The Science Behind Musical Instrument Choice - why you play the instrument you do

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  • Опубліковано 12 чер 2024
  • The Psychology Behind Musical Instrument Choice - Factors Influencing Musical Instrument Choice, Link Between Personality and Instrument Preference: Why do we choose the instrument we play?
    Ever wondered why you gravitated towards drums over guitar, or violin over piano? Whether you play drums, the bass, guitar, flute, or trumpet, this video explores the science behind instrument choice, drawing on several studies including: "Personality and Musical Instrument Choice" (2009) by Sandra M. Trehub and Peter C. Tira, "Musical Preference and Personality: Does Music Reflect the Person, or Does the Person Choose Music that Reflects Them?" by McCrae and Costa (1987), The Relationship Between Personality and Musical Instrument Choice" by McPherson and Gingras (2014), "Why Did You (Not) Choose Your Main Musical Instrument? Exploring the Motivation Behind the Choice" (2017).
    Nena Lavonne is a Psych Professional, musician, and rock & metal enthusiast who enjoys examining her favorite songs and artists through a philosophical and psychological lens. Subscribe for more Rock Psychology!
    #guitarist #drummer #bassist #pianist #violinist #musiceducation #instrumentchoice #musicpsychology #rockmusic #metalmusic #femalemusician
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 80

  • @psychologyofrock
    @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому +2

    Hey! I would love to hear what instrument you play and what made you choose it. Also, did this research surprise you? Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't and let me know if you have any topics you'd like me to cover!
    Rock On,
    Nena

    • @LibertyWarrior1776
      @LibertyWarrior1776 4 місяці тому

      Guitar and things with keys. Let's just say, pluggins are awesome for someone who never learned to play the violin or the bassoon but has a decent understanding of music theory.

    • @Mikey13Morales
      @Mikey13Morales 4 місяці тому

      My instrument is my voice,, and now after a few year's absence, I've been singing again, about 4 months to be precise 😊 🙏😎🙏❤️

  • @claytonberg721
    @claytonberg721 Місяць тому +1

    When I was a kid in the early 80's I listened to my parents elvis records and loved them. For that reason they put me into guitar in like the 1st grade. Also it's an approachable instrument, a guitar doesn't cost that much money. Later on in junior high when I was in band class I choose the saxophone because I loved springsteen and clarence clemons' solos.
    In my experience a lot of kids get put into specific instruments because that's what was available. Some get piano lessons because there's a piano at home. Especially back in the day before synths were good enough to really learn the instrument.

  • @rexwave4624
    @rexwave4624 23 дні тому

    I play rock bass. I love the underlying melody that lifts the song with the power and weight of the low end. Later, when I began to learn how the drums and bass fit together, I looked for drummers with the same feel. My favourite band of this century is The Warning because they tick all of those boxes. Here’s the weird part - many bass players become sound engineers, as I did, being the only band member with the interest and geometric affinity to understand sound.

  • @FranklinOPT
    @FranklinOPT 2 місяці тому +1

    I’ve played 5 different instruments in my life but, want very much to return to the piano. My father played piano at home, it was my first instrument, and I enjoy playing composed music and free improvisation. The flute is my second favorite.

  • @samuelpatton2677
    @samuelpatton2677 Місяць тому +1

    Complete introvert here. I was always banging on pots and pans my entire childhood…Christmas 1975 I got my first real drum set. I always felt a draw towards drums with little to no actual thought of my own.

  • @generay6807
    @generay6807 4 місяці тому +1

    Great and very interesting video.
    Growing up in an abusive household and not having control of my environment I started playing the drums. It gave me a sense of power and helped me release my aggressions. I’m 61 now and still love the drums for different reasons, but also for the same reasons.

