For anyone just starting out with music, finding the right musical instrument to start learning can be a real challenge. Especially for adult beginners, there has always been common misconception that learning to play a musical instrument as an adult is too difficult, if not impossible. Yet the myth that you need to pursue music lessons early in life in order to master the craft has kept many people from exploring their musical skills.
Well, that is not always the case — if you find the right instrument! Some instruments are relatively easier to learn than others, you can quickly pick up a song in a short period of time, good enough to wow your friend, and keep you well encouraged to go a long way in the music journey, wonder what those instruments are? keep reading on!
1. Ukulele
Inexpensive to buy and super fun to play, the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn. With just four nylon strings (instead of the guitar’s six), you can quickly pick up simple chords and play some of your favorite songs in just a few weeks. You’ll also be able to gain many fundamental skills that make it easier if you ever want to graduate from the ukulele to the guitar.
2. Harmonica
Be it blues, jazz, rock, folk, or country music, the harmonica (also known as the “Blues Harp”) is a great choice for adult beginners. You don’t need to know a lot in order to start playing and it has a big advantage that any note will be “in key” — it’s hard to sound bad on harmonica!
Plus, harmonicas are very portable — you can carry and practice it anywhere and any time.
3. Keyboard
Keyboards, the electronic piano, are extremely versatile and very low maintenance. Electronic keyboards are capable of recreating a wide range of instrument sounds and synthesizer tones with less complex sound synthesis.They are popular with younger children and are great for recording and changing performance. The main difference between a keyboard and a piano is that the sound is produced electronically and of course it is portable.
4. Classical Guitar
The guitar is probably the most diversified instrument in the world. Apart from the basic division into the classical, acoustic and electric guitar, each of them can come in many variations. However, a music beginner will probably get the gist of this instrument most quickly on the classical guitar.
They usually come with nylon strings, which will be less painful for new playing fingers. Thanks to those softer strings, it’s easier for a new guitar player to play the notes and learn how to hold the basic chord schemes.
5. Recorder
If you’re more into woodwind instruments, but you can’t afford a saxophone or a trumpet, a recorder will do for starters. This simple instrument is played by pressing the holes on it with your fingers and getting the tones you need for the song you want to play.
You can easily play some famous tunes on the recorder. Here you can learn how to play “Greensleeves” in a jiffy. Since the recorder isn’t an expensive instrument, get one right away and start playing it at once.
6. Bongos
Bongos have a long history among percussion instruments, and they can be great for beginners to learn all the skills necessary to master percussion instruments and musical rhythm. This stress-relieving, mood-enhancing instrument Unlike most instruments, they don’t require much maintenance, and they can be stored just about anywhere and played more conveniently because of their smaller size. If you want to learn to play the drums, taking up the bongos can be a great first step. These instruments will help you learn all about the precise timing and the skill you will need when buying your first drum kit.
7. Xylophone
The xylophone is known as one of the most popular instruments for children. In fact, many child care centers will have toy xylophones for children who love music, and a standard xylophone can be equally useful and fun for someone learning to play their first musical instrument. While the xylophone is essentially a percussion instrument, its melodious sound is calming, and the instrument is extremely straightforward and easy to learn. Unlike in the case of other instruments, you won’t need any complicated skills, and acquiring the dexterity you need through practice is far from being just a chore.
Learning how to play a musical instrument as an adult isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. There are dozens of instruments out there that are simple and easy to get started with. And while the options listed above may be some of the easiest instruments to learn, there’s no need to limit yourself! The hardest part is the beginning, maintain your passion and keep practicing, you can play just as good as you want to!