For those NOT in a band

S.D. wrote:

If I could go back in time to when I started learning music I think I would have added keyboards to my arsenal.  My appreciation of keyboards has increased exponentially over the years but I'm feeling a little too old to try and tackle another instrument at this late juncture.  

Don't let age get in the way. if you have experience/knowledge in reading music and/or music theory. Keys are not that hard to learn if you already play guitar.

Rhythm guitar.
Because It's more important than the bass playing, but not the center of attention like vocals or lead guitar.

corplhicks wrote:

Forgive my anecdotal session here.

When I was a teenager my dream was to front a trad heavy metal-hard rock band by the name of Truth & Lies. This was to be glossy, slick, thick n heavy. But I wasn't to play guitar in this band, oddly enough. I was to be a powerhouse vocalist in the vein of Sebastian Bach. I envisioned my lead guitarist as being my first crush--her name was Kelli, smokin' hot babe, knew nothing about metal or guitar haha--just for the hell of it (and in the name of feminism I suppose). I had three albums of songs written--titles like "Burn in Hell," "Born Under A Bad Sign," "Roadkill," "City of Sin," "Cry of the Criminally Insane," and the obligatory weepers, "Love for Miles," and "Miracles." I even designed the logo. Day and night were filled with daydreams of Mtv videos and arena concerts. And my marriage to Kelli being featured in Metal Edge.

Ah, to be young again.

Corp., this is awesome!!

30 years younger and and 30 lbs lighter I'd go guitar and vocals, think Butch Walker.

Always played guitar and just well enough to be in a fistful of bands and around the scene, but I cared more for chasing tail and getting wasted than actually taking music seriously.

Nowadays, I still play from time to time and like to write and sing as well. My kids enjoy themselves when we play together...

martinsane wrote:

30 years younger and and 30 lbs lighter I'd go guitar and vocals, think Butch Walker.

Always played guitar and just well enough to be in a fistful of bands and around the scene, but I cared more for chasing tail and getting wasted than actually taking music seriously.

Nowadays, I still play from time to time and like to write and sing as well. My kids enjoy themselves when we play together...

The only recognition or fame I ever desired to achieve through music is simply to influence other people, fans and musicians alike, to create similar stuff and counter the current trends in modern music. Even if our/my audience was niche, it's better to have a strong cult following than to be famous and not have to change your style to fit an industry you don't really like. Unfortunately, a lot of bands have claimed that then fallen into their hands. But think the Musashi "two-sword" business philosophy of Japan: If your taste is varied enough, you can write for popular artists in a style that is yours while still being relatively commercial, as well as doing your own niche stuff on the wayside.

Guitar