  • @marcw1013
    @marcw1013 3 місяці тому

    I am 65 years old. I remember listening to my parents 45 and 78 RMP vinyl records, mostly country and western. This didn't interest me. When I was 5 years old I heard the Beatles "I wanna hold your hand" on my transistor radio. I said "That's it, that's the sound ! I want to play guitar. I got my first electric guitar when I was 12 and would learn to play by ear by playing CCR, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin songs on my record player over and over. I was introverted and shy, but I focused on playing lead guitar. When I was in my teens got in a band playing lead guitar I found it not in my comfort zone to "perform" on stage at parties and clubs. However, I still love playing and collecting guitars and playing in bands when I get a chance.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  3 місяці тому

      That's awesome! Initially I really wanted to perform also, but realized later that it was more about creating and enjoying music for me :) Thanks for sharing your story!

  • @RustiSpoons
    @RustiSpoons 3 місяці тому

    Cool video! I started on guitar but quickly moved over to bass and never looked back. I like it because I am a pretty chill, introverted dude so it allows me to still play on stage but have the spotlight on someone else. I also like it because, in my opinion, it can become one of the most creative and unique , almost mystical sounding instruments out there depending on how you play it.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  3 місяці тому

      That’s awesome! Would love to try the bass 😊🤘🏻

  • @cmorrow74
    @cmorrow74 3 місяці тому

    In my case, I started playing bass because it's such a powerful instrument that can drastically affect the musical landscape. I'm an introvert, so being center stage was never an interest of mine, but I always loved the idea of being an essential part of something that moves people emotionally. There are many bands that are guitar-centric or drum-centric, etc., but the bass is the foundation on which everything else sits, and it can make or break a song. It could perhaps be argued that it was because I always felt powerless in a turbulent childhood, but having that kind of power and bringing "order to chaos"--which is essentially the job of a bass player--always appealed to me.
    Or maybe I just like it because it's boomy. 😝

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  3 місяці тому

      Thanks so much for sharing! I've always wanted to try bass!

  • @friarpesel5646
    @friarpesel5646 4 місяці тому

    I just liked music and when I saw people on tv playing, they looked like they were happy and having fun. Guitar was the most prominent instrument so that’s what I tried. I later discovered that electric guitar was what I was really looking for. I ended up playing bass and drums and singing too because I wanted to make all the sounds. I’m deeply introverted and though I would perform a lot over the years, it was about the musical experience, and the energies and feelings, and not social aggrandizement or recognition. I just wanted to feel good and be part of music itself.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes, I can relate! For me, playing is not about getting recognition, it is about being a part of the music. You said it perfectly!

    • @friarpesel5646
      @friarpesel5646 4 місяці тому

      @@psychologyofrock oh thank you 😇 some of that was surprisingly difficult to articulate! 😅 OH and I assume that’s your Fender Custom shop Strat - very very nice! I had wondered about the fretboard but now I know it’s bright maple 🤗 thanks again!

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes, that’s her 😊

  • @ronaldmccomb8301
    @ronaldmccomb8301 4 місяці тому

    Great video! Informative as always. Keep up the good work, Miss Nina.

  • @MikeXCSkier
    @MikeXCSkier 4 місяці тому +1

    Interesting that the piano is considered an instrument for introverts given that in a performance setting, the piano is most often played alone, as in a recital, or is the featured instrument, as in a piano concerto. This puts the piano player center stage, which is usually out of an introvert's comfort zone. However, outside of a performance setting it's easy to see why introverts would choose the piano - because it can be played alone, without the need for an orchestra or other band members. I studied piano as a kid and can now say that I enjoyed it. Yes, part of the decision was because my parents bought a decent piano for cheap at an estate sale, so "it was there," but I started messing around with it on my own. I would not have done that if I had no interest. I am somewhat introverted. A few years ago I started learning the bass. Why? I like deep, low tones. I'd say bass is also a good introvert's instrument. Bassists are back there with the drummer keeping rhythm and holding down the bottom end while the front man and lead guitarist do their thing. Outside of a performance, it can be played on its own. I have "Bach for Bass" which transcribed some of Bach's preludes for electric bass. Bach never sounded so good!

