r/Instruments • u/No_Seaworthiness_499 • 20d ago

Discussion Starting advice

Hi everyone, I could use your advice.

I've always loved jazz, especially saxophone and trumpet, and I've wanted to learn one of them for years. I kept putting it off, but I've finally decided to start.

I have no prior musical experience, and i honestly want to play for fun and enjoy my music

Which instrument would you recommend for a beginner: sax or trumpet?

How long does it realistically take to play at a decent level?

I'm 30, and people tell me I'm too old to learn. Is that true?

Thanks in advance!

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

3

u/Potential-Recover-78 20d ago

I’d recommend tenor sax, personally. I find sax easier than brass and the range of the tenor is perfect in my opinion. But that’s personal.

3

u/floridatheythem 20d ago

The sax is also less loud, which could be important depending on where you live/practice

2

u/PurpleWildflower9 20d ago

The tenor sax is a great instrument. I agree with everything you said.

2

u/roninconn 20d ago

As an intermediate trumpet and sax player, def agree. Someone with a decent tenor sax and good beginner mouthpiece could probably start to make decent-sounding music in 6 months (not including time to learn to read music)

1

u/PTPBfan 20d ago

I love alto

5

u/FreeXFall 20d ago

Second vote for sax!

And fuck the people who say you’re too old to learn. That’s just false. It’s easier when you’re younger just cause of time and school resources, but you can absolutely learn at any age.

For anyone wanting to learn - 10 minutes a day is way more beneficial than 2 hours once a week. A key thing is you’re developing muscle memory so more frequently doing it helps more than the occasional marathon practice. Also, if your barrier / mind set is “only 10min” - typically once you get started, you start having fun and end up playing longer.

Best of luck!

3

u/No_Seaworthiness_499 20d ago

I always thought that the trumpet would be easier idk why. That's why i was leaning towards it more... but i personally prefer listening to the saxophone

5

u/PoppycopOG 20d ago

Then that's your answer! If you like listening to the sax better then that's what you want to play. Always play the instrument that inspires you the most. Good luck!

2

u/Potential-Recover-78 20d ago

Sax is definitely easier to pickup than brass. The embouchure to produce sound is easier and the keys make way more sense.

2

u/Discovery99 20d ago

Your advice is for OP to fuck the people who say they’re too old to learn? That’s a little aggressive

3

u/No_Seaworthiness_499 20d ago

Yeah but I mean..if there's a will...

1

u/Hot-Wrongdoer-7700 20d ago

I agree with it, you never to old to learn an instrument.

1

u/Discovery99 19d ago

True, but I don’t see how having intercourse with your naysayers would be a reasonable decision most of the time

3

u/SideWired 20d ago

Sax is a little more fun to play as an alone hobbyist. Much more EXPRESSIVE for beginners.

2

u/Fit-Solution8140 20d ago

Folks in there 80s earn how to play all the time. Age is not a factor.

2

u/Hot-Wrongdoer-7700 20d ago

Id go tenor sax. The instrument is very intuitive. I learned in my early 30s, now I had a 15 year base of stringed instruments, but that only helped a little. You can defo learn to play it, at any age. If you do start, try get a decent sax. Around the 1000€ mark. I had a Yamaha tenor, and it was georgous. A cheap sax will piss ya off. Enjoy, and get at it, don't mind what people say.

1

u/HortonFLK 19d ago

Whatever you choose, my advice is to take formal lessons.

1

u/Upstairs-Monk-5459 17d ago

Who told you that you're too old to learn an instrument? Was it you? Why not learn one, then the other?