Can you teach yourself a instrument ... really?

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

I'm trying to tackle some of those bucket list type things in life and have always really wanted to play an instrument.

I'm tone deaf so can't sing a note but I'm very enthusiastic! Is there anything easier to learn that I can give a go at home?
I'm not against leading with a teacher but it's something I want to pick up in the odd half hour here and there between work etc.

You can learn to play the guitar yourself.
It takes time and practice but if you learn to play the chords it's pretty easy.
I did it

Both dcs learnt to play a musical instrument at school and have since gone on to teach themselves to play others. Between them, they play keyboard, cello, piano, trumpet and clarinet. I would have thought guitar should be achievable and is not too expensive if you decide you don't get on with it.

Yes, I believe you can. It’s probably easier with a teacher though, and it will depend on your own musical ability. I played trumpet and flute as a child (plus the dreaded recorder). As an adult I’m teaching myself to play piano. I find having a good foundation of music knowledge to be a bonus.

Treble recorder. Very accessible

Piano, there are internet programmes which teach you, you have to pay but not ££££s.

I taught myself the guitar but I had a background in piano so that helped. Am also from a very musical family with plenty of “pick up and play immediately” people.

I taught myself guitar and recorder to a basic level. Get an electronic tuner for the guitar though if you really are tone deaf.

I taught myself the violin but I already played the flute and piccolo so could read music and hear if I was in tune or not.

I learnt piano from someone who had taught himself. He got a teacher once he was already at a high level, mainly for advice on exams and auditions. 18 months later he was at a conservatoire! I definitely wouldn't have the self-discipline to teach myself to that level.

I imagine it's easier for piano than for things like violin, where you may not notice if your own finger is a little out of place (especially if you're tone deaf!)

Thanks so much! I feel a little hopeful. I will have a think and maybe take the plunge.

My brother is tone deaf and he struggled with guitar due to the size and feel of the feet board. Undeterred, he picked up a ukelele and is now in several local uke groups. I can play chords on guitar and although I've never played ukelele, I love seen thr chord shapes and they look like a doddle in comparison. Also the smaller fret board has got to be easier to work with than a guitar.

Fret board* not feet board 🙂

Ffs, I have seen the chord shapes

Guitar definitely and basic keyboard etc. should be possible.
Orchestral instruments and other classical types - it really helps if you can read music or have some kind of access to someone/somewhere that can put you straight on rhythm and some technical aspects. If not a teacher or friend, then a beginner orchestra or similar.

There are so many free resources. YouTube being a main one.
Piano and guitar are probably your best bet because everyone plays them and makes tutorials

You get videos of classical music with the upcoming notes shining before they are played so you can follow along.
I can't read music but I have learnt a few songs this way. Just for fun, it's quite amazing how quickly you can learn by watching.

I taught myself guitar using the Fender Play app although found that I hit a bit of a plateau towards the end of the lessons. I now do zoom lessons with a tutor and have improved a lot since I started them.

A few people I know have learnt ukulele during lockdown. They’re a lot cheaper than guitars and easier to pick up the basics.

I picked up the bass guitar a year ago. Totally doable.

Uke, guitars, basic piano yes.
Orchestral instruments much more of a challenge as its easier to make mistakes with technique (and good technique makes things much easier).

It’s like horse riding - you can learn to stay on and walk, trot, canter without finesse very easily, but to really RIDE you need to be taught technique.

Agree with poster above. Technique is really important for all instruments to be able to get the most out of them. For that, you need a teacher to tell you where to improve and do things differently/better. But for guitars, maybe not so important - but depends on how far you want to go with it

I'm a singer since I was 5 in choirs etc, plus I play recorder and violin - taught. Self taught I can get by playing music I know well on the piano and with skills learned from recorder can play flute, clarinet and oboe

Go for it!

Loads of youtube videos and other online resources now and I learned without those.

I can play pretty much a basic melody on any instrument once I've had time to play around a bit.

All that said though I'm not tone deaf and I can read music so it may take longer and be harder for you but you can but try