is probably not the best way to do it, but it seems to be working for the moment. But I *forgot* about the octave thing and learning to control it. Now I remember why I've given up in the past! Why do people keep telling me how *easy* learning the whistle is? I'm thinking that *easy* is a word that should never be used in conjunction with "musical instrument".
Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else had comments or stories about taking up a second instrument. Some people definitely seem more agile at it than others and manage to be really good on several. I'm wondering if there's a secret to it, or if it just boils down to hard work and some sort of "knack"!
I looked at Pete the other night and asked him what instrument he thought I should pick up next. He sort of gave me this wounded and betrayed look and didn't say anything until I started laughing.
"Easy" is relative. I started noodling with a whistle this winter and was playing three or four rudimentary tunes by the end of the first week--a far easier learning curve than what I encountered on fiddle. Now I'm on an apparently endless plateau, but it doesn't worry me--I don't care if it takes me ten years to get the hang of this...it'll come of its own. And adding flute to the mix lends even more perspective. I can finger all the same tunes on flute as on whistle, but the embouchure and breathing make flute much "harder" than whistle. Relatively speaking.....
As a youngster starting off on banjo, I found it wasn't too difficult to pick up guitar, and then mandolin. All the while wishing I had a fiddle. Of course, the mandolin is tuned and fingered the same as fiddle, so that helped when I finally made the leap. I think it's trickier to jump out of one instrument family (say, strings) into another (such as winds). Which makes all more impressive those mulit-talented players like Seamus Eagan (flute, whistle, banjo, bouzouki...uh, is there an instrument this guy *doesn't* play?), Mary Rafferty (button accordion, flute, whistle), and Frankie Gavin (fiddle and flute). And look at great fiddlers like Ciaran Tourish and Sean Smyth, who are also killer whistle players. I like to think it's just a matter of putting in the time and not giving up, all the while nourishing your main instrument. Be happy with whatever gains you make on whistle--doesn't have to be fancy or masterful to be fun.
The "secret" to adding another instrument is really no secret at all, but to give it priority for awhile, e.g. set aside 15- 20 minutes per day regimen and stick to it, preferably first thing in the morning after breakfast and coffee (set the alarm a bit earlier, if need be). You'll be surprised how fast things progress.
I've been picking out tunes on the mandolin before I try them on the fiddle - this makes learning the fingering less offensive and has the added bonus of improving my mandolin playing. When I've learned the tune, I'll hum it and figure out good chords for it on the guitar. I'm trying to make this into a routine so I get regular practice on all 3 instruments, but it's tough when I'm working to find time for more than just one.
I have a good friend who takes one tune and just makes the rounds through all his instruments from whistle to mandolin to concertina - this seems like a good idea. Might not give him a great long stretch of practice with any one instrument, but it gives him a deep understanding of the melody and great versatility to switch from one instrument to the other any time. (Rather than my old habit of knowing 3 whistle tunes, 3 flat-picked tunes, 3 mando tunes, and 10 billion fiddle tunes...)
I had my whistle in the drawer for more than fifteen years before I actually learnt to play it!
OK, I've been able to play a scale and some slow melodies on it for years, but it was only a little more than a year ago I decided to learn it seriously.
Maybe the whistle is an "easy" instrument in the sense that you can get sounds of it almost immediately. I've always wondered how those kids who learns to play the trumpet or clarinet, can stand to produce ugly fart-sounds for years before they even get a decent tone. Or the 'don't kill that cat'-sounds that the novice fiddle player often makes. But in other sences the whistle is a rather difficult instrument to master. The first border you must cross is to get over from left to right brainside and make your fingers do the thinking. And the only way to get over is to PRACTICE.
And start playing lots of easy and slow tunes. And just sit and make up your own melodies and scales. Then you'll come to the inevitable state when you must master some "impossible" tunes. But once you've mastered one, it'll be easier to make the next one and so on.
