Becoming a Multi-Instrumentalist
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
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.
Selected moments
- The need for a personal connection to instruments 0:01 I emphasize understanding and dedicating time to different instruments.
- Discovering piano techniques 1:30 I share my method of breaking down piano playing into manageable parts.
- The linchpin of learning guitar 2:19 Discusses the importance of chord shapes and their application.
- Thinking like a drummer when playing bass 4:33 Highlights the relationship between bass guitar and rhythm.
- The importance of dynamics in music 6:46 Explains how dynamics can change the feeling of a performance.
- Finding the 'magic' in instruments 14:20 I reflect on struggling with saxophone and the importance of patience.
Selected excerpts
The first one that I approached kind of unintentionally was piano.
That was kind of the magic thing that was like, oh, okay, now it kind of sounds like a pianist.
When I learned where these chord shapes were, you started to see more of these shapes around.
...it's like a drum kit. And that's why I like playing it so much because it feels like playing drums to me.
The groove comes from variation. And it can be variation in placement, but more often it's variation in tone and dynamic.
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.
FAQ
What should I know about learning different instruments?
It's important to develop a personal connection and understanding of each instrument.
How do I become a better multi-instrumentalist?
Focus on your musical goals, and explore each instrument's unique techniques and nuances.
What techniques can I use when learning piano?
Break down your practice into manageable parts, focusing on hands separately and essential chord structures.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.