Learning to Play a Second Instrument

Music enthusiasts sometimes wonder if it is easier to learn a second instrument if one is already proficient in playing one. To answer this question, I'd like to share my experience learning an instrument similar to the cello, but distinct from it. For over a year now, I have been learning how to play the viola da gamba. I have had the opportunity to play both the bass and the tenor so far.

There are significant differences between the two instruments, with one major distinction being the way the player holds them. The cello has an endpin upon which it rests, and the gamba has none. The latter changes a great deal in how the player interacts with the instrument. The lack of an endpin dictates more flexibility in movement during playing. And the fact that one has to hold the gamba using their legs has proven to be quite challenging. It took me quite some time to get the hang of it.

Another considerable difference is the way one holds the bow. The hand of the cello player rests on top, and the bow of the gamba rests in the hand of the player. This is an entirely different technique from what a cello player does.

Of course, many things that a musician already knows, such as notation, keys, and reading music, translate comfortably while learning how to play a second instrument. But even then, I came to learn a new key for playing on the gamba. In cello playing, we do read the tenor clef, but in gamba playing, I had to learn the alto clef used by viola players.

To make matters more interesting, the cello has four strings, and the gamba usually has six and sometimes even seven. I spent quite some time adjusting my left hand to navigate playing on six strings.

The challenges in these differences become apparent when playing in different forms. Feeling comfortable with the instrument, just as it is comfortable to sit down with a cello, has taken time. The key has been to persevere, no matter the difficulty, and observe how other gambists handle their instruments.

Yet another challenge has been to learn where the notes are and the system the instrument uses for fingerings.

The next challenge of holding the bow has been learning to produce a gamba sound as opposed to a cello sound. And this also takes time to learn and achieve, as one must have a proper understanding of the sound in their mind to do so. And since I have the cello sound in my head from years of playing and performing, sometimes I need to be reminded when my sound resembles a cello's rather than a gamba's.

Then there is the question of style, which is quite interesting to me. Learning how to play Early music on the gamba has been like going back to the roots. Many ideas that I have learned in gamba playing this past year, I have transferred into my cello playing as well. And it has been fascinating how my knowledge of playing the cello has helped me in learning the gamba, and the process has been reciprocal.

The challenges I have described are the most prominent issues one might face. However, even when one is a professional on an instrument, they have to make the proper adjustments learning another.

All in all, practicing, taking lessons, and keeping on by asking questions has proven to be very helpful. I am still learning and growing, and of course, at the same time, continuing my cello playing.

If you are a professional player, have you learned a second instrument? Please share your experiences in the comments below.