Does anyone have ideas for a musical instrument to learn that is easier on fingers?
Clash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, same goes for stretching.
I tried the piano but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! ( tried these 2 as I had access to them)
I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.
I would like to learn for only my own pleasure, I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really wont mind... I will be happy with achievement for achievements sake!
Many thanks and best wishes
self-learning
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, same goes for stretching.
I tried the piano but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! ( tried these 2 as I had access to them)
I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.
I would like to learn for only my own pleasure, I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really wont mind... I will be happy with achievement for achievements sake!
Many thanks and best wishes
self-learning
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
1
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, same goes for stretching.
I tried the piano but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! ( tried these 2 as I had access to them)
I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.
I would like to learn for only my own pleasure, I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really wont mind... I will be happy with achievement for achievements sake!
Many thanks and best wishes
self-learning
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I am hoping to learn to play a musical instrument (I cannot play anything as yet) that is easy on fingertips and am looking for some suggestions please. I have psoriasis on my fingertips and it usually spreads to just above the first knuckles. I also get it at the base area between my fingers. I am unable to put too much pressure on my fingertips most days or they will split and bleed, same goes for stretching.
I tried the piano but maybe this was the worst thing to first try, I then tried guitar. I have been left disappointed and annoyed with myself for even trying to think I could do that one! ( tried these 2 as I had access to them)
I am wondering about saxophone, trumpet, clarinet or maybe flute. If anyone who has experience with these instruments would like to share thoughts on how hard these are on your fingertips I would be most grateful. I am especially wondering if I could play trumpet using my first knuckles rather than fingertips.
I would like to learn for only my own pleasure, I have no desire to make a career of it or ever play in public, so if I am mediocre at it, I really wont mind... I will be happy with achievement for achievements sake!
Many thanks and best wishes
self-learning
self-learning
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 9 hours ago
Mhia
161
161
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Mhia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
1
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
1
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago
1
1
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
1
1
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments.
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I would like to suggest a theremin.
It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.
I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.
However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
How about the recorder?
It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.
add a comment |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.
What about the trombone - a "real" orchestral instrument, should you wish to play with community orchestras, but just as at home with bands, etc, and doesn't depend on the fingertips to the same extent as pretty much everything else.
answered 8 hours ago
Jamie
20612
20612
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments.
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments.
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments.
If fingers specifically are an issue, drumming may be up your alley. As far as I know, minimal finger use is required compared to other instruments.
answered 7 hours ago
user45266
1,238223
1,238223
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
1
1
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
I have my doubts about that statement--I find that I get a nice, whippy touch by holding drumsticks primarily in the fingers, and my arms and wrists get a lot less repetitive strain to boot.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Dekkadeci - my immediate thought was drums, but like you, I use fingers just as much as hands. Although others just use hands.
– Tim
2 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I would like to suggest a theremin.
It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.
I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.
However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
I would like to suggest a theremin.
It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.
I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.
However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
I would like to suggest a theremin.
It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.
I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.
However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.
I would like to suggest a theremin.
It is an electronic music instrument that is played without physical contact.
I personally like the sound, see here for example a performance of Over the rainbow.
However, since it is less prevalent than many other instruments, it might be difficult to find a teacher in your area. There are DVDs and online resources, though.
answered 34 mins ago
Marzipanherz
452312
452312
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
How about the recorder?
It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
How about the recorder?
It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
How about the recorder?
It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!
How about the recorder?
It has a bit of a negative connotation as the annoying instrument elementary school kids learn to play, but it actually has a very storied history with a huge repertoire. You can get a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass recorder (and others exist, too!), it's pretty easy on the fingertips, it's portable, and it's cheap!
edited 8 hours ago
answered 8 hours ago


Richard
33.6k672140
33.6k672140
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
add a comment |Â
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Not at all sure about this one - fingertips are crucial, and with psoriasis in tips of fingers, it won't be easy to cover holes properly.
– Tim
2 hours ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
Agree with @Tim. On the other hand (ha ha), the Irish tin whistle and low whistle might work, since holes are usually covered with fingerpads or up to the second phalanx. That's quite a different repertoire, but at least it's a cheap try!
– mcadorel
22 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.
Difficult to find instruments which don't have to be played using fingers/fingertips. It knocks out woodwind, brass, strings, keyboards and some percussion quite easily. Along with slide trombone could go Swannee Whistle. Xylophone or marimba or vibes could also work, using hands to hold sticks rather than fingers.
answered 1 hour ago
Tim
92.3k1094233
92.3k1094233
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Mhia is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Mhia is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Mhia is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Mhia is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fmusic.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f76042%2fdoes-anyone-have-ideas-for-a-musical-instrument-to-learn-that-is-easier-on-finge%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
1
I don't know if it's an instrument that you'd like to learn, but harmonica doesn't involve the use of the fingertips at all. It can be a tricky first instrument to learn, but I personally really enjoy playing it.
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
1
Have you tried playing an electric keyboard? (without weighted keys) Just so we can get an idea of what level of fingertip pressure is problematic for you, and playing an acoustic piano (or electric with weighted keys to mimic the feeling) takes much more pressure than an electric keyboard or synthesizer
– Some_Guy
8 hours ago
@Some_Guy - how do you push in the button then!
– Tim
2 hours ago
@Some_Guy Why don't you turn your harmonica comment to an answer? I'd like to upvote it :)
– Marzipanherz
10 mins ago