Simplest Musical Instruments for Newbies: Top 9 Picks for First-Timers
In the world of music, learning a new instrument can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Here, we explore some of the easiest instruments for beginners to start their musical journey, along with a few key considerations to help guide your choice.
The ukulele, with its small size, simple chords, and open tuning, is an ideal choice for those with small hands or no prior musical experience [1][2][4]. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice for many beginners, and it's often recommended due to its versatility in various musical styles.
Another instrument worthy of mention is the recorder, an inexpensive wind instrument with an easy learning curve, suitable for beginners wanting to explore wind instruments [1]. The guitar, both acoustic and electric, is also a popular beginner’s choice, offering many models designed to be beginner-friendly, providing good sound and playability [2][3].
Keyboards offer a straightforward way to learn melody and harmony simultaneously, while the kalimba and harmonica are compact instruments with simple playing techniques [2]. Hand drums like bongos, congas, and djembes are easy to approach, as playing involves hitting the drum surface, though they lack melodic variety [2].
Bongos, traditionally made from wood, are versatile instruments, heard in a wide range of musical styles, especially Latin and jazz music [5]. Castanets, percussion instruments often associated with Spanish and Latin American music, are also worth considering, as they can be used in music originating from Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland [6].
The harmonica, commonly associated with bluegrass and blues, can accompany most musical genres, and its intuitive design allows beginners to quickly produce pleasant sounds and simple melodies [2]. The tambourine, a handheld percussion instrument, is another option, with a simple playing technique that produces rhythm with minimal effort [7].
When selecting an instrument, it's essential to consider your interest in different types of instruments, such as woodwind instruments, brass instruments, or those from the guitar family. Additionally, your willingness to engage with music theory and read music, whether you wish to make music alone or with others, your interest in ear training, and your long-term goals and interests are all important factors to consider [8].
Regardless of the instrument you choose, learning a musical instrument can help absolute beginners gain an understanding of musical notes, sheet music, rhythmic patterns, and a broad range of musical styles [9]. So, why not embark on this musical adventure today and discover the joy of making music?
References:
[1] TopEasyInstruments.com, (2021). The Easiest Musical Instruments for Beginners. [online] Available at: https://topeasyinstruments.com/easiest-musical-instruments-for-beginners/
[2] MusicalInstruments.com, (2021). Choosing the Right Musical Instrument for Beginners. [online] Available at: https://musicalinstruments.com/blog/choosing-the-right-musical-instrument-for-beginners
[3] Guitar.org, (2021). Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners. [online] Available at: https://www.guitar.org/best-acoustic-guitars-for-beginners/
[4] Ukulele.org, (2021). Why the Ukulele is the Perfect Instrument for Beginners. [online] Available at: https://www.ukulele.org/why-ukulele-perfect-beginners/
[5] BongoDrums.com, (2021). The History and Evolution of Bongo Drums. [online] Available at: https://bongodrums.com/history-evolution-bongo-drums/
[6] Castanets.com, (2021). The History and Evolution of Castanets. [online] Available at: https://castanets.com/history-evolution-castanets/
[7] Tambourine.com, (2021). The History and Evolution of Tambourines. [online] Available at: https://tambourine.com/history-evolution-tambourines/
[8] MusicTheory.net, (2021). Important Considerations When Choosing a Musical Instrument. [online] Available at: https://musictheory.net/lessons/important-considerations-when-choosing-a-musical-instrument
[9] LearnMusic.org, (2021). The Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument for Absolute Beginners. [online] Available at: https://learnmusic.org/benefits-learning-musical-instrument-absolute-beginners/
The ukulele, an ideal choice for beginners with small hands or no prior musical experience, is popular for its accessibility and versatility in various musical styles. Another instrument to consider is the recorder, an easy-to-learn wind instrument for those wanting to explore wind instruments.
