10 Picks for the Best Instrument to Learn for Beginners

1. Ukulele

The ukulele is small, portable, and has easy-to-learn chord patterns, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to play melodies and strum along with songs. The ukulele has a simple and user-friendly design with just four strings, which makes it easier for beginners to learn compared to instruments with more strings or complex fingering patterns. Due to its simplicity, beginners can make relatively quick progress on the ukulele, allowing them to start playing songs and enjoying music early on in their learning journey. Many popular songs can be played on the ukulele using just a few basic chords.

The ukulele is often used as an accompaniment to singing, making it a great instrument for those who enjoy singing along with their playing. The ukulele's cheerful and bright sound can provide beginners with a positive and enjoyable musical experience.

Ukuleles are generally more affordable than many other musical instruments, making them accessible to a wide range of beginners.

2. Piano/Keyboard

Learning to play the piano or keyboard provides a solid foundation in music theory and is visually intuitive, especially with beginner-friendly digital keyboards. The piano's keyboard layout is visually intuitive. The pattern of white and black keys follows a logical and repetitive sequence, making it easier to understand and remember. This layout simplifies the process of finding and playing notes. The piano is incredibly versatile and can be used to play a wide range of musical styles, from classical and jazz to pop, rock, and more. This versatility allows beginners to explore different genres.

There is an abundance of educational resources available for piano beginners, including method books, online tutorials, and qualified teachers, making it easier to find guidance and instruction. Unlike some instruments that require specific physical attributes (e.g., long arms for a double bass), the piano is accessible to people of various ages and physical sizes.

3. Acoustc Guitar

The acoustic guitar is versatile, and basic chords can be learned relatively quickly. There's a wealth of online tutorials and resources available.

Affordability: Acoustic guitars are generally more affordable than electric guitars, making them accessible to a wide range of beginners, including those on a budget.

No Additional Equipment Needed: Unlike electric guitars, acoustic guitars do not require additional equipment such as amplifiers or cables to produce sound. Beginners can start playing right away without the need for extra gear.

Portability: Acoustic guitars are highly portable and don't rely on electricity, allowing beginners to practice and play music wherever they choose, whether indoors or outdoors.

Builds Finger Strength and Dexterity: Learning to fret and strum an acoustic guitar can help beginners build finger strength and dexterity, which can be beneficial if they later choose to transition to an electric guitar or another instrument.

4. Electric Guitar

While electric guitars may require more equipment, they offer a wide range of sounds and styles, making them appealing to many beginners. Electric guitars typically have thinner necks and lighter strings compared to acoustic guitars. This makes them easier on the fingers and more comfortable for beginners, especially those who may not have built up finger strength yet.

Electric guitars require an amplifier to produce sound, and this amplification can make it easier for beginners to hear and monitor their playing. It also allows for adjustments in volume, tone, and effects, which can be fun and motivating for beginners. There are numerous online tutorials, lessons, and resources available for electric guitar beginners. This wealth of information can make it easier for beginners to find guidance and instruction.

5. Recorder

Often taught in schools, the recorder is a simple woodwind instrument that helps beginners learn to read sheet music and understand basic musical concepts. While the recorder is often associated with classical music, it can be used to play a wide range of musical styles, from folk tunes to popular songs.

The recorder has a relatively simple and straightforward fingering system, making it easy for beginners to learn and remember finger positions for playing different notes. Recorders are small and portable, making them easy to carry and practice with anywhere. They do not require a case or large accessories.

Recorders are typically inexpensive, making them accessible for beginners who may not want to invest in a more costly instrument initially.

6. Violin

The violin's small size and limited fingerboard make it approachable for beginners. It's a great introduction to playing orchestral instruments.

Some individuals might find the violin suitable for them as beginners if they have certain preferences or circumstances. If someone has a strong passion and desire to learn the violin, their motivation can help overcome initial challenges and frustrations.

7. Drums

When you start playing drums, you can produce sounds immediately. You don't need to spend time learning specific fingerings or embouchure techniques as you would with many other instruments. Humans have a natural sense of rhythm, and drumming allows you to tap into this innate ability. Many people find it easier to develop basic rhythm patterns on drums compared to mastering complex melodies on other instruments.

Entry-level drum kits are relatively affordable, especially when compared to some other musical instruments. This makes it easier for beginners to get started without a significant financial investment.

8. Flute

The ease of learning to play the flute can vary from person to person, but there are several factors that contribute to why the flute is often considered a relatively easy instrument for beginners:

Simplified Fingering System: The flute has a relatively simple fingering system compared to many other instruments. It has a limited number of keys and buttons, making it easier for beginners to learn finger placement and basic melodies.

Immediate Sound Production: When you blow into the flute's mouthpiece, it produces sound immediately. There is no need to spend time developing tone production like with some other instruments.

Compact and Portable: The flute is a compact and portable instrument, which makes it easy to carry around and practice without the need for a large case or heavy equipment.

Affordable Entry-Level Instruments: Entry-level flutes are available at relatively affordable prices, making it easier for beginners to acquire their first instrument.

9. Your Own Voice

Singing is often considered easy to start for several reasons:

Accessibility: Singing requires no special equipment or instruments. You don't need to invest in expensive gear or musical instruments to get started. You always have your voice with you.

Universal: Singing is a universal form of expression. People from all cultures and backgrounds engage in singing, making it a welcoming and inclusive activity.

Low Barrier to Entry: Unlike some musical instruments that require months or years of practice to play well, you can start singing songs and making music relatively quickly. This makes it accessible to beginners.

Immediate Feedback: When you sing, you can immediately hear the sounds you produce. This immediate feedback can be encouraging for beginners and help them gauge their progress.

10. Harmonica

The harmonica has a compact design with a limited number of holes, typically 10, simplifying the learning process.

Its intuitive layout arranges notes in a straightforward manner, allowing beginners to grasp melodies and scales quickly. Unlike many other instruments, harmonica playing doesn't involve complex fingerings or hand positions, making it accessible to novices. With basic techniques such as blowing and drawing air, beginners can create pleasing sounds almost instantly, providing immediate gratification. Abundant online tutorials, lesson books, and instructional materials cater specifically to beginners, offering structured guidance to help them progress rapidly.