My main instrument had always been the guitar, but I've recently developed a childish wish to learn more and more new instruments. So I enjoy playing the mandolin and making funny sounds on the bodhran. And now I've recently (two weeks ago) built a mountain dulcimer. I've never ever seen one before in my whole life, and I have so far not met one person in Sweden who knew that the instrument existed!
First two days it seemed so awkward to play on it, being upside down compared to other stringed instruments. I'm still - of course - a a lousy player, but now I can play simple melodies and really love to play on it.
In Ireland, the whistle is often the first instrument taught to children, firstly because it is cheap (safeguarding against the possibility that a child should turn out to be utterly devoid of talent or enthusiam, and the instrument might not get used) and secondly, because it IS easty to get the first few tunes out of - the finger-to-pitch relationship is very simple and logical, at least for the first octave. Owing to this, a lot of children are already competent whistle players by the time they start on a second instrument. I think the whistle is an appropriate instrument to begin with, for the reasons given above, but also because embellishments such as rolls and cuts, which are so central to most Irish playing styles, are relatively easily executed.
I wandered off the thread for a bit there. Sorry. What I wanted to say was this: Taking up a second instrument - or third, fourth, fifth... - on the one hand, the more instruments one plays, the less time one has to devote to each, and improve ones technique. But the other side of the coin is, different instruments - particularly contrasting ones, such as flute and banjo - can complement each other. As a mandolin and whistle player, I find that, after a spate of whistle playing, I will tend to transfer my whistle playing style to the mandolin, and vice versa, so each helps the development of the other. In trying to (although it is as much an intuitive process as a conscious effort) imitate one instrument using another, one is forced to find new techniques, which in turn reveal new stylistic elements. And so it goes on.
Thanks for all the good advice and encouragement! I know that I'm going to have to approach it just like I did the fiddle and work a little every day on it. I can already see what you mean (larsgr) about letting your fingers do the thinking. It's hard! I guess I'm more used to using visual cues on the fiddle than I thought. I'd also forgotten the discipline it took in the early days of learning, so this is a good reminder. But I'm going to try to keep this fun, like Will said. The fiddle has been fun, but more in an obsessive/compulsive sort of way
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
I added guitar as a second instrument (to my mandolin) about a year ago and it has taken until this time to figure out some sane way to play both....the initial euphoria of learning a new instrument almost led to disaster (that and some harsh criticism of my mandolin playing), but now I have learned to incorporate both. I definitely believe that they complement each other and lead to better all-round playing.
However, the weird thing is that I cannot play the same tunes on both instruments. Now, I'll accept any smart comments that it's just me, but I learn both in a different manner - with the mandolin, I learn the Irish tunes that have always interested me...and I'm selective about the tunes that I keep. In fairness, I probably know not more than 12 tunes to a really high level. However, with the guitar, I just pick it up and play melodies that are in my head. I'm sure that I've heard them elsewhere (aping another influence!!), but they tend to be more free in orientation, following the Jazz theorem that the notes just have to sound right together.
I'm sure this is not typical for other players, but it seems to be working for me.
Ohhh.... before I'm off the subject...I CANNOT play whistles...they are HARD. As a kid, I have years of frustration stored in whistles and harmonicas and every other type of wind instrument...maybe I just talk too much.
Andy, i think some people are natural wind players, some are natural string players, etc. Some people just have an affinity for certain kinds of instruments. I've no idea how it is you can play anything on a guitar but not on the mando, though -- my husband claims that the guitar just isn't built right for melody ITM!
There is a definite difference in the voice of a guitar and that of a mandolin. I can't say I prefer one over the other, but each lends itself to different playing. As I said, most of my ITM stuff is played on the mando, learned from sheet music and other playing, and anything differentI want to play is on the guitar. I still think that my overall playing is improved for having both instruments.
In the hands of the right person a guitar can be a great melody instrument. However, in the wrong hands it can be destructive to the tune.
I played guitar for 11 years before picking up a fiddle. (that was 18 years ago) Somehow it did just click for me. The Tenor banjo, mandolin, and mountain dulcimer kind of fell in place as well. The later instruments I could understand due to being picked and strumed, the fiddle I can't explain other than devine intervention.
