The 17 Easiest Musical Instruments to Learn for Beginners
Learning a musical instrument can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It sharpens your mind, enhances your creativity, and even improves your emotional well-being. However, the process of mastering an instrument can sometimes feel daunting. That’s why starting with an easy-to-learn instrument is a smart choice—especially for beginners.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 17 easiest musical instruments to learn. Whether you’re a complete novice, a parent looking for an instrument for your child, or someone revisiting music after years, this guide will help you pick the right instrument to start your musical journey.
1. Recorder
The recorder has long been a staple in elementary school music classes, and for good reason. Its simplicity and affordability make it an excellent first instrument. With minimal practice, you can produce pleasant sounds, and its straightforward fingering system lays a solid foundation for learning more complex wind instruments, such as the flute or saxophone.
Benefits:
- Teaches basic music theory.
- Easy to transport.
- Inexpensive and widely available.
2. Ukulele
The ukulele’s small size and soft nylon strings make it one of the easiest string instruments to pick up. Its four strings require less coordination than a guitar, and its chord shapes are simple enough for beginners to learn quickly.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Affordable entry-level models.
- Perfect for accompanying vocals.
3. Keyboard
Learning the keyboard provides a fantastic gateway to music theory and composition. Unlike stringed or brass instruments, the keyboard’s layout is intuitive, with the notes visibly arranged from low to high.
Benefits:
- Ideal for visual learners.
- No need for tuning.
- Many electronic keyboards include built-in learning tools.
4. Bongos
Bongos consist of two small drums connected together, offering an easy introduction to rhythm and percussion. Playing bongos doesn’t require the same precision as a drum set, making them perfect for beginners.
Benefits:
- Portable and lightweight.
- Encourages rhythm and coordination.
- Affordable and fun to play.
5. Harmonica
The harmonica is an incredibly portable instrument that’s used in various music styles, from blues to folk. Its small size and intuitive design make it easy to produce sounds quickly.
Benefits:
- Compact and travel-friendly.
- Great for jamming with other musicians.
- Affordable and beginner-friendly.
6. Tambourine
The tambourine is one of the simplest percussion instruments to master. With its jingles and drumhead, you can create a variety of sounds through shaking, striking, or tapping.
Benefits:
- Easy to use with minimal instruction.
- Versatile for different musical genres.
- Affordable and accessible.
7. Kazoo
If you’re looking for pure fun, the kazoo is the perfect choice. This playful instrument amplifies your humming and is ideal for creating unique sound effects.
Benefits:
- Requires no prior musical knowledge.
- Inexpensive and fun for all ages.
- Great for group activities or performances.
8. Snare Drum
The snare drum is a cornerstone of rhythm sections in various music genres. While mastering the entire drum set takes time, focusing on the snare drum can help you build a strong rhythmic foundation.
Benefits:
- Improves timing and coordination.
- Lightweight and easy to set up.
- Introduces basic percussion techniques.
9. Maracas
Maracas are handheld percussion instruments filled with beads or seeds. Shaking them in rhythm is simple, making them ideal for young learners or anyone new to music.
Benefits:
- Simple to play.
- Encourages a sense of rhythm.
- Fun for group settings.
10. Djembe
Originating from West Africa, the djembe is a versatile drum that’s easy to learn and produces rich, resonant sounds. Playing a djembe is as simple as striking the drumhead with your hands.
Benefits:
- Great for communal drumming.
- Develops rhythm and coordination.
- Produces a wide range of tones.
11. Castanets
Popular in Spanish flamenco music, castanets are a fun and compact percussion instrument. They’re played by clapping them together, making them ideal for learning basic rhythmic patterns.
Benefits:
- Excellent for improving fine motor skills.
- Compact and portable.
- Affordable for beginners.
12. Cajón
The cajón is a box-shaped percussion instrument played by striking its front face. Its straightforward design makes it accessible for beginners, while its versatility allows for intricate rhythms as you progress.
Benefits:
- Easy to play and highly versatile.
- Suitable for a variety of music styles.
- Doubles as a seat during performances.
13. Banjo
The banjo’s unique sound makes it stand out in folk, bluegrass, and country music. Its strings are easier to press than a guitar’s, and its open tuning system simplifies chord progressions.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold.
- Distinctive, vibrant sound.
- Builds finger strength and coordination.
14. Strumstick
Designed specifically for beginners, the strumstick is a simplified string instrument with just three strings. Its diatonic tuning ensures that any note combination sounds harmonious.
Benefits:
- Practically foolproof for beginners.
- Compact and travel-friendly.
- Encourages creativity and improvisation.
15. Electronic DJ Controller
While not a traditional instrument, a DJ controller introduces modern learners to music creation and mixing. It’s perfect for developing an ear for rhythm, tempo, and sound blending.
Benefits:
- Ideal for tech-savvy learners.
- Encourages creativity and experimentation.
- Offers hands-on experience with music production.
16. Mandolin
The mandolin, a stringed instrument resembling a lute, is another excellent option for beginners. Its small size and fewer strings make it easier to manage than a guitar. The mandolin uses double strings, tuned in pairs, which creates a rich and vibrant sound. Many beginners find its straightforward chord structures and repetitive strumming patterns approachable.
Additionally, the mandolin's role in folk, bluegrass, and classical music provides learners with a broad range of styles to explore. Its lightweight build makes it ideal for children or those who prefer a more compact instrument.
17. Violin
Although the violin is often considered challenging, its beginner-friendly alternatives make it accessible for all ages. Smaller-sized violins tailored for children and soft, rubber-coated bows are available to reduce finger strain.
The violin’s emotional range—from soothing classical pieces to lively folk tunes—makes it worth the effort. Structured lessons and practice sessions can make learning the violin far less daunting than it seems.
How to Start Learning Your Instrument
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on mastering one technique or song at a time.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving any skill.
- Seek Guidance: Consider hiring a music teacher or using online tutorials.
- Be Patient: Progress takes time, but the rewards are worth it.
Starting with an easy-to-learn instrument will set you up for success, providing the confidence and skills to tackle more challenging musical endeavors in the future.
About Craft Music: Your Partner in Musical Exploration
When embarking on your journey to learn a musical instrument, having the right guidance can make all the difference. That’s where Craft Music comes in. A boutique in-home and online music studio, Craft Music specializes in helping learners of all ages and skill levels master a wide range of instruments, from piano and guitar to banjo, Violin and ukulele.
At Craft Music, we believe music is more than just notes on a page—it’s a powerful, expressive language and a creative outlet. Our mission is to inspire intrinsic motivation in our students, helping them uncover the transformative impact of music. With lessons tailored to suit your unique goals and learning style, we make the process of mastering an instrument enjoyable and fulfilling.
Our hand-picked team of passionate, highly trained music teacher teachers offers lessons in instruments such as piano, violin, drums, and even some of the easier instruments featured in this article, like the ukulele or djembe. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or refining your skills, Craft Music is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you grow both musically and personally.
Let Craft Music be your catalyst for creativity and your partner in this exciting musical adventure. Ready to get started? Explore our offerings and find the perfect lesson for you today!