/r/askmusicians

Photograph via snooOG

A place for musicians to ask music related questions to be answered by a panel of (self proclaimed) experts. Got a question? Give us a try!

Calling all experts! We're looking for more people with specialized knowledge in anything related to music.

Question Examples

  • What strings should I buy for my guitar?
  • I'm interested in alternate tunings, can I have some examples?
  • How do I read tabs?
  • Where can I buy a good used flute?
  • How do I program drums?
  • I want to start producing music. What do I need to buy?

These questions and more can be answered right here at r/askmusicians! We're still setting up shop with CSS and formatting so give us a bit of time!


Flair categories

We are fortunate enough that (so far) people requesting their own personalized flair have given answers consistent with the weight of claiming to be proficient or an expert in their topic. However, should these circumstances change, action may be taken to restrict flair except to those who have proven themselves to be knowledgable in their area of expertise PRIOR to receiving flair. The flair system is still constantly being updated to keep it as bug-free and convenient as possible.

Moderators Percussion

Songwriting/Theory Strings

Woodwinds Music Genre Brass

Band Management Law Piano

Recording/Audio Engineering

Singing Business Quality Contributor


Related Subs (Restyling on the to-do list)

/r/drum (different than /r/drums)

/r/wearethemusicmakers

/r/musictheory

/r/askmusicians

7,102 Subscribers

0

What's y'all opinions I know it kinda sucks I just want feedback

Some people may say what it is like to not know Spanish in a Mexican household Wanna know I'll tell you I-t be like hey wei Hey dad what does that mean Don't worry about it Don't worry about it?? You tell me to learn Spanish but never tell me what the words mean But yet all y'all are still mad at me for not knowing (beat drop switch to low guitar) All the songs I learn off tiktok or YouTube not u All I wanted was to learn from u I know I have a bad memory yea all that is true Some days you're happy at me sometimes you're not all I want is to talk to you You and my brother taught me a Little bit about drawing I still like it it's just not the same You moved out a couple months ago Now mainly over here it's boring It's just not the same We would watch anime together Now I just don't want to watch anime any more I always said I hated you but u made it way less boring You brought me to your tiktok lives and videos I hated them We once did a workout live You I barely did a pushup When you were here I was motivated to workout It's now boring over here it's just not the same

0 Comments
2024/12/04
01:45 UTC

2

2.5 year old constantly impressed me

Hi, My toddler has always loved music and his favourite toys are ones with musical notes or his keyboard.

He can play 10 or more nursery rhymes on the keyboard and has learnt a couple just by hearing them. He can identify music notes across multiple octives and was even playing songs on his keyboard upside down today.

I have little to no musical talent and have been learning with him just to keep up but he is probably already gapped me with his skill set. I am after advice on how to nurture his love for musical but still challenge him as there is little to no resources of information for a kid so young with his ability.

Thank you

3 Comments
2024/12/02
07:33 UTC

2

Total amateur here, when it comes to song writing. I'm struggling with writing lyrics.

How exactly do I write lyrics in a way that fit rhythmically? I'm struggling on splitting up words into syllables, and knowing whether to use half notes, eighth notes, quaters, and so on, as well as when instead to use dotted notes. Its all so complicated, and I don't know how to make lyrics rhythmically flow together.

5 Comments
2024/12/02
01:27 UTC

2

Am I singing right? What are the mistakes in my singing?

Let's sing "Got Me Started" together on #Smule: https://www.smule.com/c/2893448129_4978908090

Let's sing "Rush" together on #Smule: https://www.smule.com/c/2893448129_4978915699

Let's sing "Supernatural" on #Smule: https://www.smule.com/c/2893448129_4978926540

0 Comments
2024/12/01
17:27 UTC

3

Weird venue owner interaction

Tonight my band were supposed to be playing a 2 hour set at a local bar.

Our singer sent a message to the venue owner as he always does: "on our way now, looking forward to playing. What's the parking situation like? Also, will we get a drink on the house?"

Now, I didn't know that he did this, and I'd never ask because I don't drink, but the reaction from the venue was a bit extreme.

A series of messages saying how unprofessional it was to ask for drinks and they no longer want us to play and will never be booking us again.

Am I crazy or is that an overreaction?

5 Comments
2024/12/01
02:37 UTC

2

What instrument was used in the intro of this song?

What instrument was used in the intro of this song? sounds like violin, viola? cello?

Remember the Name

1 Comment
2024/11/30
00:45 UTC

4

Does this sound good?

Want to know how I sound, is it any good?

6 Comments
2024/11/28
01:23 UTC

0

Friend

I want to make some friends who play musical instruments. Maybe we can play instruments together

1 Comment
2024/11/27
07:45 UTC

2

How can I make my vocal harmonies not sound so bad?

