Easiest Instrument to Learn for Beginners

We have researched 9 instruments to learn for you.

Embarking on a musical journey is an exciting endeavor, and choosing the right instrument is a crucial first step. For novices desiring to tap into their artistic potential without getting overwhelmed, some instruments stand out as particularly user-friendly.

This guide highlights a selection of musical tools known for their straightforward learning curves and accessibility. Whether you seek the rich resonance of stringed melodies or the crisp articulation of percussive beats, you'll find options here to help unlock your musical expression with ease.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.

What to Look for in Easiest Instruments to Learn

Important criteria

  • Simplicity and ease of playing
  • Comfortable size and weight
  • Quality of construction
  • Good sound quality
  • Availability of resources for learning (books, tutorials, etc.)
  • Affordability

1.) Consider Your Musical Interests

When selecting an easy instrument to learn, think about the type of music you enjoy. Certain instruments may naturally align with your music preferences. For instance, ukulele or acoustic guitar might be suitable for folk music lovers, while a keyboard could be better for those into pop or classical. It's important to choose an instrument that resonates with your taste to keep you motivated during the learning process.

2.) Assess Your Physical Comfort

Comfort and physical limitations should also influence your choice. Some instruments require more hand dexterity, lung capacity, or finger strength than others. The ukulele is a good option for those looking for a lightweight and small string instrument, reducing strain on hands and fingers. Instruments like the harmonica or percussion can be suitable for those who may have physical constraints that make handling larger instruments challenging.

3.) Think About Portability and Space

The size of the instrument is an important consideration if you plan to travel with it or if you have limited space at home. Instruments like the harmonica, recorder, or ukulele are highly portable and don't require much room. Additionally, consider if the instrument needs an amplifier or other equipment, which could also impact its portability and the space it occupies.

4.) Keep Your Budget in Mind

Cost can be a deciding factor in the choice of instrument. Look into the price of the instrument itself as well as ongoing expenses such as maintenance, accessories, and lessons. Keyboards, for example, can be relatively inexpensive initially, but higher-end models or the cost of electricity can add up. Whereas instruments like the ukulele or recorder generally have lower initial costs and minimal maintenance expenses.

The Easiest Instruments to Learn of our Choice

Our Pick
SUTILA 8 Pipes Natural Bamboo Mini
SUTILA 8 Pipes Natural Bamboo Mini
Model: 8R-zong Type/Color: Brown Size: Right Hand
  • Color: Brown
  • Type: Mini
  • Pipes Number: 8
  • High Quality, suitable for beginners and professionals
  • Material: Natural Bamboo
$ 25.00 *
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2
HONHAND Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano
HONHAND Kalimba 17 Keys Thumb Piano
Model: CA-17C Type/Color: Wood Size: small
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • High-resolution touchscreen display
  • Fast and responsive performance
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Expandable storage options
  • Enhanced security features
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Wide range of connectivity options
  • Versatile compatibility with various devices
$ 26.99 *
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Price Pick
Ueteto Kazoos with 5 extra Membranes
Ueteto Kazoos with 5 extra Membranes
Model: KZ-10 Type/Color: red
  • Easy to play: Kazoos are unique instruments.
  • No need to learn music theory.
  • Tones can be adjusted by twisting lids.
  • Widely applicable for all ages and instruments.
  • Ideal for outdoor activities and travels.
  • Convenient to carry with a neck string.
  • Comes with a silicone cover for mouthpiece.
  • Good as a gift for children and music lovers.
  • Made of durable aluminum alloy material.
  • What you'll get: kazoos, gift box, membranes.
$ 13.99 *
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4
PowerTRC Children's Accordion
PowerTRC Children's Accordion
Model: PS130 Type/Color: Black
  • Accordion creates musical tunes with diaphragm design.
  • Comes with instructional guide book and 8 easy songs.
  • Easy to learn and play with convenient belt buckle.
  • Made of durable, safe and non-toxic materials.
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
$ 19.89 *
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5
Roland AE-01 Aerophone Mini Digital Wind
Roland AE-01 Aerophone Mini Digital Wind
Model: AE-01 Type/Color: Silver
  • Fastest way to learn to play a musical instrument
  • Super-easy to learn, play along with favorite songs
  • Simple fingering, no complicated chords to learn
  • Six onboard sounds: saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin, and more
  • 11 easy-to-follow tutorial songs in the app
  • Access over 50 additional sounds with the app
  • Onboard speaker and battery power for portable play
  • Headphone jack for quiet playing
  • Bluetooth for jamming along with favorite songs
$ 278.26 *
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on Ebay
6
ZRAGEK 12 Hole Alto C Ocarina with Protective Bag
ZRAGEK 12 Hole Alto C Ocarina with Protective Bag
Type/Color: Blue white
$ 27.45 *
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7
Waltons Irish Tin Whistle Key D
Waltons Irish Tin Whistle Key D
Type/Color: Black Size: Deluxe D
  • Walton’s whistles are good quality and sound
  • Walton’s tin whistles are made in Ireland
  • Over 100 years of history in Dublin
  • Walton’s black whistle in Key of D
  • Durable, portable, and easy to learn
$ 13.95 *
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8
Gosizos Kazoo for Adult
Gosizos Kazoo for Adult
Type/Color: Orange
$ 10.69 *
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on Amazon
9
Gosizos Kazoos for Adults
Gosizos Kazoos for Adults
Type/Color: Red
$ 12.99 *
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on Amazon
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.