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      Really interesting points! And Bach for Bass sounds amazing!

  • @Captain_Kirk116
    @Captain_Kirk116 4 місяці тому

    To me this makes sense mainly cuz I was thinking about The Warning when you were talking about each instrument. Also, I don't play an instrument but I do gravitate towards piano cuz I'm a sucker for basically any style of music that incorporates piano and I am more of an introvert than extravert and very introspective.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      That definitely seems to fit the research! 😊

  • @bluecollarbcg330
    @bluecollarbcg330 4 місяці тому

    I feel exposed @ 2:11
    Played the drums at 4 came about natural to me, highly advance in the span of 2 years. Stopped at 10. getting back to it first few months gave up. Felt like "had to be worthy of lifting the hammer again" 21 now. Being inspired by seeing others play cuz it reminded me of my skill back then.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      That’s incredible that you started so early!

  • @myboringpowerpoints7782
    @myboringpowerpoints7782 4 місяці тому

    I started with guitar when I was 13. Quickly lost interest in that. Recently, I have focused on learning ukulele and I love it.

  • @Mikey13Morales
    @Mikey13Morales 4 місяці тому

    Nina i love your deep dive, into all thing's psychologically, related to music 🎵🎶 ,, rock being your major forte,, you are a blessing to the UA-cam community,, lot's of love from the UK 🙏😎🙏

  • @nathanmartin1850
    @nathanmartin1850 2 місяці тому

    James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica are both known introverts; James even mentions it in a video.

  • @RIFFDADDYS
    @RIFFDADDYS 4 місяці тому

    I play an the most amazing horrible sounding instrument I made for 4 to 5 hours a night for the last 3 years since I put the pieces together because it is just therapeutic and addictive to play. It allows me to be able to play the any song as a whole of the parts I remember. Like last night - I heard the song in the new Apple headset thing and I could play along to it and was able to keep playing it till I figured out it was a Supertramp song that I have not heard since I was young. I just know nothing about how to play music or playing instruments that it amazes me and I can't wait to share the joy and happiness I get from playing it someday soon when I find someone to help me on what to do with it because I have no idea on what I am doing, but I am trying.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      That’s amazing! Music has so many mental health benefits! 😊🤘🏻

  • @TimberWolf762
    @TimberWolf762 4 місяці тому

    I can see all of this pretty strongly in the sisters in The Warning.

  • @480Voltz
    @480Voltz 4 місяці тому

    I chose the piano simply because it was the easiest instrument for me to learn.
    But I do happen to be quite the introvert so there’s that

  • @laaaliiiluuu
    @laaaliiiluuu 4 місяці тому

    I play both electric guitar and drums but also piano and classical guitar. So that explains why I am always confused because I tend to be both loud and quiet. 😂

  • @DenisDolisy
    @DenisDolisy 4 місяці тому

    I don't play an instrument anymore. I used to play the mandolin as a kid but that was probably because I was exposed to it through an extra school activities program.
    When you talked about drummers being extroverts I immediately thought about Neil Peart being the exception too. But of course there are people on the other side too, like Pau I immediately thought of also. I couldn't imagine her playing something else than the drums.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому +1

      Yes, it seems perfect for her. But she is also outstanding at piano!

    • @DenisDolisy
      @DenisDolisy 4 місяці тому

      @@psychologyofrock That's true. She's also outstanding at singing. It's just that it feels to me like she was born to be drummer, it's just that little bit more than on the piano or singing.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому +1

      She’s definitely a natural! 😊🤘🏻

    • @DenisDolisy
      @DenisDolisy 4 місяці тому

      @@psychologyofrock Yes, absolutely ✨

  • @joeturner1181
    @joeturner1181 2 місяці тому

    Another interesting video! I feel like the research you presented was a complete miss for me, though. None of those factors or influences really resonated with me. I've been playing bass for over a decade, and I kind of stumbled into it. My then teenage son wanted to learn guitar, so we went to the big-box music store to get him a starter pack. While he was talking to the salesman, I ambled over to the bass display and picked one up -- it just "clicked", and both of us went home with a new instrument. I'd tried piano and guitar when I was in high school and didn't care for either one, they just didn't fit. If it matters, I'm an ISTJ based on a professional administration; maybe there's some correlation between bass players and "I"s.