I am trying to work on a cover of a song using a vocal synth and I am up to the chorus part and every time I try writing out my harmonies a third up, they just seem to clash really badly. I am in the Key of C so I know there should not be any sharps of flats on the piano roll but when ever I play it back, it just sounds awful. So far this is what I have.

https://preview.redd.it/g1c16myhzd3e1.png?width=1554&format=png&auto=webp&s=29df0b10f2bb1d8a7715804e8cbc79fec7083f6b

The blue part is the original notes and the pink part is the harmony I made. Here is what it sounds like. (I will warn you now it is really bad)

https://vocaroo.com/1j4DsoQU20Au

I really don't want to but should I maybe just do an octave up if this can't be saved?

1 Comment
2024/11/27
06:18 UTC

0

AI Genre Identification

Anyone have a tool that tells you what genre your music is, cause I’ve no idea what to suggest for our new single and I need to input into our Spotify pitch

If someone smarter than me could tell me that would be ideal

Thank you in advance

4 Comments
2024/11/26
14:20 UTC

3

Tips for dancing while singing?

Can anyone point me in the direction of some good video tutorials on how to be dynamic on stage and "dance" without losing vocal technique?

I'm jumping around too much and while it adds to the energy, it's affecting my ability to sing.

Thank you!

0 Comments
2024/11/26
13:24 UTC

4

Bandlab… what are y’all’s opinions on it?

I use Bandlab for a lot of my recording/ mixing and honestly, as someone who is not super skilled in sound engineering yet and would rather focus on just playing the instruments and writing the music, it’s been pretty good to me! Of course I know this is nowhere near the best DAW out there, but I enjoy using it!

I don’t post my music on there, even though I post it everywhere else- just because I haven’t looked into that yet. Is anyone here also on Bandlab, and do you share your music on there?

Also, any tips or tricks that you’d like to recommend in that field?

4 Comments
2024/11/25
01:04 UTC

4

Should I even try?

I really love music, and want to be a full time musician. It is my life-long dream. I've already written songs but got told that I might need to fix them up a little. Totally fine, but I'm not sure if I should even try because I don't know whether or not my voice is good. Could yall help me out? (16W)

Don't mind the dirty carpet lol, it's clean now.

8 Comments
2024/11/25
00:46 UTC

7

Counting in your head

This question probably has been asked a million times here and i´m asking probably just because I´m frustrated.

I´ve been learning guitar for around a year now and drums somewhere a half year. My drumteacher and a good guitar player I know told, me I should always count eight notes in my head. I see why, but it is just so damn hard, when the rythm changes and overall. I know it helps me keep time and play without a metronom, it is just frustrating and annoying. I can´t do most things I previously did anymore. I should have started with it from the beginning...

How hard was it for you too learn and is it still hard after getting a feeling for it?

7 Comments
2024/11/24
20:31 UTC

1

Is my song good?

This is the first song I have created in almost four years (I had a really bad writing slump) and I think I'm serious about putting this song on YouTube and official starting my musical career but I'm not sure if it's any good. Am I overreacting or nah? (I'm a teen and it's a pop btw)

Song #1 Title: S.U.S

Verse 1: I be looking at you, like do I know you Why you doing things that you don't usually do But since I've changed my view, call it Clarity I know why you're desperate to avoid me

I know you'll try to push me away But I'm determined on making you stay If you think I'm bout to let this one go, no

Chorus: Cause I noticed your acting different lately
Don't tell me that I'm wrong, don't deny it baby Were running out of time So don't call me anxious Cause I know you, your acting different lately I could help you out, but only if you let me Were running out if time So don't call me anxious

Verse 2: (kinda rap) Yeah, and I said Hey I Don’t know the things, you Been dealing with lately, but I just want to I’m Here for you when you need, and just breathe You got a lot on your plate, boy tell me what you think I, I, I, I I know you'll try to push me away But I'm determined on making you stay And, if you think I'm bout to let this one go, no

Outro: Don’t call me anxious I know I’m right So don’t call me anxious

5 Comments
2024/11/24
18:22 UTC

1

Mixed time signatures

I’m convinced I’m hearing multiple over lapping time signatures or rhythms in Coldcuts ‘Music for no Mysicians’. It feels a bit like a Steve Reich piece with instruments or samples going in and out of phase. The thing is… I’m not a musician and don’t trust my ear. So if anyone wants to decipher / disabuse me of my musical suppositions, you can listen here: https://youtu.be/Tp4JNmuNLGo

3 Comments
2024/11/24
06:53 UTC

1

Drummer gifts

Well, I’m not a musician but my partner is. He plays drum and his style his math rock and microtonal rock. He told me he likes when drummers use all different kinds of objects to ad texture to songs. I asked him if he would like to have a cow bell and he said it wasn’t very much practical for what he does. What could be a good thing for a gift that he could use for his music ?

2 Comments
2024/11/24
00:03 UTC

1

Can anyone help me transcribe the themes in this song?

