Easy Musical Instruments To Learn How To Play

Music has a magical way of connecting with our emotions and bringing joy to our lives. If you've ever wanted to learn to play a musical instrument but felt intimidated by the complexity of some instruments, fear not!

There are many easy-to-learn musical instruments that can get you started on your musical journey with minimal frustration. In this article, we'll explore a variety of such instruments, each offering a gateway to the enchanting world of music.

 

1. Ukulele

The ukulele is often dubbed ‘the friendly instrument’ for good reason. Its small size and simple chord structure make it one of the easiest instruments to pick up.

With just a few basic chords, you can play a wide range of songs, from pop hits to traditional Hawaiian tunes. The ukulele's gentle, cheerful sound is sure to put a smile on your face as you strum away!

 

2. Recorder

Remember the recorder from your school days? This simple wind instrument is an excellent choice for beginners. With just a few fingerings to learn, you can start playing melodies in no time.

Recorders come in various sizes, with the soprano recorder being the most common for beginners.

 

3. Harmonica

The harmonica, also known as the mouth organ, is a portable and beginner-friendly instrument. You can create beautiful melodies and bluesy tunes by simply blowing and drawing air through the holes while manipulating your mouth and hands to change the pitch.

It's a versatile instrument used in various music genres, from folk to rock.

 

4. Keyboard Or Piano

While the keyboard and piano may seem daunting at first, they are surprisingly accessible for beginners. Keyboards with fewer keys are available, making them more compact and less intimidating. Learning basic keyboard skills and playing simple tunes can be incredibly rewarding.

Plus, with a keyboard, you have the advantage of selecting different instrument sounds to experiment with.

 

5. Hand Drum (Djembe Or Bongo)

Percussion instruments like the djembe or bongo drums are both enjoyable and accessible for beginners. These drums don't require intricate fingerings or embouchure techniques, making them easy to learn through rhythm and hand coordination. You can explore various rhythms and beats and even play along with your favourite songs.

 

6. Xylophone Or Glockenspiel

Xylophones and glockenspiels are melodic percussion instruments that are particularly beginner-friendly. They consist of tuned metal or wooden bars that you strike with mallets to produce musical notes.

These instruments are often used in early music education and can help you develop a good sense of pitch and rhythm.

 

7. Guitar (Acoustic Or Classical)

While the guitar may seem more challenging than some of the other instruments on this list, it's still considered relatively easy for beginners. Basic chords and strumming patterns can get you playing simple songs quickly.

Many people find the guitar to be a versatile and satisfying instrument to learn as it can be used in a huge number of musical genres. The sound of the guitar can be heard everywhere from heavy metal to trip-hop.

 

8. Kalimba

The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a unique and easy-to-learn instrument. It consists of metal tines of different lengths mounted on a wooden platform. You produce sound by plucking the tines with your thumbs.

The kalimba's sweet and soothing tones make it an excellent choice for beginners interested in exploring melodic music.

 

9. Tin Whistle

The tin whistle, also known as a penny whistle, is a simple yet charming wind instrument. It's similar in design to a recorder but has a distinct sound. Learning to play the tin whistle involves covering and uncovering holes to produce different notes.

Many folk tunes and traditional songs can be played on this instrument with minimal effort.

 

10. Egg Shakers Or Maracas

If you're looking for something even simpler, consider percussion instruments like egg shakers or maracas. These handheld instruments require no formal training.

Just shake them rhythmically, and you'll add a fun and lively element to your music!

 

11. Kazoo

The kazoo is perhaps one of the easiest instruments to learn, as it doesn't require traditional playing techniques. You create sound by humming or singing into the kazoo while covering and uncovering the small hole at the other end.

It's a whimsical instrument that can add a playful touch to your musical endeavours.

 

12. Autoharp

The autoharp is a stringed instrument with chord bars that allow you to change chords easily. By pressing the appropriate bar and strumming, you can create harmonious chords, making it a user-friendly option for beginners interested in folk or country music.

 

13. Melodica

The melodica combines aspects of a keyboard and a wind instrument. You blow air into it while pressing keys to produce sound. It's a versatile and easy-to-learn instrument that can be used for various musical genres, including jazz and pop.

 

14. Singing (Your Own Voice)

Don't forget that your voice is a musical instrument too! Singing is the most accessible way to make music, and with practice, you can improve your vocal range and technique.

Consider joining a local choir or taking singing lessons to enhance your skills.

 

Easy Ways To Feel The Vibes!

Learning to play a musical instrument can be a deeply rewarding experience, and you don't need to start with a complex or intimidating instrument. There are plenty of easy-to-learn options available, ranging from the friendly ukulele to the rhythmic djembe and the melodious kalimba.

The key is to choose an instrument that resonates with you and brings joy to your musical journey. So, whether you're strumming chords on a guitar or humming tunes into a kazoo, remember that making music is not about perfection; it's about expressing yourself and having fun along the way!