  • @williamdelabrue5157
    @williamdelabrue5157 4 місяці тому

    Neil Peart tuned his drums to exact notes and played the kit like a piano. So not too far off 😊

  • @yanx007
    @yanx007 2 місяці тому

    I played bass because I hate doing chords! Lol!
    Will we ever see a video of you playing guitar?

  • @davidcottone2700
    @davidcottone2700 4 місяці тому

    I played drums a bit at 16 😁

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      I tried the drums for a few months, but they were much harder than anticipated 😂😂😂

  • @arthurbrandao6583
    @arthurbrandao6583 2 місяці тому

    I wanna play piano or violine in future

  • @jean-philippeperetti8463
    @jean-philippeperetti8463 4 місяці тому

    I (try to) play bass. What does that say about why I took up this instrument? When I was a teenager, the more bass in the music I was listening too the better.

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      Maybe you just instinctively loved the sound. That’s how I was with guitar :-)

  • @metalhead-mf2zf
    @metalhead-mf2zf 4 місяці тому

    I have been a heavy metal drummer for 47 years and love it still as much as I ever have and always look forward to playing. When I was 12 I knew I wanted to play drums or guitar. My logic was if I played guitar I could be in the front of the stage but I had to stand up if I was in a band. But if I was a drummer I'd be in the back of the stage but at least I could sit down. That was my twelve-year-old logic!

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      Seems to have worked for you :-) I give you a lot of credit - I tried to play drums for a few months, and they were much harder than I expected, lol! I think different types of brains work best for specific instruments. 😊🤘🏻

    • @metalhead-mf2zf
      @metalhead-mf2zf 4 місяці тому

      Well, I have 8 drums, 19 cymbals, and play three pedals with my left foot for my hi hats, remote hi hats, and a second pedal to my bass drum in order to play double bass. Love your channel also 🍻🙂🤘🥁

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      Woah! And thank you 😊🤘🏻

    • @thebenefactor6744
      @thebenefactor6744 4 місяці тому

      Your logic is genius level impeccable. I took up bass as my first instrument because, since I was already playing tuba in school band, I thought it would be the best choice because they both resided in the bass clef, even though I knew I wasn't going to be reading music playing in a rock band. I was twelve or thirteen too. I can't even type this now, I'm laughing so hard at myself. There's a reason twelve year olds don't run water treatment plants or airports. Oh God, your comment was so good.
      But damn, at 57, I still love playing bass, and now guitar. Piano's next. Party on, Garth.

    • @metalhead-mf2zf
      @metalhead-mf2zf 4 місяці тому

      @@thebenefactor6744 I loved reading your comment my friend! I turned 60 last December and play every Friday night. I have 8 drums, 19 cymbals, and play 3 pedals with my left foot. One for my hi hats, one for my remote hi hats and another pedal to my bass drum, so I can play double bass. I always play live music, it gives me that sense of being back on stage thst I miss and love so much!

  • @LibertyWarrior1776
    @LibertyWarrior1776 4 місяці тому

    Some people just Wanna Rock. 😂😂😂

  • @benderbender1233
    @benderbender1233 4 місяці тому

    👋😘

  • @tiagomarques7149
    @tiagomarques7149 4 місяці тому

    I started with bass guitar now i play guitar and keys because i record my own songs but i would pick bass any day, for me its the only instrument that played right is the most powerful and mellow but i guess no one cares 😢

    • @psychologyofrock
      @psychologyofrock  4 місяці тому

      I think a lot of people care. I agree it is an incredible instrument! 😊🤘🏻