I study music at a public conservatory in Brazil and have to do a recital at the end of the 3 years of studying. I want to play a song called "Goiaba Branca" by the jazz fusion band "Jalt", but have no experience transcribing this complex of a song. Can anyone help at least with harmony and if possible main theme?

Here's the song on spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/track/7gWH57DlFLHy5P7gGIIeiP?si=ebb8baeedcb747aa

The band is new and unknown, so sheet music is not available at all.

1 Comment
2024/11/23
23:22 UTC

1

Please help me find this relaxing piano Music? ( i think it's new or around this decade)

0 Comments
2024/11/23
00:48 UTC

1

What Music Genre is Reigns of Castamere?

Hey guys, What Music Genre is Reigns of Castamere from the popular TV SHow Game of Thrones?

1 Comment
2024/11/21
22:20 UTC

1

Question for Guitarists

Hey! I am 22 and I’ve been playing guitar since I was about 11. I never learned how to read guitar music besides seeing the chord names above lyrics (G, C, D), but even then I barely know chord names. I kind of screwed myself by learning by ear and just watching videos rather than learning the basics. I am able to learn really any song I want to, which is a blessing. BUT… I am wanting to finally pursue doing gigs or events or just singing and playing for the public in general, kind of just doing covers.

Am I totally screwed getting gigs and guitar jobs/singing gigs if I can’t really read music and don’t know chord names, but can play everything?

4 Comments
2024/11/21
16:27 UTC

1

Record Label ask for a Demo

Hi, I'm a rising artist here. So someone dm'ed me from insta and says he's from a record label. He's interested on one of my songs that I recently released. He asked me to send a DEMO.

What doe she mean by a DEMO? Is it a track that I'm currently working on or something? Can anyone help me in this? It's my first time encountering it

5 Comments
2024/11/21
09:20 UTC

1

What is the style of The Substance OST by Rafferie ?

In the movie The Substance, Rafferie makes an incredible track full of deep basses used to introduce Sue.

What music style would that be called ? Something like "deep bass electro" something something ?

2 Comments
2024/11/20
21:25 UTC

1

I'm obsessed with Music

Hey Reddit. I'm obsessed with music. Mostly EDM and don't mind listening to other stuff. I work in music so I might dedicated my whole life to this S$%@. I'm kinda worried because I don't know what will happen. I'm 24 and still exploring. I enjoy DJing. I've have had a few rough moments and not so good times because of party attitudes and drunk people. But I guess that's part of it? I like doing events and want to be able to pursue/build something I am truly passionate about.

Any advice from current musicians and retired ones as well.

1 Comment
2024/11/20
03:44 UTC

2

How do you go about getting your songs in shows/ movies?

I’d really like to get my songs in some movies, especially indie/ smaller budget movies! I feel like my song Personal Eclipse would suit an indie slasher film well. But as far as royalties and copyrighting goes, how do I make sure I have all my bases covered before reaching out to a film producer? I have an account with ASCAP and already have my music submitted to that- is that all I need?

Thank you in advance!!

2 Comments
2024/11/20
00:06 UTC

2

How do you go about creating and selling your merch?

I’ve been looking into this for a WHILE but haven’t found a good POD or anything that seems to work for me. Is a POD the way to go? Is it worth the investment to just make t-shirts myself at home? I’d love some input from musicians with prior experience in this!!

Thank you in advance!!

3 Comments
2024/11/20
00:04 UTC

4

Musician/singer songwriter going broke

So i don’t normally post on Reddit, and most especially about this. As of right now I’ve been a musician/singer songwriter for more than 10 plus years. I’m 38yrs old and have been at this one project for at least 5yrs. We went MIA from 2020 until the February of this year. I got lucky and someone with a big following on TikTok posted our songs and with that we managed to get 20k monthly listeners on Spotify but i have had a hard time reflecting that back on our socials and on top of that I’m paying gigging musicians to play the music. This can cost me anywhere from 400-800 a gig. I dont have merch and i can’t seem to get a booking agent whatsoever. I have friends with connections in the industry that never pan out. I’m going broke doing this, i only make 34k a year at my day job and all of the money left over from bills is poured into this dumpster fire. I don’t know if i can keep going, I’m tired, i feel old and in light of recent events i don’t feel safe continuing living paycheck to paycheck playing music. Should i give up if I’m feel the way i am feeling. I’m afraid if i do i won’t be able to come back in this capacity. Any advice would be welcomed.

14 Comments
2024/11/19
22:01 UTC

1

Graduate student here…looking for help for a study on musical instrument demand.

Hello, I am doing a project about musicians and demand for musical instruments for a graduate school project and was hoping this community could provide insight for our team.  Please be kind and fill out this brief survey: https://jh.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0J3gfLg6p2qpauO

I’m grateful for your help and apologize if surveys aren’t allowed here! (I saw nothing in the rules against it.)

0 Comments
2024/11/19
19:01 UTC

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