I always wanted to try “Not being poor” but the entry cost and starting equipment are way out of my budget.
Have you tried to be born in to a rich family? I have understood its the bare minimum to get started. Atleast everybody who is serious about the hobby does that.
I realized the mistake I made so I keep trying to find a rich family that will help me start over, but so far haven’t had a lot of success.
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Pottery! I’d love to have (even just access to) a small studio where I could make things and fire the clay.
Check out Andy Ward’s stuff. If people in precolumbian America could do it, you probably can.
Hobby? I’m on the wrong coast for it but would love to learn to surf. Pretty sure I don’t have time to get good at it. Music, I’d love to learn to play guitar or even to sing well. Not to perform. To be able to do it.
Lifestyle? Not sure, I think what I would change is stuff I can’t change without money or time I don’t have.
Learning to play an instrument.
It’s never too late
It does require some time investment but it’s so rewarding.
Honestly the time investment to be able to play a few songs is actually really quick on most instruments. Like on guitar you can go from having never held one to being able to play cool rock songs in under 30 minutes. Even a newborn infant just out of the womb can play a recognizable rendition of Smoke On The Water
I mostly agree with you, but I think it takes a little time to be able to play in something resembling the right rhythm. New players often struggle with changing chords (even 2 note power chords) quickly enough to play something that sounds musical.
But yeah, people would be surprised with how quickly you can learn to be a basic-but-functional guitarist.
I guess it depends on your standards. If you’re fine taking your mangled attempt and seeing what happens after running various fx through then you’ll have a good time.
For sure, especially with today’s access to information. Dynamic tabs, endless video tutorials, gamified apps, etc. It’s the string pressure on your fingertips that you’ll have to get used to first.
Guess who some time ago grapped the entry level guitar a friend wanted to give away and already mastered his first few accords! :-)
But things are going slooow when you have reached a certain age.
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger…I started when I was in 5th grade and I still don’t feel like where I want to be. Honestly, I think dissatisfaction with your current skill level is just a part of the arts for a lot of people. :)
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger…
So do I, and I always will, but that doesn’t take away the joy it’s brought me once I got over the first few hurdles.
How does one get started assuming one already has a guitar? I tried reading tabs but i’m just so slow and even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Find a music teacher in real life. There is no substitute. They will be able to see very subtle things in your technique that are hindering you. They can give you feedback in real time. Video lessons from the greatest guitarist will not come close to in-person lessons from a decent guitarist.
Also make friends with other guitarists and play music with them. Music is a social thing.
I got lessons to start off with and it helped a lot. Then years later I tried to learn jazz on my own and I was hopeless. Six months with a teacher got me to where 3 years on my own would have gotten me. The teacher identified gaps in my skills I was completely blind to - I’d have reinforced my strengths while ignoring my weaknesses.
100% this. I “played” guitar and bass for about 20 years, doing tabs and YouTube lessons. I could do plenty of stuff passably, and have been in a few bands and played a few shows in public that went fine.
I got a Rhodes piano for free, and started doing the same learning on my own. My wife signed me up for 6 months of lessons with a real teacher as a gift. I learned so much in my now 2+years with her than the 20 years on my own.
You can get any lesson you want somewhere online, but it isn’t tailored to you or what you want/need to learn.
My teacher asks me what my goals are, and she figures out how to get me there. She sees where I’m at, can pick pieces and lessons to study that aren’t too hard or too easy, and corrects me before bad habits set in. I’ve learned the benefits of reading sheet music vs tabs, I’ve learned scales and how to apply them, and everything I learn is in proper order to allow it to make sense!
As I spend more time learning with her, all the random stuff I “learned” in my own actually clicks into place because I’m getting taught it all in proper context. It’s like building a kit by having someone read you the instructions step by step as opposed to you just opening a box full of pieces and trying to figure out what it is you’re building randomly as you go.
