So I had figured, if the harmonica and Indian Flute are denied to me due to my Dick Cheney smile and inability to control my lower lip completely, why not pick up a musical instrument that has always held an appeal for me? Like the cello...
But it occurred to me the other day that, to play the cello, one needs to keep one's fingernails short. At least the ones on one's left hand (the hand that frets the strings). I know that's true for guitar and banjo.
And I really need pointed fingernails on both my index fingers for ball spinning and plate spinning in my juggling act.
And since I have to choose either pointed fingernails or short, flat ones, I think I need to go with the points.
Which means I'm back in the market for a new musical instrument. Suggestions are encouraged!
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I sure hope all this posting is a sign of feeling a little more energy- it has to be so frustrating (for EVERYONE in the house) to have such available time and an inability to fill it with things you are accustomed to doing. I'm glad you taking some time to enjoy chimneys and Deb and birds and breezes (not necessarily in that order.) So here is my 2cents on the instruments.
ReplyDeletea) there are some wonderful "xylaphony type" things with little round bars rather than flat things- they make a nice sound and look fun and require no lip coordination and accommodate any fingernails or( probably none but lets not try that.)
b) there is a lovely little thing maybe from africa is not too very big and has metal things in a row of varying lengths that you sort of pluck and it also is nice and low imapact.
c) I am stunned that your engineering self has not begun giving thought to inventing some sort of lip prosthetic/accommodation device that would allow you to still play out of one side of your mouth- maybe something like one of those "rasberry blowers"
d) lastly, Taj Mahal once did an entire set using only his body as instruments- had all kinds of fun rhythms going with foot tapping, thigh slapping, snapping of fingers, and various clicky mouth noises.
e) when too tuckered for all the above, there is always AIR GUITAR
Rock on-- Ellen
Two ideas spring to mind:
ReplyDelete- Hammer dulcimer
- Hang (pronounced "hong") drum
Here's a video I just found of both, in improvised duet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_80n4ztf4
Both of these came to mind because of the person I know who plays both instruments masterfully, and who also lives in West Chester, and who loves to expound, should you ever be interested in learning more.
And hey, what about spoons? And theramin?
Lisa
P.S. Or musical saw? I could see you making gorgeous music on a saw.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the hammer dulcimer.
ReplyDeletexo
martha
...and I think you would love drumming!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am on my way today to Bangladesh for part 2 of Andrew's wedding!
Gwenn
Gotta have more cowbell, baby ;)
ReplyDeleteXO,
Donna P.
What about water glasses? A Glass Harp, also called a glass harmonica. Here's a wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Glass_harmonica
ReplyDeleteAlso, I know this might be kind of eccentric, but....piano?
ReplyDeleteThe didgeridoo is out so, how about..
ReplyDeletedrumming for bellydancers?
accordion?
marimba?
The folk harp is a wonderful instrument and your fingernails might be a plus.
Best, Carol
wow! You have lots of musical friends, Randy! I think you might enjoy african drummung and I like all the other ideas too. Way to go Everyone!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Diane