I've tried tin whistles and just can't get the hang of it. I very much admire those who can play 'em.
The draw back to learning new instruments is not getting the practice time in on the one you use the most. I found my practice time on fiddle was being cut into by working with the other instruments. Had to make a decission. I still play the others, but not as much. It's a lot easier to only have to carry the one. (I'm powerfull jealous of you flute players and yer tiny instruments)
I've met a couple of guitar players, both quite good, who pick Irish tunes. But sometimes they add so many, um, auxiliary notes that it's a bit of a challenge to figure out just what tune is being played. The only banjo player I know does the same thing. I guess it's a technique.
Some people probably do have an affinity for certain types of instruments more than others. Read the interview with Joanie Madden over at Chiff and Fipple for an illustration! I thought that mandolin was going to be perfect for me when I chose it, but as soon as I held a fiddle I knew that was it. I felt bad about abandoning the mandolin, but it was just too hard to play. It sure helped with the fingering for fiddle, though! And I loved the sound of the mountain dulcimer but it didn't click for me. The re-tuning thing put me off, for one thing!
This is the longest I've lasted with the whistle, five whole days! I can nearly play one tune. Maybe I can stick with it this time. You guys have been a great inspiration.
I have to agree with you the Mandolin is pretty hard to play tunes on, I find the fiddle easier. Although I played a Rigel Mandolin once and found it nicer than my 'tater bug italian mando - for ITM. playing ITM on mando is like shoveling water up a hill, one of these days I'll get a tenor banjo which suits the bill.
Once you stick with the whistle I think you'll find it a nice way to learn new tunes. I use it a lot to learn a tune - I'm not good at the whistle at all - but I use use it as a tool at home. A piping/fiddler friend of mine said that it's less work & you can focus on the notes easier. Hey, it's cheap & easy - which i better than most things.
My mandolin is a Flatiron. I really liked the sound and got pretty good at picking out tunes on it. Even got pretty fast. But the action on it just about wrecked me. I kept trying other kinds but they all seemed hard. I've never heard anyone else comment on the difficulty of playing tunes on mandolin so I figured I was just a wimp! Shoveling water up a hill is an excellent description.
Cheap and easy is part of what makes whistles so attractive to me. Especially after experience with the (to me) overpriced violin market. And the learning curve has *got* to be easier than the fiddle. When it doesn't seem so strange to me I'll have to try learning new tunes on the whistle first. I can almost feel those new synapses growing already
Adding Another Instrument
Adding Another Instrument
All the talk about whistles at the Session lately coincided with the once-or-twice-a-year yearning I develop to learn to play another instrument. I used to think that it would just hinder my learning to play fiddle, but now I think I'm steady enough on fiddle to branch out. The last time this fit came on me, I bought a Sweettone and a Walton's Little Black Whistle. My husband had bought me a Casey Burns years ago when I was messing around and he decided he hated the tone of the metal whistles. But those seem easier to play right now. So, now I have *three* whistles I can't play! WhOA Nelly!
I'm using my fiddle to teach myself whistle, that is finding the tune on the fiddle and then transferring it over to the whistle. This is probably not the best way to do it, but it seems to be working for the moment. But I *forgot* about the octave thing and learning to control it. Now I remember why I've given up in the past! Why do people keep telling me how *easy* learning the whistle is? I'm thinking that *easy* is a word that should never be used in conjunction with "musical instrument".
Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else had comments or stories about taking up a second instrument. Some people definitely seem more agile at it than others and manage to be really good on several. I'm wondering if there's a secret to it, or if it just boils down to hard work and some sort of "knack"!
# Posted on March 8th 2002 by soft black stars
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I looked at Pete the other night and asked him what instrument he thought I should pick up next. He sort of gave me this wounded and betrayed look and didn't say anything until I started laughing.