The only way to get better is to keep trying 🤷♂️ you’ll start slow and hitting wrong notes n, eventually it’ll be slow and right, until eventually it’s almost fast enough.
Also, look for a guitar teacher 🤷♂️ lessons are generally not that expensive and just a few can really get you started
Justonguitar.comis how I learned to play and is frequently suggested for beginners. Its a free srructured couse, that will teach you everything you need to know.
Playing guitar is incredibly difficult, and having an actual teacher would save you countless hours, but its possible to teach yourself, just keep at it.
even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Are you tuning your strings before the each session?
I picked up the guitar during Covid, in my 60s. Over 5 years later, and I’m at about an intermediate level, and very happy with my progress.
Thanks to You Tube, learning an instrument has never been easier, especially the guitar. The best guitar teachers in the world are all over YouTube, with plenty of free content. I’m sure it’s the same with any instrument.
If you want to, do it.
Piano for me.
Would be guitar for me.
You can carry it around and has a nice social aspect…If we’re counting keyboards as a type of piano, you can get some that are pretty portable too. I lucked out and got a second hand one from my ex’s sister for free (she was getting rid of it anyway), and it’d pretty light and not too big!
and nobody EVER asks for the piano recital of Wonderwall!
jerks
Reading some of these replies, it seems people are only focusing on half of the process of learning an instrument.
Its not just the instrument you need to learn, it’s how to read sheet music as well. Most likely, you’re not going to find the exact coords to play with the delay in between written as seconds for the song you want. Its going to be in the format of sheet music, with the notes and other symbols.
That takes time to learn, like learning a new language. It’s something you need to learn either before or while learning an instrument, and that is something that can put a lot of people off.
I’ve been playing piano for 9 years now, still can barely read sheet music. I’m not saying it’s easier that way, matter of fact, i wish i could read it better.
But if sheet music is all that is keeping you from becoming a musician, fuck that and get playing
Working out 🏋️♀️
I find it excruciatingly boring
Id literally rather piss my own pants
Luckily i can do neither as well
I don’t particularly love brushing my teeth twice a day,but its something you’ve gotta do. I do very much dislike not brushing my teeth. It’s not worth being lazy about it. I also hate feeling unfit and stiff and weak.
Brushing your teeth takes 2 minutes. They tell you to spend a whole 30 minutes a day working out. 30 minutes of boredom, discomfort, pain and agony.
30 minutes a day for a lifetime of feeling healthy and unlocking the opportunity to live a longer life… Also endorphins are a thing.
This is a perspective that I’m likely too exercise-pilled to understand.
Don’t worry I got your back. I haaaaaate working out. Every second of it. It’s miserable, boring, tiring, and gross and sweaty.
However, since I started doing it I hate to admit that I am more energetic in everything else, I move easier, I’m not winded going up stairs, I’m happier, all the tripe they tell you is true.
It’s not 30 minutes because you have to enjoy it, it’s 30 minutes that improve the other 23.5 hours a day
i absolutely do not get endorfins from it, but something quite the opposite. i feel like shit and get anxiety. and before someone asks, i have seen a doctor and nothing was found.
I have my noise canceling headphones, so working out is quality time listening to hot tunes, sharp music, rumbling rhythms and crazy beats while pumpin iron.
I think that if I started working out years ago I’d have developed a love for it and would relish the gains and new challenges and shit. Its so boring and painful though. I’ll not pick it up today and curse myself in another decade.
I never got myself to go to the gym. However, having a group workout once a week with a coach does help a lot: you kind of feel like you have to go because you’re expected, exercises are challenging and they vary from one session to the other. Quite a good balance for me. I would do it twice a week if I had the time
Id literally rather piss my own pants
Well, you can’t spell “watersports” without “sports”.
I think the key to exercise is finding a recreational activity that is physically active rather than trying to make yourself go to the gym. Barring that, tying gym time with something enjoyable like listening to audio books helps make it at least a little rewarding.
Try a sport instead. You work out and have fun at the same time. Win win.
