Are you ready for a musical journey, but don’t know where to start? Learning to play an instrument can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. The good news, however, is that many instruments are relatively easy to learn and can set you on your musical path.
In this article, we explore some of the easiest instruments to learn that are perfect for beginners. Whether you have a passion for music or just want to learn a new skill, these instruments will help you build a solid foundation and develop your musical abilities.
So, if you’re ready to become a musician, keep reading to discover the best and easiest instruments to learn.
How to Decide Which Instrument to Learn?
Choosing an instrument to learn can be a difficult decision. With so many available options, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you. However, there are a few factors to consider that can make the decision easier.
Type of music you listen to: First, think about the type of music you enjoy listening to. For example, if you love the sound of the guitar, it might be a good choice for you to learn. Alternatively, learning the piano or violin might be a better fit if you love classical music.
Physical capabilities: Another factor to consider is your physical capabilities. Some instruments require more physical strength and skill than others. For instance, drums require a lot of physical coordination, while the ukulele is relatively easy to learn and play.
Budget: You should consider your budget. Some instruments are more expensive than others, and ongoing costs such as lessons and maintenance should also be taken into account.
Passion: Ultimately, the most crucial factor is your passion for the instrument. If you are genuinely interested in learning and playing a specific instrument, it will be easier to stay motivated and make progress.
With a bit of research and consideration of these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the instrument that suits you best.
Top 10 Easiest Instruments to Learn for Every Skill Level
Learning to play an instrument can be a challenging but rewarding experience. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming for those who are just starting out or want to add another instrument to their skills.
Fortunately, there are several instruments that are easy to learn, regardless of your skill level or musical background. Here are 10 of the easiest instruments to learn for every age and skill level:
1. Recorder
The simple recorder often gets a bad reputation. Parents might cringe at the thought of their child learning this instrument, but not everyone is a natural virtuoso from the start. In reality, in the right hands, the recorder can produce sweet and soothing melodies.
Moreover, the recorder, like many of our first instruments, is known for its ease of learning. It is the perfect tool to teach young people essential musical knowledge, including how to read sheet music and understand concepts such as pitch and tempo.
Even children with developing lungs can relatively easily produce sounds on the recorder, thanks to the low required breath capacity. This affordable instrument comes in various pitches, from the high soprano to the deeper tenor and alto.
Furthermore, mastering the recorder can pave the way for playing more advanced instruments, such as the saxophone, clarinet, or flute, as the fingering is the same. All in all, the recorder is an excellent stepping stone to more complex musical instruments.
2. Guitar
While the guitar might be somewhat more challenging than some of the other instruments on this list, it’s an excellent option for anyone to learn due to the quick rewards. It’s relatively simple to understand chords and strumming, and you can play a song in no time with just a few chords.
The guitar is not only a fun and rewarding instrument to learn, but it also teaches another form of music notation. When reading guitar tablature, many reasoning processes in the brain are involved, translating written instructions into real-life movements.
For beginners, it’s advisable to start with nylon strings, which are softer on little fingers. Guitarists who use steel strings often develop calluses on their fingers from playing, which they usually wear with pride.
It’s also important to consider the size of the guitar so that your hands are big enough to reach all the strings. Learning to play the guitar is an excellent way to practice valuable skills, create an enjoyable lifelong habit, and build connections over musical passions.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the guitar is a versatile instrument that offers endless possibilities for growth and self-expression.
3. Bongos
With their Cuban roots and two joined drums, bongos can transport you to a salsa music paradise. These drums offer a simpler option than a full drum set, yet still provide the same satisfying percussive experience.
Even without any technical knowledge, pounding on bongos is incredibly fun. Bongos are one of the easiest instruments to learn the basics of, although mastering them can be challenging.
Moreover, bongos are a truly social instrument. Joining a drum circle, playing with a salsa band, or just jamming with friends are all possibilities with bongos. As an added benefit, playing the bongos improves your rhythm skills, which you can apply to other instruments.
Additionally, bongos are highly portable and easy to carry in the back of your car or under your arm. They are also an excellent option for children, as they are the easiest instrument for children to learn.
So, if you’re looking for a rhythmic adventure and a chance to become a sought-after member of a musical group, bongos might be the perfect match.
4. Harmonica
The harmonica, also known as the “Blues Harp,” is an excellent option for adult beginners interested in blues, jazz, rock, folk, or country music. You don’t need to know much about this instrument to start playing. Moreover, every note you play is “in key,” making it difficult to sound bad on the harmonica.
One of the greatest advantages of the harmonica is its portability. You can take it anywhere and practice, making it the perfect instrument to carry on the go. Whether you’re inspired by Bob Dylan’s folk style or the jazz and blues music of Toots Thielemans, you can practice and perfect your skills wherever you are.
5. Ukulele
The ukulele is one of the most accessible and enjoyable instruments out there, and it won’t break the bank either. With just four nylon strings, a ukulele is an excellent option for those wanting to learn a new skill or expand their musical repertoire.