Zina
# Posted on March 8th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: Adding Another Instrument
"Easy" is relative. I started noodling with a whistle this winter and was playing three or four rudimentary tunes by the end of the first week--a far easier learning curve than what I encountered on fiddle. Now I'm on an apparently endless plateau, but it doesn't worry me--I don't care if it takes me ten years to get the hang of this...it'll come of its own. And adding flute to the mix lends even more perspective. I can finger all the same tunes on flute as on whistle, but the embouchure and breathing make flute much "harder" than whistle. Relatively speaking.....
As a youngster starting off on banjo, I found it wasn't too difficult to pick up guitar, and then mandolin. All the while wishing I had a fiddle. Of course, the mandolin is tuned and fingered the same as fiddle, so that helped when I finally made the leap. I think it's trickier to jump out of one instrument family (say, strings) into another (such as winds). Which makes all more impressive those mulit-talented players like Seamus Eagan (flute, whistle, banjo, bouzouki...uh, is there an instrument this guy *doesn't* play?), Mary Rafferty (button accordion, flute, whistle), and Frankie Gavin (fiddle and flute). And look at great fiddlers like Ciaran Tourish and Sean Smyth, who are also killer whistle players. I like to think it's just a matter of putting in the time and not giving up, all the while nourishing your main instrument. Be happy with whatever gains you make on whistle--doesn't have to be fancy or masterful to be fun.
# Posted on March 8th 2002 by Will CPT
Re: Adding Another Instrument
The "secret" to adding another instrument is really no secret at all, but to give it priority for awhile, e.g. set aside 15- 20 minutes per day regimen and stick to it, preferably first thing in the morning after breakfast and coffee (set the alarm a bit earlier, if need be). You'll be surprised how fast things progress.
# Posted on March 8th 2002 by Conanicus
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I've been picking out tunes on the mandolin before I try them on the fiddle - this makes learning the fingering less offensive and has the added bonus of improving my mandolin playing. When I've learned the tune, I'll hum it and figure out good chords for it on the guitar. I'm trying to make this into a routine so I get regular practice on all 3 instruments, but it's tough when I'm working to find time for more than just one.
I have a good friend who takes one tune and just makes the rounds through all his instruments from whistle to mandolin to concertina - this seems like a good idea. Might not give him a great long stretch of practice with any one instrument, but it gives him a deep understanding of the melody and great versatility to switch from one instrument to the other any time. (Rather than my old habit of knowing 3 whistle tunes, 3 flat-picked tunes, 3 mando tunes, and 10 billion fiddle tunes...)
# Posted on March 9th 2002 by Kerri Brown
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I had my whistle in the drawer for more than fifteen years before I actually learnt to play it!
OK, I've been able to play a scale and some slow melodies on it for years, but it was only a little more than a year ago I decided to learn it seriously.
Maybe the whistle is an "easy" instrument in the sense that you can get sounds of it almost immediately. I've always wondered how those kids who learns to play the trumpet or clarinet, can stand to produce ugly fart-sounds for years before they even get a decent tone. Or the 'don't kill that cat'-sounds that the novice fiddle player often makes. But in other sences the whistle is a rather difficult instrument to master. The first border you must cross is to get over from left to right brainside and make your fingers do the thinking. And the only way to get over is to PRACTICE.
And start playing lots of easy and slow tunes. And just sit and make up your own melodies and scales. Then you'll come to the inevitable state when you must master some "impossible" tunes. But once you've mastered one, it'll be easier to make the next one and so on.
My main instrument had always been the guitar, but I've recently developed a childish wish to learn more and more new instruments. So I enjoy playing the mandolin and making funny sounds on the bodhran. And now I've recently (two weeks ago) built a mountain dulcimer. I've never ever seen one before in my whole life, and I have so far not met one person in Sweden who knew that the instrument existed!
First two days it seemed so awkward to play on it, being upside down compared to other stringed instruments. I'm still - of course - a a lousy player, but now I can play simple melodies and really love to play on it.
