# Hey, join the band: What instrument(s) do you play? Do you sing? Write music? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 15, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104 "2010-01-15T18:43:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![CateAyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@CateAyo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CateAyo)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/61 "2010-01-18T16:19:20Z")
I have played guitar since I was about 5 years old. At least that is when I started holding one. Since that time, I’ve picked up mandolin, fiddle and dobro. I sing a little but find my voice is best suited for harmony or backup, rather than lead. I played in a number of blues and blues-based rock bands over the years, and have done some session work with people of which some of you may have heard. In 2003 my drummer and best friend died and it kinda took the fire out of me to play blues or rock again. I have turned to the other two sorts of music I grew up with, bluegrass and “old time” or Appalachian…roots music. I’m looking forward to a new band in which I can concentrate on fiddle. ---
**Author:** ![melodyharmonius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/melodyharmonius/32/21310_2.png) [@melodyharmonius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melodyharmonius)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/62 "2010-01-18T16:31:47Z")
Mostly I sing and write - or play piano. I used to dream of buying a midi-enhanced keyboard since I never write down the accompaniement - just the lyrics. Used to record them acapella on a tape or use a dot method to remind me of the melodies . . . I bought a guitar and started lessons, but then I moved and yada yada. Still hope to get back to it this year. ---
**Author:** ![Octalcode](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Octalcode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octalcode)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/63 "2010-01-18T16:39:07Z")
Still playing backup bass for Sammy in the Dolls, on hiatus for the winter, back on tour late spring. Also recording _More Sons Of The Dolls_ for early 2011 release. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/64 "2010-01-18T16:50:21Z")
Voice, I’m not a professional but you’ll wait a long while to hear a better amateur. /modest I generally manage not to let my band down as second trumpet and play organ at church without music. That’s largely because my multi-line reading skills suck donkey balls, but I can play probably a hundred hymns in full harmony from memory. Aiming to up my skills in the hope of getting a proper organ. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/65 "2010-01-18T16:54:04Z")
I play acoustic guitar (strumming and fingerpicking) and sing, sometimes for real money in pubs. I also play the mandola to a mediocre standard, and own a banjolele but haven’t really applied myself to it, as it sounds awful. In the ‘novelty’ category, I can get a noise or two from my didgeridoo and have just about mastered circular breathing, and I am a virtuoso on the jews harp. I have just bought a bodhran but can’t play it yet. ---
**Author:** ![tacoloco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tacoloco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tacoloco)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/66 "2010-01-18T16:55:44Z")
30+ year bass player here. I also play guitar and a little mandolin. I’ve been out of the band business for over a year. The last situation had boy/girl drama (did not involve me) and it sort of soured me on the whole thing. I also don’t miss breaking down at 1am and getting home at 3am. I still practice and play at home. ---
**Author:** ![Moe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moe/32/2972_2.png) [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/67 "2010-01-18T17:21:48Z")
> [@Sidney Evgeni Jordan](#): > > Very cool - thanks for posting the link. It is kinda like Philip Glass. Sidney Jr. thinks that part 2 sounds like butterflies. That is among the highest of compliments from a 4 year old. Thanks for listening. I never had a name for it (just used the recording date), but but I might consider naming the 2nd part “Butterflies” now (with special credit to Sidney Jr. of course 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/68 "2010-01-18T20:06:56Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > I play acoustic guitar (strumming and fingerpicking) and sing, sometimes for real money in pubs. > > I also play the mandola to a mediocre standard, and own a banjolele but haven’t really applied myself to it, as it sounds awful. > > In the ‘novelty’ category, I can get a noise or two from my didgeridoo and have just about mastered circular breathing, and I am a virtuoso on the jews harp. I have just bought a bodhran but can’t play it yet. You know, I almost included a category for didgeridoo in the poll. I saw [Stephen Kent](http://www.stephenkent.net/cms/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=64) play in Berkeley as part of a trio (Australian Bebop Ragas) and was quite taken by his music. I bought their **Snakes & Ladders** CD, which I really like. He played about 4 or 5 different didgeridoos during the concert. I can’t remember the details, but he did explain a bit about the different materials that they were made of, and where he got them. ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/69 "2010-01-18T20:15:45Z")
