Starting to learn an instrument can feel intimidating, especially if you’re a complete beginner. But not all instruments are created equal, and some are much easier to pick up than others—especially for those just starting their musical journey.
In this article, we’ll explore the 7 easiest musical instruments for beginners. These instruments don’t require years of practice to make beautiful sounds and can provide a rewarding musical experience early on.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect instrument for you!
1. Ukulele
The ukulele is often hailed as one of the best instruments for beginners due to its small size, simple structure, and approachable learning curve. Originating from Hawaii, the ukulele is known for its cheerful sound and ease of play.
Why It’s Easy:
- Four strings instead of six, making it easier to press down and strum.
- Simple chord shapes: Many of the most popular chords require just one or two fingers.
- The tuning is guitar-like, so if you already know a bit about guitar, transitioning to the ukulele will be a breeze.
- The small size makes it easy to handle and play, even for younger players.
Getting Started:
To start playing, all you need to learn are a few basic chords (such as C, G, F, and Am) and some strumming patterns. With just these few skills, you’ll be able to play a variety of simple songs.
2. Piano (or Keyboard)
The piano is often considered the foundation of all Western music because of its visual layout and versatile role in both classical and contemporary music. Unlike many other instruments, piano players don’t have to worry about tuning the instrument, making it much easier for beginners to start playing.
Why It’s Easy:
- Visual layout: The keyboard’s white and black keys provide an intuitive way to visualize musical scales and notes.
- No need to worry about finger placement: Unlike string instruments, piano keys are easy to press, making it more accessible for beginners.
- Instant gratification: As soon as you press a key, you produce a clear sound—there’s no struggle to create a note.
Getting Started:
Learning the basic chords and understanding scales are the first steps. With a bit of practice, you can quickly play simple songs and even start reading sheet music. The digital keyboard version is also a great option for those who want something more affordable and portable.
3. Drums (or Percussion)
Drums are one of the most fun and physically engaging instruments to learn. If you have a good sense of rhythm and enjoy making noise (in a controlled, musical way), the drums may be the instrument for you.
Why It’s Easy:
- Simple to start: Basic drumming is all about rhythm, and rhythm is easier to learn than pitch. You can start playing with simple beats on a snare drum or even on a practice pad.
- No complex finger techniques: Unlike string or wind instruments, you don’t have to worry about hand or mouth coordination when playing drums.
- Great for rhythm practice: Drumming helps develop your sense of timing and rhythm, which is crucial for every other musical skill.
Getting Started:
Start with basic rhythms—whether it’s on a practice pad, a snare drum, or even tapping on a tabletop. Focus on learning how to keep a steady beat before progressing to more complex patterns or playing with a full drum set.
4. Recorder
The recorder is one of the easiest woodwind instruments to play, and it’s commonly used in schools as a beginner instrument. The recorder has a simple design and is lightweight, making it a perfect starting point for learning basic wind instrument skills.
Why It’s Easy:
- Light and portable: The recorder is small and easy to carry around, so it’s a great option for children or adults alike.
- No complicated embouchure: Unlike instruments like the clarinet or saxophone, which require specific mouth positioning (embouchure), the recorder is much simpler to blow into.
- Simple fingerings: The fingerings on the recorder are straightforward, and it only has a few keys.
Getting Started:
Start by learning how to properly blow into the recorder to produce sound, then move on to simple melodies and scales. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start playing beginner songs and even join beginner ensembles.
5. Guitar (Acoustic or Electric)
The guitar is a classic instrument and a popular choice for beginners. While it can be a bit challenging at first, learning to play the guitar is well worth the effort. The guitar is versatile across multiple genres, from rock and pop to classical and jazz.
Why It’s Easy:
- Relatively simple chords: Many of the most popular guitar chords only require one or two fingers, especially if you play on an acoustic guitar.
- Portable and social: Guitars are easy to carry around, and you can play along with almost any style of music.
- Tons of resources: There are a lot of tutorials, apps, and online courses for learning guitar, making it accessible for self-learners.
Getting Started:
Start with open chords (like C, G, and D) and basic strumming patterns. Once you’re comfortable, you can start playing songs. As you progress, you can learn more complex chords, scales, and techniques.
6. Violin
The violin may seem like a more advanced instrument, but it’s one of the best options for beginners interested in string instruments. Despite its reputation, the violin can be relatively easy to start learning, especially with the right teacher or resources.
Why It’s Easy:
- Smaller size: The violin is smaller than other string instruments like the cello, making it easier to handle.
- Affordable options: It’s easier to find a beginner-friendly violin that doesn’t break the bank.
- Accessible tuning: The violin is tuned in perfect fifths, similar to the guitar, making it easier to understand its structure.
Getting Started:
Learn how to hold the violin and bow properly, then practice basic scales and open strings. Once you’ve mastered these, you can start playing simple songs. Don’t be discouraged by the initial difficulty—learning the bowing technique takes time, but it’s worth the effort.
7. Harmonica
The harmonica is one of the most fun and portable instruments to learn. It’s especially great for beginners who want an instrument that’s easy to pick up and practice on the go.
Why It’s Easy:
- Small and portable: The harmonica fits in your pocket and is easy to carry around.
- No complex finger techniques: You just blow or draw air through the holes to produce sound, making it less complicated than other wind instruments.
- Instant sound production: As soon as you blow or draw, you get a note, making it highly gratifying for beginners.
Getting Started:
Start with simple single-note melodies. Once you’re comfortable, you can learn to bend notes and play chords, which will help you expand your musical abilities.
Pick the Right Instrument for You
The right instrument can make learning music more enjoyable and rewarding, especially for beginners. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of the ukulele or the versatility of the guitar, there’s an instrument out there that suits your learning style, interests, and goals.
Each instrument has its challenges, but these seven options are some of the easiest and most accessible for anyone just starting out. With patience, practice, and the right resources, you’ll be making music in no time.
So pick up your instrument of choice, and let the music begin!