Is it possible to play multiple instruments if one has extra arms?

Question

I'm currently thinking of a sci-fi story steeped in realism and I have an alien race with multiple arms/appendages. Would it be possible for such a race to play at least two different kinds of instruments simultaneously? It would be great if I could get some proof or reassurance from musicians themselves and perhaps a biologist as well. Thank you.

Answer 1

You dont even need extra arms. Have you ever seen Mary Poppins where d**k Van d**e is a one man band in one scene?

How about Bob Dylan playing guitar and harmonica at the same time.

Ive heard of people who can write with both hands in different languages at the same time. My mind tells me thats gotta be harder than playing two instruments.

Of course a talented alien with 4 arms for example could play several instruments at once.

Answer 2

yes it is.

i was at a gig where my pal vishnu was playing drum, bass, lead and keyboard.

yeah that was in india, great gig til that a*****e ra turned up.

started giving vishnu sht for being blue. what a racist deity prick.

Answer 3

mmm - steeped in realism eh? sounds like a great story. Let me know when you're finished and I'll buy a copy, but only if you sign it (with one arm)

Answer 4

Yes, it's possible, but it'd be really hard keeping your rhythm and beat and all. (like if it were guitar and drums) :O

Answer 5

I've seen shows with a one-man band.  He had a big bass drum with a horn and whistle on top, and cymbals between his knees.  If you had extra arms, you could learn to play a wind instrument with one set, like a trumpet, and a percussion with the other, like the piano or accordion.

Answer 6

Its an Alien Race. You can make'em do anything you want right?

Anyhow if a person had, say 4 arms, they wouldnt be able to play two guitars. People are limited by their brains. Its kind of like thinking about two people talking at the same time. Cant be done.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Grow some extra arms and try it !

Answer 9

no cause you only got 1 mouth

Answer 10

Sure, why not. One set of arms can play the sax, and another can play the guitar.

Answer 11

WITH TWO ARMS YOU CAN EASILY PLAY A GUITAR AND A HARMONICA AND CAN EVEN ADD ANOTHER INSTRUMENT THAT CAN BE MANIPULATED BY THE FEET. HOW MUCH MORE IF YOU PROVIDE AN EXTRA ARM.

Answer 12

Sure, why not?  As long as they only play one that needs to be blown into.  Four arms could get you a violin and a viola, a violin and a clarinet, a violin and a piano ....

Answer 13

Yes , I saw a centipede one time that was a complete orchestra

Answer 14

drummers like me do that all the time. Each of the drums we play have their own unique beat, and can advance drummers can do beats that are way unrelated to the other beats on the other drums and still not get distracted. Unlike all the other musicians we use our feet as arms as well.

Answer 15

I don't know why not.  Drummers are essentially playing two different instruments.

Answer 16

Yes........ A lot of people can play guitar and harmonica at the same time...............

..

Answer 17

I don't know but I bet lord Shiva can dance to the music!