> [@Small\_Clanger](#): > > I do own a bass and a sitar, but there’s something wrong about my timing on bass and I could never play anything legit on the sitar - Norwegian Wood maybe. If you can play “Norwegian Wood,” then you are officially a sitar player, IMO. I think that’s awesome. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/70 "2010-01-18T20:19:43Z")
> [@Moe](#): > > Thanks for listening. I never had a name for it (just used the recording date), but but I might consider naming the 2nd part “Butterflies” now (with special credit to Sidney Jr. of course 😉 ) No need for credit, and she is thrilled that you liked her idea. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/71 "2010-01-18T21:47:14Z")
I can sing all right, although nothing special. I could do OK as chorus or on backup. Took piano lessons for several years as a kid but never got to be very good (although I can and do still play Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” upon request). I learned to play the alto saxophone in junior high and loved it. If only I had time to practice and get better at it today! ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/72 "2010-01-18T21:57:52Z")
Music plays a huge role in the life of our family. Me: Tuba, classical guitar, autoharp, sing alto, write music Hubby: Clarinet (from alto to contrabass), sing baritone Son: Violin, sing Daughter: Cello, sing We all also play in the church handbell choirs: hubby and I in the adult, and all four of us in the childrens choir. I like to write music for the childrens handbell choir. ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/73 "2010-01-18T22:35:14Z")
Put me in the tuba section! Or bass! Upright, electric, fretless, 8-string. I play for a living (lucky me!), but don’t get to play as much tuba as I would like. Oh, yeah, Field General, too. I do that a lot. Reminds me of a joke: Why do bands have bass players? To translate for the drummer. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/74 "2010-01-19T03:35:23Z")
\*Sidney, you forgot \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \* Great Highland Bagpipe! (although it’s more I struggle than I play…) ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/75 "2010-01-19T03:46:51Z")
I sing in choirs, both sacred (mainly 16th century Latin liturgical music and chant) and secular (a mix of big, orchestral stuff and \*a capella \*works). ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/76 "2010-01-19T04:23:18Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > \*Sidney, you forgot \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \* Great Highland Bagpipe! (although it’s more I struggle than I play…) 😃 I love it! Did you see our earlier discussion? > [@picker](#): > > \ > What I wish I could play but will never actually bother to learn: > > Bagpipes (really!) > Cello > Marimba > any wind or brass instrument > > \ > [@Sidney Evgeni Jordan](#): > > What I wish I could play but will never actually bother to learn: > > I always wanted to try bagpipes, too. The timbre has a bit in common with the oboe, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/77 "2010-01-20T17:24:53Z")
6- and 12-string guitar, and I sing. ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2010, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/78 "2010-01-20T20:49:31Z")
Guitar player first. Instrumental songwriter second (orchestral and rock, mostly). I just can’t seem to write good lyrics at all. I’ve been playing guitar for 25+ years and have been in several bands. Not in one currently though. In the last few years, I’ve gotten heavily into building guitars and started my own, very small luthier business at the end of last year. www.ghosttownguitars.com ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/79 "2010-01-21T02:36:38Z")
I said drums/percussion, but what I mean are either finger drum pads or hand drums. I get lost if you give me a stick or pedal. I’m also trying to learn guitar. I’ve got a lot of chords memorized, but my fingers just don’t want to listen. ---
**Author:** ![wedgehed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8edcca/32.png) [@wedgehed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wedgehed)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2010, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104/80 "2010-01-21T05:02:31Z")
I’ve loved the guitar ever since I was 6 years old & saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I was 18 before I could actually get one. I can’t say I was blessed with an abundance of natural talent, but I’ve plugged away at it over the years. It’s strictly an at home activity for me. Here’s a sample if you’re feeling brave. 🙂 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/k1CQWi8orqA/hqdefault.jpg "SX SJM-62 guitar demo") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1CQWi8orqA) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-join-the-band-what-instrument-s-do-you-play-do-you-sing-write-music/525104.md?page=5)