Mastering the art of playing a musical instrument to produce beautiful sounds is rewarding. Music has various benefits such as instilling discipline, improving executive brain functions, enhancing coordination, and providing an outlet for creativity and emotions, as well as offering healthy ways to cope with stress.
For those who are dedicated and work to improve their skills, a successful musical career can be within reach. However, for many people, knowing where to start can be a challenge, especially when faced with a multitude of different musical instruments for beginners.
So, in this post we will take you to the top 10 musical instruments for beginners, helping you to choose an instrument that will inspire and motivate you to play.
The 10 Best and Easy to Learn Musical Instruments for Beginners
Picking up a musical instrument can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to choose one that you will enjoy learning.
So, here is a list of the 10 best musical instruments for beginners to get started with: -
1. Digital Piano/Keyboard
Pianos and keyboards have their own category and are favoured by beginner musicians because they are easy to start playing right away. Piano students usually learn to play melodies and simple songs early on. Starting with the piano helps musicians develop timing and an ear for musical notes, octaves, and tones.
Keyboards are generally easier because they are relatively lightweight and can be moved more easily than a full-sized piano. Keyboards are also fun to play because they often have many settings, allowing you to play unique sounds, not just the traditional acoustic piano notes.
2. Classical /Acoustic Guitar
The guitar is definitely one of the most popular musical instruments in the world. It's great for learners aged 6 years and older. Acoustic guitars are easier to learn than electric ones and are therefore perfect for beginners.
They come in various sizes and styles to cater to the individual needs of each learner. Guitars complement other musical instruments and also sound amazing when played solo.
3. Flute
The flute is a great instrument to start with in the woodwind family. Unlike the clarinet, oboe, or bassoon, the flute does not have a reed, making it a bit simpler to learn the basics of playing a woodwind instrument.
So, if you want your child to make new friends and develop teamwork and communication skills, the flute is a great choice.
4. Snare/Bass Drum
Percussion is a great instrument for beginners to develop rhythm and maintain a steady beat. While learning to play a full drum kit can be challenging, beginners can start by learning the basics on other percussive instruments such as the snare drum, bass drum, glockenspiel, and xylophone.
Choosing percussion as their instrument exposes young students to a wide variety of percussion instruments they can learn and play, from the djembe to timpani and cymbals.
5. Violin
The violin has been used in music composition and development for almost five centuries. It's beginner-friendly and ideal for kids 6 years and above. 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, learning the violin can be fun.
6. Trumpet
The trumpet has a long and memorable history in the musical world, dating back to as early as 1500 BC. With physical stamina and professional guidance on how to control the breath and keys properly, the trumpet has proven to be an excellent tool for innovation.
Playing the trumpet guarantees a fun-filled experience, but it's not ideal for DIY music because it requires lots of guidance.
7. Saxophone
The saxophone is a great woodwind instrument for beginners. Its fingering system is relatively easy to understand, and it has a distinct sound that is versatile for different genres, making it an appealing choice for young musicians.
Students can start on the alto saxophone and eventually progress to other saxophones, such as the baritone or tenor, or switch to other wind instruments if their interests change.
8. Ukulele
The ukulele is a small, fancy, and portable instrument that is perfect 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 honing their skills.
You can quickly master playing several chords and even learn a few songs. Most importantly, the ukulele produces a pleasant sound that is soothing to the ears.
9. Cello
The cello is a great instrument for beginners, similar to the violin. Although it is much larger, it is still relatively easy to handle and is excellent for learning string techniques.
The cello is also very versatile, allowing musicians to play both the bass line and melody. Because it is less popular than the violin, cellists are often in high demand for orchestras and ensembles.
10. Harmonica
The harmonica is a versatile and beginner-friendly instrument that is popular in genres such as blues, country, folk, and rock. It is extremely portable, making it easy to carry around during your free time.
It is also affordable, so you can expand your range of keys by investing in a few different harmonicas.
Key Benefits of Playing Musical Instruments
Music is not just for listening and learning. Picking up a musical instrument offers a wealth of benefits that go far beyond creating beautiful sounds.
Below we have mentioned the main reasons why playing a musical instrument as a beginner can enrich your life: -
- Increases Your Brainpower
Various research and studies have shown that playing music can enhance memory, and strengthen the connections between different brain regions, leading to sharper thinking and better problem-solving skills.
- Sharpen Essential Skills
Mastering an instrument requires dedication and practice, which hones discipline, patience, and perseverance – valuable skills that can be applied to all areas of life, from academics to your career.
- Better Social Engagement
Playing music provides fantastic opportunity to connect with others. Joining a band or orchestra fosters teamwork, communication, and social interaction, and it can also lead to new friendships and a supportive community of fellow music lovers.
- Reduces Stress
Playing music can be a good stress reliever. It allows you to express yourself creatively, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
- Improves Self Confidence
Playing your favourite musical instrument or performing in front of an audience can provide a sense of accomplishment, building self-confidence and a positive self-image that spills over into other areas of your life.
To Sum Up: Top 10 Best Musical Instruments for Beginners
When looking for a musical instrument for beginners, it is important to choose something that improves your creativity. The thing is not to find the perfect instrument right away, but to explore and figure out what you enjoy.
A platform like InstruShare, leading musical instrument rental in Australia allows you to try out different instruments until you find the right fit for you. Consider not only the sound you like, but also the physical demands of the instrument.
For example, playing the piano requires coordination, while playing the recorder requires breath control and finger positioning. Keep in mind that learning an instrument is a journey that requires time, dedication, and consistent practice.