# Posted on March 10th 2002 by lars
Re: Adding Another Instrument
In Ireland, the whistle is often the first instrument taught to children, firstly because it is cheap (safeguarding against the possibility that a child should turn out to be utterly devoid of talent or enthusiam, and the instrument might not get used) and secondly, because it IS easty to get the first few tunes out of - the finger-to-pitch relationship is very simple and logical, at least for the first octave. Owing to this, a lot of children are already competent whistle players by the time they start on a second instrument. I think the whistle is an appropriate instrument to begin with, for the reasons given above, but also because embellishments such as rolls and cuts, which are so central to most Irish playing styles, are relatively easily executed.
I wandered off the thread for a bit there. Sorry. What I wanted to say was this: Taking up a second instrument - or third, fourth, fifth... - on the one hand, the more instruments one plays, the less time one has to devote to each, and improve ones technique. But the other side of the coin is, different instruments - particularly contrasting ones, such as flute and banjo - can complement each other. As a mandolin and whistle player, I find that, after a spate of whistle playing, I will tend to transfer my whistle playing style to the mandolin, and vice versa, so each helps the development of the other. In trying to (although it is as much an intuitive process as a conscious effort) imitate one instrument using another, one is forced to find new techniques, which in turn reveal new stylistic elements. And so it goes on.
# Posted on March 11th 2002 by ragaman
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Thanks for all the good advice and encouragement! I know that I'm going to have to approach it just like I did the fiddle and work a little every day on it. I can already see what you mean (larsgr) about letting your fingers do the thinking. It's hard! I guess I'm more used to using visual cues on the fiddle than I thought. I'd also forgotten the discipline it took in the early days of learning, so this is a good reminder. But I'm going to try to keep this fun, like Will said. The fiddle has been fun, but more in an obsessive/compulsive sort of way
# Posted on March 11th 2002 by soft black stars
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Harmonica. Definitely harmonica.
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
Bob
# Posted on March 11th 2002 by Laughtonb
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Harmonica. Definitely harmonica.
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
Bob
# Posted on March 11th 2002 by Laughtonb
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Harmonica. Definitely harmonica.
I love the sounds of ITM on harmonica - if you don't believe it, check out Brendan Power on the recording "New Irish Harmonica".
A little over a year ago, after hearing this CD, I got Brendan's book and CD tutorial, and started learning. The harmonica is an easy instrument to get started on, but fairly difficult to learn well, at least for me.
I'm glad I put the time in, because it's a great instrument to learn new tunes on - I usually learn new tunes on the harmonica first, it's easy to practice almost anywhere (traffic lights, on a walk, etc.).
Once I've learned a tune on harmonica, I can easily shift it over to fiddle, and start adapting the fingering, bowing, etc. Plus they are fairly affordable instruments, too.
Bob
# Posted on March 11th 2002 by Laughtonb
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Hey Bob, I guess you really like the harmonica
# Posted on March 12th 2002 by whistlegirl in RI
Windoze Daymares
Hey, Whistlegirl - I like the whistle, too - I just don't have enough fingers to play one very well.
What I don't like is the stupid Windoze machine I use at work, that always seems to double- and triple-post what I write.
I'm at home on my Macintosh - watch carefully while I post this just...
Once!
# Posted on March 12th 2002 by Laughtonb
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I added guitar as a second instrument (to my mandolin) about a year ago and it has taken until this time to figure out some sane way to play both....the initial euphoria of learning a new instrument almost led to disaster (that and some harsh criticism of my mandolin playing), but now I have learned to incorporate both. I definitely believe that they complement each other and lead to better all-round playing.
However, the weird thing is that I cannot play the same tunes on both instruments. Now, I'll accept any smart comments that it's just me, but I learn both in a different manner - with the mandolin, I learn the Irish tunes that have always interested me...and I'm selective about the tunes that I keep. In fairness, I probably know not more than 12 tunes to a really high level. However, with the guitar, I just pick it up and play melodies that are in my head. I'm sure that I've heard them elsewhere (aping another influence!!), but they tend to be more free in orientation, following the Jazz theorem that the notes just have to sound right together.
