Learning a Second Instrument

[superdominus]

I want to learn a second instrument that I can carry around as the piano is not really portable. I am thinking about the viola or the guitar. Does anyone have advice for me regarding the pros and cons of the instruments? Of course, the piano will still be my primary instrument! =D 

[john11inc]

What's the range of the viola?





















































































































Depends how hard you kick it.

[philb]

I would think that a viola would have more classical repertoire and a guitar would still have classical and also would have contemporary repertoire. Guess it depends on what you like.

[thalbergmad]

I took up the lute and banjo as 2nd instruments.

Portable and fun.

Thal

[Bob]

If you get a keyboard, that's fairly portable.

[superdominus]

Thal, what kind of music do you play on the lute?

I am currently leading towards the guitar, but I am still undecided   

[countrymath]

Gor for something acoustic.

[thalbergmad]

Thal, what kind of music do you play on the lute?

I was attempting some Dowland, but it was a lot of work.

Lute is mainly 16th & 17th century I think.

Thal

[buggington]

+1 on the acoustic guitar. My friend plays the acoustic and electric guitar and it's brilliant around the campfire with friends.

Unfortunately, my piano would require too many extension leads to get all the way to the campfire, so that's a no-no.

[superdominus]

After rumination, I decided to start learning the viola when summer starts, but this decision is not yet concrete. I would like to learn both the viola and the guitar, but time is my enemy.

Thanks everyone for commenting! 

[countrymath]

remember that viola is not a harmonic instrument

[misterioasa]

Well,I know that pianists should play percussion as their second instrument.So,if you want,choose a glockenspiel,xylophone... and if you want,try timpani.

[amie_de_chopin]

The flute is a very, VERY nice instrument to carry around!
It is magic if played well too.

[pianisten1989]

and hell the 10 years before you don't...

[countrymath]

Go for acoustic guitar...


Its cheap, can play harmonies, there's a lot of material on the web, its easy  (i suppose) to transfer your skills to similar instruments...

[Bob]

and hell the 10 years before you don't...

*Bob is thinking "Unleash Hell!" might actually be a command to bring forward a division of beginning flutes.*