I never got into rock n roll the way I got into sex and drugs.
Rallycross. The day may come, but right now I have several higher priorities and more important places to put my money.
With Dirt Rally, you get a pretty damn good simulation experience for a fraction of the cost, a minimal time investment, and zero of the risks. All you need is a PC and a decent steeringwheel.
That would be a great way to get started before I get to a place in life where I can do the actual thing
Ice racing is super fun if you live around frozen lakes. They usually have stock class and you can’t really mess up your car. Plus it’ll get you around the scene. All you need is a motorcycle helmet. They usually will lend you one or someone from the rally will. Everyone is super friendly. The spike tire class is always interesting
Man I should look back into that, but I sold the perfect cat for it 4 years ago. We had so many warm winters in a row that I’d given up the idea.
Sailing. Flying a plane.
If you’re based near a coastal city, register at the closest sailing club for training sessions they likely have Laser/ILCA Dinghys they’re very fun to sail.
Sailing canoe rigs can be fun, and you might be able to find a decently cheap Sunfish or Laser and have loads of fun.
The plane one is a bit tougher.
The plane one is a bit tougher.
Gliders/sailplanes should be reasonably accessible.
Both great fun.
- Flying can be expensive and highly technical depending on where you are and what you fly. I had a blast while flying, got some good trips in, was able to give most of my family the experience. I gave it up when I had kids because of the priority change
- I suppose sailing too depending. I did some sailing out of Boston harbor and had a blast but they were bigger boats, more expensive. Actually the place I rented from organized extended trips down the coast and my regret was not taking any
Dancing. I am very envious at the ease certain people demonstate when dancing. The complete control of their body, the syncing with the music, the beauty of the mouvements. I am not talking classical dancing or elaborate choreography, only knowing how to dance really well at parties.
I started dancing 2 years ago in my early 30s. Salsa/bachata specifically. Never danced a step before then (or at least: not while sober). After a 2 years of practise, I now regularly get compliments at the festivals/parties, and the ladies at the dance school like it when I’m joining the lessons, since I can lead well. I’m still no expert, but I certainly get a lot of joy from it. And for the record: I’m a slightly overweight nerd who is certainly not nimble or agile. I also hate rythm games, I suck at those, but dancing on the beat is so much easier!
My point is: it’s worth trying. Find a dance school that teaches salsa and/or bachata, and go for it. If you find the right people, you will stay motivated, and it gets more and more fun!
Sounds fun, I’ll try joining. It’just that you have to make choices because weeks have only 7 days…
You say complete control of their body, but a lot of times people who dance well at parties don’t try hard to control their bodies, they would say the music flows through them, or they stop caring what they’re doing and just let their bodies move
I get the flowing with the music part. Some people seem so in tune that it looks like they have a lot of practice
Skateboarding. Wingsuit flying. BASE jumping.
All seem like SO much fun. But, Im entering middle age with two kids. Broken bones are not fun. Nor are risks not covered by my insurance, apparently. That’s what my partner tells me anyway. She gets final say on fun.
Or, the insurance company does. Whichever. They’re on the same side: against injury. And fun.
Even if I had the experience and skills necessary to do things like wingsuit flying and BASE jumping I wouldn’t do it if I had a partner or anyone else in life that cared about me.
The fatality rate for those activities is insane.
Skate- and/or long- boarding can be relatively safe in a fairly controlled environment. There’s no shame in getting fully decked out in protective gear and pads.
For me it was: Goth and the kink scene (not necessarily both together). Also I wanted to collect collectibles, but clutter and choctky drive me crazy.
You’re never too old to dye your hair and paint your nails black.
Van life
Would recommend even if it’s in a small SUV.
Upcycling. There’s just so much stuff we throw away and I currently have no creative hobbies where I am producing something… I might start this year.
Hey, it’s a bit late but you could make upcycling your yearly theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE relevant video by cpg grey)
In hindsight I wish I would have learned some charisma and became a cult leader.