I'm sure this is not typical for other players, but it seems to be working for me.
Ohhh.... before I'm off the subject...I CANNOT play whistles...they are HARD. As a kid, I have years of frustration stored in whistles and harmonicas and every other type of wind instrument...maybe I just talk too much.
Andy
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by Mcbear365
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Andy, i think some people are natural wind players, some are natural string players, etc. Some people just have an affinity for certain kinds of instruments. I've no idea how it is you can play anything on a guitar but not on the mando, though -- my husband claims that the guitar just isn't built right for melody ITM!
Zina
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by Zina Lee
Re: Adding Another Instrument
Hi Zina,
There is a definite difference in the voice of a guitar and that of a mandolin. I can't say I prefer one over the other, but each lends itself to different playing. As I said, most of my ITM stuff is played on the mando, learned from sheet music and other playing, and anything differentI want to play is on the guitar. I still think that my overall playing is improved for having both instruments.
Andy
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by Mcbear365
Re: Adding Another Instrument
In the hands of the right person a guitar can be a great melody instrument. However, in the wrong hands it can be destructive to the tune.
I played guitar for 11 years before picking up a fiddle. (that was 18 years ago) Somehow it did just click for me. The Tenor banjo, mandolin, and mountain dulcimer kind of fell in place as well. The later instruments I could understand due to being picked and strumed, the fiddle I can't explain other than devine intervention.
I've tried tin whistles and just can't get the hang of it. I very much admire those who can play 'em.
The draw back to learning new instruments is not getting the practice time in on the one you use the most. I found my practice time on fiddle was being cut into by working with the other instruments. Had to make a decission. I still play the others, but not as much. It's a lot easier to only have to carry the one. (I'm powerfull jealous of you flute players and yer tiny instruments)
Tiny
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by flyinfiddler
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I've met a couple of guitar players, both quite good, who pick Irish tunes. But sometimes they add so many, um, auxiliary notes that it's a bit of a challenge to figure out just what tune is being played. The only banjo player I know does the same thing. I guess it's a technique.
Some people probably do have an affinity for certain types of instruments more than others. Read the interview with Joanie Madden over at Chiff and Fipple for an illustration! I thought that mandolin was going to be perfect for me when I chose it, but as soon as I held a fiddle I knew that was it. I felt bad about abandoning the mandolin, but it was just too hard to play. It sure helped with the fingering for fiddle, though! And I loved the sound of the mountain dulcimer but it didn't click for me. The re-tuning thing put me off, for one thing!
This is the longest I've lasted with the whistle, five whole days! I can nearly play one tune. Maybe I can stick with it this time. You guys have been a great inspiration.
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by soft black stars
Re: Adding Another Instrument
I have to agree with you the Mandolin is pretty hard to play tunes on, I find the fiddle easier. Although I played a Rigel Mandolin once and found it nicer than my 'tater bug italian mando - for ITM. playing ITM on mando is like shoveling water up a hill, one of these days I'll get a tenor banjo which suits the bill.
Once you stick with the whistle I think you'll find it a nice way to learn new tunes. I use it a lot to learn a tune - I'm not good at the whistle at all - but I use use it as a tool at home. A piping/fiddler friend of mine said that it's less work & you can focus on the notes easier. Hey, it's cheap & easy - which i better than most things.
~b
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by Mad Baloney
Re: Adding Another Instrument
My mandolin is a Flatiron. I really liked the sound and got pretty good at picking out tunes on it. Even got pretty fast. But the action on it just about wrecked me. I kept trying other kinds but they all seemed hard. I've never heard anyone else comment on the difficulty of playing tunes on mandolin so I figured I was just a wimp! Shoveling water up a hill is an excellent description.
Cheap and easy is part of what makes whistles so attractive to me. Especially after experience with the (to me) overpriced violin market. And the learning curve has *got* to be easier than the fiddle. When it doesn't seem so strange to me I'll have to try learning new tunes on the whistle first. I can almost feel those new synapses growing already
# Posted on March 13th 2002 by soft black stars