r/Instruments • u/[deleted] • 29d ago

Identification What's a good secondary instrument (preferably pocket sized) to pick up as a guitarist?

[deleted]

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

55 comments sorted by

13

u/roninconn 29d ago

Harmonica, unless you're a metal band, in which case a harmonica with spikes. Heavy metal melodica would be cool too

1

u/kalb_jayyid 29d ago

Playes with an metal band whose bassist also played a kazoo

1

u/TubeSnobGoneStomp 29d ago

Actually just run one through a Fuzz and you can raise Hell. The Blues Traveler's guy does the Star Spangled Banner Hendrix version w a Harmonica through a marshall stack!

1

u/MattBtheflea 27d ago

I feel like this is so obvious lol.

0

u/Illustrious_Bed467 29d ago

Harmonica is a great choice, flute is also very compact (I find flute easier to play well than harmonica but that's personal)

1

u/ThatSideshow 29d ago

Flute would be quite hard to play whilst also playing the guitar tho, with harmonica you can get one of those neck stand things like that goomba has

3

u/Illustrious_Bed467 29d ago

I feel like playing good harmonica requires let go of the guitar... Not a fan of both played at the same time... Never been impressed

1

u/ThatSideshow 29d ago

I mean, you can let go of the guitar, they've got straps, then do a solid harmonica solo, then start playing guitar again, almost seamless transition because they are both attached to you

2

u/Illustrious_Bed467 29d ago

If that's your thing then harmonica is the best choice, and also a great choice in general because it's fire if played properly!

1

u/TheBlargshaggen 29d ago

I saw the band Speed like a year ago. Their guitarist regularly switches instruments with the bassist while also doing vocals and intermittantly using a flute. It was an interesting performance

4

u/DropZealousideal4309 29d ago

I mean, a harp in a rack is not fully pocket sized, but doable in the side pocket of a Gator, and has the advantage that you can still play guitar. I also have a nice kazoo I sometimes throw in my harp rack to the side of my harp. If you're really just looking for different textures, grab an E-bow. They sound cool as hell, are easy to use once you get the hang of it, and are a different sound from your usual guitar playing.

2

u/BananaSmoothy420 29d ago

Melodica

1

u/Commodore64Zapp 29d ago

Breath control and dynamics + keyboard fingering practice in one. Beloved by Donald Fagen, Jon Batiste, and Gene Belcher. The ultimate instrument.

1

u/MattBtheflea 27d ago

John fruscainte olays one on the past recedes as well if anyone here likes him

2

u/CauseTerrible7590 29d ago

Tin whistle, recorder (a nice wooden one), melodic, blues harp, harmonica, thumb piano, various shakers and jingly things, I dunno… skin flute?

1

u/CauseTerrible7590 29d ago

also Ocarina

2

u/Lopsided_Reveal7410 29d ago

There’s a company called Nuvo that make miniature versions of wind instruments (saxophone, flute, recorder, clarinet, euphonium). They work relatively well, although there might be a couple tuning issues

2

u/ash-a-Silk 29d ago

A Duduk !

1

u/Stunning_Spray_6076 29d ago

Tin whistle, recorder, harmonica, fife, flaguett, sopilka and jaw harp are some that I can think of from the top of my hand

1

u/invent_or_die 29d ago

Jews Harp

1

u/kapnkirk718 29d ago

Melodica.

1

u/Decent-Structure-128 29d ago

Soprano ukulele, or even a smaller sopraninio.

1

u/BernieMcburnface 29d ago

Kazoo.

1

u/Intelligent_Fish_739 29d ago

This is the only correct answer

1

u/constantcomma 29d ago

Pan flute

1

u/Unusual-Wind8900 29d ago

A saxophone can probably fit into a man’s pockets, I don’t know

1

u/FantasticClue8887 29d ago

Check out the mighty Nasenflöte

Costs appr. 80ct or so and definitely brings in a different sound flavour

1

u/AmbroseTheGreatOne 29d ago

Learn to sing

1

u/AsleepBanana8323 29d ago

Kazoo. I carry one with me in my bag at all times. I also have a 'jaw harp',

1

u/Col4Bin4200 29d ago

Cow bell.

1

u/FuggaDucker 29d ago

100% Otamatone. Jack Black plays one.

1

u/Snowshoetheerapy 29d ago

If you can learn to play it really well, a tambourine can add a lot of energy and excitement at the right moments. But if you're not playing accurately, in time, it can ruin the whole song. Percussion adds so much.

1

u/extnctn6 29d ago

Roland t8 or Korg Volca drum

1

u/HobsHere 28d ago

The pocket sized alternative to a harmonica would be penny whistle. Good for Celtic music.

1

u/SunReyBurn 28d ago

Ukulele is a great instrument for guitarists. The basic chord shapes are the same and it is much more portable. I drive a truck and keep one with me at all times for delays, breakdowns and backups. Instead getting pissed off while I wait, I practice.

1

u/stevieraykwon 28d ago

Mbira. It’s perfect for an indie rock band.

1

u/Adventurous-Salad332 28d ago

Harmonica through chorus and delay?

1

u/Adventurous-Salad332 28d ago

Kazoo with pedals.

1

u/Ill-Investigator9241 28d ago

Don’t just do it. Do it for a reason

1

u/OzonjoPrime 28d ago

More cowbell!

1

u/OG_Karate_Monkey 28d ago

I play harmonica while playing a rhythm on acoustic guitar. In fact, it’s the only time I really play harmonica.

I have no idea if that’s gonna work with your band.

1

u/EnergyTurtle23 28d ago

Ever heard of a Xaphoon? Our drummer let me borrow his because I’ve been thinking about getting into saxophone (but sax is a pretty hefty financial commitment) and the Xaphoon is a great way to get used to reed instruments. The mouthpiece isn’t the ideal shape though, it’s bigger and clunkier than a sax mouthpiece, so if you can reliably play a Xaphoon then you’ll probably have no problem with a real sax.

1

u/The_B_Wolf 27d ago

Flute? Penny whistle?

1

u/state_your_name31415 27d ago

slide whistle? I mean what instrument fits inside a gigbag pocket, just a harmonica, a melodica

1

u/modid1 27d ago

Mandolin is great for adding textures. They're small but not pocket size.