Top 10 Easiest Musical Instruments to Learn

Learning a musical instrument is one of those things that can be super fun and rewarding. It makes you feel alive and the joy of doing something that you love. Some instruments are way easier to pick up than others if you are planning to start your learning journey, making it smoother and more enjoyable. 

If you’re a beginner looking for something simple to start with, you have come to the right place. This article will walk you through the 10  easy to learn instruments. Let’s get started.

10 Easy to Learn Instruments

Picking an instrument that’s fun and easy to learn can make your musical journey more exciting. Here are ten easy to learn instruments that are beginner-friendly and won’t leave you frustrated:

1. Bongos

Bongo drums might make you think of a beat poet or background music in quirky theatre, but they’re actually an ancient and mysterious instrument. While no one knows exactly where they originated, the first recorded use of bongos was by Afro-Cubans in the late 1800s.

Bongos are made up of two small drums connected together, one larger and one smaller. The larger drum is called Hembra (female), and the smaller one is Macho (male). The Hembra has a deeper sound, and the Macho is higher-pitched.

Bongos are perfect for teaching rhythm and basic percussion. They’re affordable, portable, and not too loud, making them the easiest musical instrument to learn.

2. Ukulele

The ukulele is the simplest instrument to learn and a popular choice among beginners. It’s affordable, so you don’t have to make a big investment if you’re unsure about sticking with it. On top of that, its small size means it won’t take up much space — ideal for those living in apartments.

Similar to the guitar but easier to play, the ukulele has fewer strings, and the frets are closer together, making it great for smaller hands. 

Learning basic chords is like a breeze, and once you know a few, you can play thousands of songs, including ukulele versions of popular tracks.

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3. Acoustic Guitar

The acoustic guitar is a very popular instrument for beginner-level players due to its accessibility. You simply need to pluck a few strings within its range and it is good to go. It has six strings, usually tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E, and you can create all kinds of sounds with it. 

The hollow body of the guitar makes the music louder, so you don’t need any fancy speakers or amps. It gives off a nice, rich sound that works for so many styles of music like folk, rock, or even classical.

To start playing, you’ll learn some basic chords and strumming patterns. These are the building blocks for most songs. The guitar isn’t too hard on your fingers either, and it’s pretty simple in design, so it’s not overwhelming for newbies. 

There are tons of tutorials out there, both online and in books, to help you get the hang of it. As you get better, you’ll be able to try new things like fingerpicking, barre chords, and cool strumming tricks to add more style to your playing.

4. Harmonica

A harmonica is a fun and versatile instrument used in many music styles. While it was once mostly linked to blues and bluegrass, you can now hear it in all kinds of music.

Learning the harmonica is easy because you can understand how it works in just a few hours. After that, it’s all about practice. This small instrument helps kids learn musical notes and how they sound, while also teaching them to read music and play it. 

Even if you don’t play it all the time, knowing how to play a simple tune can be a fun party trick later on.

5. Saxophone

This brass instrument is super fun to play, especially if you’re into jazz or contemporary music. It’s known for its warm, rich sound, and it’s not too hard to learn, especially compared to some other wind instruments.

Playing the saxophone gives you a lot of freedom to express yourself, whether you’re playing by yourself or in a group. What’s cool is that you can play so many different types of music, from classical to pop. It’s a great pick for beginners who want to try various styles and get into the music. 

Even though it might take a little practice to get your breathing and tone just right, with practice you can play the saxophone with ease, making it one of the easy to learn instruments. 

6. The Harp

You might be surprised to find the harp on our list of the easiest musical instrument to learn. Many people think of the harp as a complex instrument, often seen at fancy events or in grand ballrooms. However, it’s actually one of the easiest string instruments to pick up.

The harp has been played for thousands of years, even before structured music education existed. Available in various sizes, such as the small Celtic harp that can sit on your lap, the instrument is simple to learn. 

Unlike the violin, there’s no bowing or fretting — just pluck the strings to produce notes. The harp’s sweet, ethereal sound makes it a wonderful choice for beginners, offering a relaxing introduction to music.

7. Flute

The flute is an old and flexible instrument that makes sound when air flows across a hole. It’s the simplest instrument to learn with various varieties of sounds that beginners can pick with practice. 

To get the hang of playing, you need to learn how to control your breath, put your fingers in the right spots, and get the right mouth shape. It can be tricky at first, but it’s also a lot of fun. One of the best things about the flute is how easy it is to carry around, and the way the notes are laid out makes it easier to learn. 

You can start with easy songs and then work your way up to more challenging tunes.

8. Clarinet

The clarinet is a cool woodwind instrument that makes sound when you blow air through a mouthpiece with a single reed. When you blow, the reed vibrates, and that’s what creates the smooth and warm sound you hear. 

You can find the clarinet in all sorts of music, like classical, jazz, and even pop. It can play both high and low notes, which gives you a lot of room to explore different styles. Plus, it’s smaller and easier to carry around than other woodwinds, like the saxophone. 

Once you practice more, you can start getting better at controlling the sound, and the clarinet can really show off what it can do.

9. Xylophone

The xylophone is a percussion instrument made up of wooden bars that come in different lengths. Each bar is tuned to a certain pitch, and when you hit them with mallets, they make different musical sounds. It’s pretty easy to play, which is why it’s great for beginners.

The way the bars are arranged is similar to a piano keyboard, making it easier to learn and play tunes. Plus, the xylophone is lightweight and doesn’t need much upkeep, so it’s perfect for new musicians who want something simple to start with.

In schools, kids use xylophones to learn about music. The notes sound clear, and the instrument helps with learning basic stuff like rhythm and melodies. The xylophone is also used in different cultures and types of music, showing just how versatile and easy to play it is.

10. DJ Controller

A DJ controller might not be the first instrument you think of when it comes to easy learning, but it’s actually a fun and simple way to start making music. DJ controllers come in various types, including more affordable models for beginners or home use.

Learning to use a DJ controller can be an exciting and modern way to understand music. It may surprise you, but DJing involves a lot of music theory, such as rhythm, tempo, and pitch. 

If you are learning DJing, you can also understand how songs are structured and can express their creativity. If you’re not ready to buy a DJ controller, you can start with apps on a computer or iPad. These apps have built-in sounds and loops that help create music and learn music production quickly.

Conclusion

Picking easy to learn instruments is all about finding something that feels right for you. It should be fun and comfortable. Everyone learns differently, so it’s more about enjoying the ride than rushing to the end. 

Whether you’re into making beats, playing tunes, or working with chords, there’s an instrument for everyone. Stick with it, practice regularly, and you’ll notice improvement. Most importantly, have fun with it and let the music bring out your creativity. Enjoy the process and don’t stress too much about the results.

If you are starting your musical journey and looking for a used instrument, visit OLX India to explore a wide range of options in your budget and preferences. 

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