You can learn simple chords in just a few weeks and play some of your favorite tunes. It also provides fundamental skills that can come in handy if you ever want to graduate to playing the guitar.
Despite its small size, the ukulele can still pack a punch. You can also play a variety of tunes with just a few chords and sing along with friends. It is versatile enough to play music in any genre, from blues to singer-songwriter.
Many people find the ukulele easier to play than the guitar because it doesn’t require as much finger strength. You can master the basics of the ukulele in just a few lessons.
There are many good reasons to learn the ukulele, such as affordability, portability, and ease of play. Moreover, it is the easiest string instrument to learn for beginners and can be used to play virtually any song with just a few chords. So why not pick up a ukulele and strum your way to musical bliss?
6. Piano
Although it may seem daunting at first, the piano is one of the most accessible musical instruments for adults to learn. The benefits of playing the piano go beyond just learning the instrument itself.
For example, learning to read sheet music for piano lays the groundwork for reading music on almost any other Western instrument. Moreover, the music concepts and terms you learn in piano lessons are universal, making you a better musician overall.
Unlike other instruments, the piano has all the notes laid out in front of you, making it easy to understand. While you can play wrong notes, you can’t be out of tune as with other instruments.
Furthermore, the piano is incredibly versatile, capable of playing any music style, from pop to rock to classical. There’s an endless amount of learning material available, making it easy to make progress and improve along the way.
Playing the piano is not only useful but also incredibly beautiful. Few sounds are as pleasing as a piano, and knowing how to play can keep you engaged for hours.
7. Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel (glock-ench-peel) is a miniature xylophone with metal bars that generate a bright and cheerful sound. You might remember it from your elementary school music classes or children’s music lessons. Learning the glockenspiel can connect you with your inner musician and inner child.
This instrument is commonly used in marching bands, making it an excellent way to join a gathering of musicians in local marching or other bands. You can meet new friends and grow your community while playing this unique instrument.
Moreover, the glockenspiel is considered one of the simplest instruments to learn, making it an excellent option for beginners. It offers a solid foundation in music theory, helps you learn pitch and rhythm, and understand the structure of the Western scale.
These skills will come in handy if you decide to play an instrument like the piano later on. So why not try the glockenspiel and see where it takes you?
8. Keyboard
The keyboard is an excellent instrument that anyone can learn and it’s easy to get started with. By learning to play the keyboard, a person can understand how to read sheet music, convert notes into chords, understand harmonies, and play something by ear, all of which form the basis of music theory.
Moreover, the keyboard develops hand-eye coordination, making it easier to learn than other musical instruments. Just like the guitar, it doesn’t take long before a keyboardist can see the rewards of their work.
It may take years to become remarkable, but playing along with a cherished song can take just months. This instrument is also an inexpensive way to develop skills that allow you to create your own music.
9. Tambourine
Despite its simplicity, the tambourine is a versatile instrument that is often overlooked. With a basic structure that includes small ringing cymbals known as “jingles,” the round tambourine comes in various variants.
Players can produce different sounds by shaking or hitting the tambourine, making it an excellent tool for learning basic percussion. The best part is that the tambourine can accompany almost anything, from a guitarist to a radio hit.
10. DJ Controller
When it comes to easy learning, a DJ controller might not be the first instrument that comes to mind, but it’s actually a simple and effective tool for learning music. DJ controllers are available in various markets, from controllers explicitly made for home use or learning purposes to pricey models designed for experienced DJs.
Moreover, learning to use a DJ controller is a modern and fun approach to music education. Creating a good DJ set involves a lot of music theory. The person learning to use a DJ controller develops a keen sense of tempo, rhythm, and pitch and the ability to understand how songs are structured.
If you’re hesitant to spend money on a DJ controller, you can first practice on a computer or iPad. Some programs come with libraries of sounds and loops, so you can learn more about music production and make songs in no time. There are also other apps available that can give you a background in the DJ game.
Learning to use a DJ controller is an excellent way to expose yourself to the world of music and technology. It’s a fun and modern approach to music education that can teach valuable skills and provide a creative outlet for your imagination.
How to Get the Recognition You Deserve on Spotify
A music career progresses slowly in the initial phase, whether it takes months or years. You can avoid waiting months for people to discover your music and get organic streams by buying Spotify streams to quickly increase your count.
When potential fans search for your artist, they will be more interested in you if your page has a large number of likes and followers. There’s a reason why a list of your most-streamed songs is one of the first things on your page.
Therefore, buying Spotify followers is essential when starting your music career; the faster you do it, the better!
The bottom line
If you’ve been thinking about learning a musical instrument but are unsure where to start, consider the instruments on this list of the easiest instruments to learn.
Each instrument has unique benefits, from the recorder and tambourine to the guitar and keyboard, and can provide a fun and rewarding musical journey for beginners.
Learning an instrument can also be a great way to practice valuable skills, such as hand-eye coordination, and improve your musical knowledge. It can also be a social experience that connects you with a community of musicians and provides an outlet for creativity.
So why wait? Start your musical journey today with one of these easy-to-learn instruments and experience the joy of making music for yourself.