Mastering the art of using a musical instrument to bring a beautiful sound to life is rewarding in so many ways. Music can instill discipline, improve executive brain functions, and strengthen motor-skills coordination in kids and adults as well. It can also help them express creativity-emotions, and devise healthy measures for coping with stress.
For those who remain committed to it and hone their skills, they can build a successful musical career. But knowing where to start is often a challenge for many people who want to try their hand at this charming art. With tons of different musical instruments, finding one that is newbie-friendly can be a herculean task. Luckily, this article will take you through the 10 best musical instruments that are beginner-friendly to help you choose an instrument that will inspire you to play.
1. Non-electric Guitar
The guitar is undoubtedly one of the world’s most-played musical instruments. It’s ideal for learners aged 6 years and above. Non-electric guitars are easier to master and therefore ideal for those who are just starting. They come in a wide array of sizes and styles to meet the unique needs of every learner. Guitars complement other musical instruments and still sound amazing when played solo. If you want to record the audio, consider getting an audio interface.
2. Ukulele
This small, fancy, and portable instrument is a great choice for beginners. It resembles a mini-guitar with four nylon strings, which are easier to press and play than nickel or steel strings. Thanks to its petite size, young musicians can enjoy carrying it around and sharpening their skills. You can master playing several chords within a short duration, and even acquaint yourself with a few songs. More importantly, the ukulele produces a pleasant sound that soothes your ears.
3. Piano or Keyboard
Learning piano isn’t as convenient as the ukulele or even the guitar. Other than occupying a big portion of space in your house, a piano is also a bit costly. You’ll also need to have it tuned by a professional and a couple of formal lessons to grasp the basics of playing the instrument. If you are also keen on and talented in composing and writing notes, you could use platforms such as Flat.io, which is a collaborative and learning tool that makes writing notes more easy and more fun, as you can share them with your friends and check scores. That aside, the biggest advantage of learning piano is that you acquire an in-depth knowledge of music theory, which is applicable in nearly all other instruments. It also allows you to add an audio interface for better quality recording.
4. Trumpet
This instrument boasts a long and memorable history in the musical world. It has been in existence as early as 1500 BC. With physical stamina and professional guidance on how to control the breath and keys properly, the trumpet has proven itself as an excellent tool for innovation. Playing trumpet guarantees you a fun-filled experience, but it’s not ideal for DIY music because it requires lots of guidance.
5. Violin
Violin has been instrumental in music composition and development for almost five centuries. Violins come in a broad range of sizes to suit the learner’s age and needs. If you’re just starting, non-electric violins will be the best pick for you. With determination and a few lessons, the violin is fun to learn.
6. Cello
This instrument is larger than the violin. It’s well known for its ability to produce emotional and melancholic sounds. Other than being a great solo instrument, it can be combined with violas and violins to generate trios or quartets. Just like the violin, determination and proper guidance are important ingredients in learning the cello. For a better musical experience, people can add audio systems which to make it perfect needs an audio interface.
7. Drums
Drums are one of the most awe-inspiring instruments to learn and to play. Thanks to their ability to produce rhythm-rich sound, all other musical instruments draw their tempo from drums. But like all musical instruments, you need to be extra careful to avoid common mistakes that beginners make while starting. Consider starting with simple beats and regular drum rolls before transitioning to more intricate drumming patterns.
8. Recorder
The recorder is technically one of the easiest woodwinds to learn. With just a simple fingering chart, you can learn how to play the recorder on your own. This ultraportable device teaches you to breathe control and appropriate finger positioning, which are the most basic and essential techniques of woodwinds. Once you get used to a recorder, you can challenge yourself with more complex mouthpieces like clarinet or flute.
9. Saxophones
The saxophone has cemented its place in the music scene due to its versatile nature. It’s used in various genres, from Blue to Rock to R&B to Jazz. It also comes in various sizes and types, including soprano, alto, baritone, and tenor. Beginners should consider starting with the alto saxophone.
10. Harmonica
Harmonica is another versatile and newbie-friendly musical instrument that has cut its place in numerous genres like Blues, Country, Folk, and Rock Bands. It’s extremely portable, so you can carry it anywhere you want during your free time. It’s also affordable, meaning you can widen your range of keys by investing in a handful of different harmonicas.
The Key Takeaways
When choosing a beginner-friendly musical instrument, you should choose whatever inspires your inner artist to shine. In addition to the sound you like, consider the instrument’s physicality. For example, pianos require serious motor coordination while recorders require lots of breath control and correct finger positioning. But also bear in mind that learning an instrument is a journey that takes time, determination, and continuous practice.
Blurb
Adyan is a music producer. He has been doing this job for nearly 10 years now. Other than that, his hobby is writing and he has stuck to that for many reasons. He has been through some hardships when he first started his career as a music producer. For that reason, he likes to write about topics related to music in order to reach out to new audiences and share some helpful tips for people in that industry.