---
title: "Becoming a Multi-Instrumentalist"

description: "Let’s talk about learning different instruments, how to look at goals, and why learning a new instrument shouldn’t get you down."

status: complete

date: 2023-06-06

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Becoming-a-Multi-Instrumentalist-e25a8os"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-a-multi-instrumentalist/id1567355195?i=1000615873451&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rfZSfC0Gn8UUC8ZYlvy26"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Bass"
  - "Guitar"
  - "Piano, synth, and keys"
  - "Creativity"
  - "Learning Instruments"
  - "Piano Techniques"
  - "Musical Goals"
  - "Recording Process"
  - "Multi-Instrumentalist Journey"
  - "Creative Exploration"
  - "Developing Skills"
  - "Overcoming Frustration"

hostNote: |
  Every instrument has one magic thing that makes the whole thing click, and until you find it, you're not bad at that instrument, you're just growing. That reframe changed how I approach learning entirely.
  
  I walk through three instruments: piano (where breaking left hand from right hand unlocked everything), guitar (where chord shapes started appearing everywhere once I saw the first one), and bass (which I approach like a drum kit, groove lives in tone and dynamic variation, not just note placement). The saxophone cameo near the end is me being honest about where I still haven't found that magic thing yet.
  
  What you take away is a framework for the learning plateau, how to recognize which stage you're in and why frustration is often just a sign you haven't found the right entry point yet.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "The need for a personal connection to instruments"
    startSec: 1
    note: "I emphasize understanding and dedicating time to different instruments."
  - label: "Discovering piano techniques"
    startSec: 90
    note: "I share my method of breaking down piano playing into manageable parts."
  - label: "The linchpin of learning guitar"
    startSec: 139
    note: "Discusses the importance of chord shapes and their application."
  - label: "Thinking like a drummer when playing bass"
    startSec: 273
    note: "Highlights the relationship between bass guitar and rhythm."
  - label: "The importance of dynamics in music"
    startSec: 406
    note: "Explains how dynamics can change the feeling of a performance."
  - label: "Finding the 'magic' in instruments"
    startSec: 860
    note: "I reflect on struggling with saxophone and the importance of patience."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "The first one that I approached kind of unintentionally was piano."
    startSec: 85
    reviewed: true
  - text: "That was kind of the magic thing that was like, oh, okay, now it kind of sounds like a pianist."
    startSec: 96
    reviewed: true
  - text: "When I learned where these chord shapes were, you started to see more of these shapes around."
    startSec: 143
    reviewed: true
  - text: "...it's like a drum kit. And that's why I like playing it so much because it feels like playing drums to me."
    startSec: 226
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The groove comes from variation. And it can be variation in placement, but more often it's variation in tone and dynamic."
    startSec: 412
    reviewed: true
  - text: "You just bad at that instrument or you're growing at that instrument or you've yet to find the magic thing that makes the whole instrument click."
    startSec: 902
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What should I know about learning different instruments?"
    answer: "It's important to develop a personal connection and understanding of each instrument."
  - question: "How do I become a better multi-instrumentalist?"
    answer: "Focus on your musical goals, and explore each instrument's unique techniques and nuances."
  - question: "What techniques can I use when learning piano?"
    answer: "Break down your practice into manageable parts, focusing on hands separately and essential chord structures."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---