Besides guitar, who plays keys?

[Pearly Gator]

Just picked up my third keyboard over the weekend in preparation for another recording project. Been having a blast and haven't touched my guitar in days. So, I need to ask...

Besides guitar, anyone else plays keyboards?

Gary

[reverbbb]

Me. I have been focused on guitar for the past several years. I started out on keys when I was really young (8~10), then switched to guitar when I was 12. Then I went back to keys/guitar when I was 20. I stayed mainly on keys until I was about 36. That is when I fell in love with the guitar again. I am now 46.

Last Friday, I went to an open blues jam and played my Hammond XK-2 nearly all night. I was desparate to play my new guitar, but there was a bunch of other guitarists, and I was the only keyboardist. They finally let me play the last two songs on guitar. Some of my friends told me that I smoked the other guitarists. They are just too kind (or to dumb to realize that I was just playing simple mindless noodling with no direction). The other guitarists are technically way beyond me. But I think I have more fun.

At church, I still play keys occasionally, but we have a really good keyboardists that plays 98% of the time. She sings good and sight reads as good as my dog can chase squirls across the yard.

[Crunchyriff]

Aye. me too.

[MrMike]

I dabble a bit. I know where the notes are and can do some cool chord voicings, but to call me a keyboardist would be an affront to the real ones.

I just did a small gig on Saturday with a guy who does it all. I played in a band with him for a short time where he played guitar. He also plays drums, then he played bass for us for a while, then he switched to keys, which is what he played Saturday. He also sings really well. You'd almost want to slug him if he wasn't such a nice guy.

[Barry]

I started with piano as a kid back in the '60's. Did a couple of recitals but nothing fantastic.

I have a keyboard now for percussion and some organ fill-in when recording, but I wouldn't even think of saying I can play well enough to say "I play keys". I'm probably on about the same level as MrMike with that.

[reverbbb]

I am humbled. I should have included that I am not a skilled keyboardist. I just jam the chords down and play a few licks in C or Am (all white keys). I can play a few other rock riffs in other keys, but I could never be in the same league as 85% of the other keyboardists that have played as much or as long as I have.

I get by and have fun, but nothing more.

[Pearly Gator]

In the 60's, I was into The Doors. My dad bought a Wurlitzer electric piano and I taught myself a couple of the songs. That got my left hand working and I was able to play melodies and riffs with my right hand. As a keyboard player I'm just a "play by ear" kinda guy.

Still, it would be easier to get into a band playing keys than guitar. Reverbb's story confirms that.

God bless,

Gary

[UncleMarker]

I've dabbled, but play keys badly (and if you want me really quiet, put sheet music w/o chords on the rack!). I do still have a Wurlitzer electric piano...

The real keyboard players in the house are my wife and younger son - they're the real deal!

[Teleguy]

I had to play piano in College Music, but mostly just used it for arranging.
Over the years I've dabbled in keys, saxophone, drums, trumpet, trombone, and cello...for about two weeks apiece!

I'm still grappling with guitar, even after focusing all my attention on it exclusively for decades.

Anybody else think guitar is HARD?
I mean... to play WELL?!?! :oops: