Can You Learn Guitar and Piano at the Same Time?

Many people think that you can’t learn guitar and piano at the same time, but that isn’t actually true. 

In fact, it is possible to learn both instruments very effectively and even have fun doing so. 

In this article, we will answer all your questions about learning guitar and piano at the same time.

Can you really learn both piano and guitar at the same time?

Yes, you can learn both piano and guitar at the same time. In fact, learning multiple instruments can actually be beneficial, as it can help to improve overall musical skills and ability.

However, you need to understand that in order to learn guitar and piano at the same time you will need to dedicate yourself to the fullest. This means practicing routinely both instruments and possibly even having music lessons for both instruments.

While learning two instruments can be done, it is much easier if they are similar. Like learning guitar and bass at the same time. 

This does not mean that you will not be able to learn piano and guitar at the same time, but it will require an extra effort. Because both instruments are inherently different, in the way they are played.

While it is possible to learn guitar and piano at the same time, music students usually perform better if they are just learning one instrument. Since they are able to focus entirely on only one thing.

How long does it take to learn guitar and piano at the same time?

This depends a lot on your individual ability, your prior experience with both instruments, the amount of time you dedicate to practicing, and the quality of your practice routine. In order to learn guitar, you would need at least 1 year of constant study and practice. 

To learn guitar and piano at the same time, you will need at least one year to two years. This is considering you will put in a lot of effort, take music lessons, and practice every day. Although you can learn to play an instrument without a music teacher, it will be very helpful if you are trying to learn piano and guitar at the same time.

It will be faster if you focus on learning one instrument at a time, especially in the case of guitar and piano. While both instruments are played with your hands, and there are clear benefits of learning both at the same time, they are very different from each other.

This means that developing a certain technique on the guitar will not directly help you improve on the piano.

Does playing piano help with guitar

Yes, playing several instruments will make you a better musician. In the case of the piano, you will have a much better understanding of chords, and much better finger dexterity.

Although the finger movements required to play piano are very different from guitar, there are some similarities. Overall, playing the piano can help you learn how to play guitar. You will have more control over your fingers, and develop wrist, and finger strength that is essential to playing guitar.

Playing piano also gives you a lot of hand and eye coordination, which will make it easier to learn guitar.

Benefits of learning guitar and piano at the same time

There are many benefits to learning guitar and piano at the same time. One of the most obvious benefits is that you are able to play two different instruments. 

This can give you a better understanding of how music works and can help you to become a more versatile musician. 

Additionally, learning two instruments at the same time can help you to develop a better sense of rhythm and timing.

It will also improve your musical hearing ability and your knowledge of musical theory. The piano has always been the preferred instrument for composers. This is why learning both guitar and piano at the same time can help you start to compose your own songs.

What you need to learn guitar and piano at the same time

There are a few personality traits, as well as some advice we have if you want to learn guitar and piano at the same time. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Patience
• Dedication
• Time
• Perseverance
• Organize your practice routine
• Stay focused
• Learn the same songs and scales on both instruments

Patience

Patience is a virtue, and when it comes to learning a musical instrument it is essential. If you are planning to learn two instruments at the same time, you better start practicing your patience skills.

The truth is that you will find a lot of challenges, and it can be a demoralizing process. Learning guitar is already difficult, and when you add piano into the mix you are taking the difficulty level to 11!

Dedication

You will also need to dedicate yourself entirely to learning both instruments. This means not skipping practice, and trying to learn as much as you can every day.

Time

You’ll also need to have a lot of free time that is required to learn guitar and piano at the same time. If you have a busy schedule you might want to avoid trying to learn two instruments at the same time. Just focus on the one you like the most. 

Perseverance

It is a well-known fact that about 90% of every guitar student gives up eventually. There is no statistical data on the number of music students that try to learn piano and guitar at the same time and give up. 

It would probably be close to 99%. You need to remain focused and motivated to continue practicing both instruments.

Organize your practice routine

Organizing your learning process will also be extremely important. You need to be able to outline your practice routine for both instruments.

Stay focused

To learn both instruments at the same time you will need to stay focused during the entire process. 

Learn the same songs and scales on both instruments

An important part of the process will be to try to learn the same chords, songs, melodies, and scales at the same time. This will make it easy for you to interiorize everything. 

If you start learning different songs, chords, and scales on both instruments, you might find yourself completely lost.

Can you really learn two musical instruments at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to learn two musical instruments at the same time. However, this requires a lot of effort, dedication, and time. 

One of the reasons why most music students learn one instrument at a time is because it allows them to focus solely on one thing at a time. While not all of us are the same, it is usually easier to learn one instrument at a time.

It is generally believed that attempting to learn multiple instruments simultaneously can lead to decreased focus and mastery of any individual instrument. However, there are some notable musicians that are exceptional multi-instrumentalists. 

From Prince to Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield. All these exceptional musicians know how to play several instruments.

Is it better to learn piano or guitar first?

The piano is easier than the guitar, especially if you are young. With the piano, you can easily visualize all of the chords, and it is easier to learn music theory by seeing the intervals between notes, and how chords are built.

The guitar tends to be more complex because it is more difficult to visualize exactly what you are doing. The position of the guitar fretboard does not allow you to have the same control over the notes, and chords you are playing.

You should choose the instrument that speaks to you the most.

The piano tends to have more classical music, jazz, and pop feel. Since those music genres usually use it. The guitar tends to be more versatile because pretty much every music genre uses a guitar.

If you want to learn classical music and jazz, then you should consider learning the piano. If you want to learn more modern music, you can go with the guitar.

Piano vs Guitar: Difficulty

The two instruments differ in terms of their overall difficulty, especially in how each student perceives its difficulty. The guitar tends to be more complicated because, in the beginning, it requires more hand and eye coordination. 

A piano tends to be easier because it is far easier to visualize everything you are playing. The piano keys are right in front of you, which is a huge advantage. This is the main reason why children will start learning the piano, even if they are very young.

Is piano easy to learn after guitar?

Yes, although piano and guitar are not very similar, knowing how to play guitar will make it easier to learn piano. Because you will have a stronger musical theory knowledge, and you will also have your finger dexterity well developed.

Should I learn piano or guitar?

You should learn to play the instrument you like the most. Piano and guitar are both very versatile instruments.

In general, the piano may be a better choice for beginners because the keys are laid out in sequential order. This is one of the reasons children start by having piano lessons, even when they are very young. 

The guitar is more of an open-ended instrument that can be played in a variety of ways. This makes it more difficult to learn.

Choose the instruments that you like the most.