Top Choices for Beginners: Making Music Simplified

Beginners On a Budget
Looking to start your musical journey without breaking the bank? We've curated a range of budget-friendly instruments known for their ease of learning. Perfect for those dipping their toes into the world of music.
Busy Bees
If you're juggling a tight schedule but want to add some melody to your life, we have options that are quick to pick up and play. These instruments respect your time and offer a satisfying learning curve.
For the Little Ones
Introduce the joy of music to kids with instruments that are specially chosen for their simplicity and fun factor. Let your child enjoy the wonder of creating tunes with ease.
Classroom Suitable
Are you an educator looking for classroom-friendly instruments that are easy for students to learn? We’ve selected a variety that encourages participation and grows musical skills.

Questions You Might Ask

When selecting an instrument, consider your musical preferences, the size and portability of the instrument, the learning curve, accessibility of teachers or learning resources, and the cost of the instrument and maintenance.
Yes, some instruments are known for having a gentler learning curve, such as the ukulele, piano, or recorder. These instruments often have straightforward techniques for producing notes and simple starting pieces.
The size of an instrument can be crucial, especially for younger learners. Instruments that are too large or heavy can be uncomfortable and discourage practice. Consider starting with a size appropriate to the learner's age and stature.
Renting can be a good option when starting out, as it allows you to try an instrument without committing to a purchase. If you decide to continue learning, investing in a purchase might be more cost-effective long-term.
A reasonable budget varies widely by instrument. For many beginners, a budget of $100 to $500 can provide a good-quality, entry-level instrument. Always consider buying the best quality you can afford to ensure a more enjoyable learning experience.

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How to Choose the Easiest Instrument to Learn for You

Embarking on a musical journey is exciting and picking the right instrument is key to enjoying this creative endeavor. Opting for an easy instrument can make the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful, increasing the chances of sticking with it and becoming a proficient musician. In this guide, we'll explore the factors to consider when choosing an instrument, ensuring it aligns with your interests, lifestyle, and learning preferences.

Define Your Musical Goals

Before darting to the music store, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to jam with friends, play in a local band, or simply enjoy playing solo at home? This will narrow down your options and set a clear path.
Consider the type of music that inspires you. Some instruments are staples in certain genres. For example, if you're drawn to classical music, strings or piano might suit you, whereas folk music lovers might lean towards the guitar or ukulele.
Think about the time you can dedicate to practice. Some instruments have a steeper learning curve and require more commitment. If you're juggling a busy schedule, choosing a less demanding instrument could be the key to consistent progress.

Assessing Physical Ease and Portability

Select an instrument that's comfortable for you to handle. Size and ergonomics play a significant role, especially for younger or smaller-framed individuals. Ukuleles and harmonicas, for example, are compact and easy to hold.
Portability should also be taken into account if you plan on taking your music on the go. Larger instruments like the piano or double bass may not be practical for travel, whereas a flute or a recorder can easily be packed.
Don't forget to consider the physical demands of the instrument. Wind instruments, like the trumpet or saxophone, require lung strength and endurance, which might present a challenge for some learners.

The Financial Aspect of Learning

Your budget is a critical component in the decision-making process. Some instruments, such as the violin or saxophone, can be quite expensive, and this doesn't include maintenance and accessories.
Look for instruments that offer good quality options at an entry-level price. For instance, many guitar brands offer starter packages that come with everything you need to get going, making it an economical choice.
Keep in mind that sometimes renting an instrument can be a wise decision, especially if you're not sure about your long-term commitment. This also allows for a better instrument than one might afford if purchasing outright.

Consider the Learning Curve and Available Resources

Some instruments, like the piano and guitar, boast an abundance of learning materials. Hundreds of books, online courses, and YouTube tutorials are available, making self-teaching a viable option for those on a budget.
Meanwhile, instruments such as the oboe or French horn may not have as many readily accessible resources for beginners. This could necessitate formal lessons, which adds to the overall investment in learning the instrument.
Remember, the easiest instrument for someone else may not be the easiest for you. Personal interest plays a huge role in motivation, and you're more likely to persevere and practice if you're fascinated by the sounds and possibilities of the instrument you choose.

Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards

In the following section, we present a curated selection of resources that we believe offer the most insightful and credible information regarding the easiest instruments to learn. These resources have been categorized for your convenience into reviews, forum posts, Reddit discussions, and videos, all of which are aimed at providing comprehensive guidance from trusted experts and enthusiasts in the field.
Apr 29, 2016 — With light-up LED keys and app-enabled smarts, the One Smart Piano connects with your phone or tablet to teach you how to play it. Ryan_Crist2.
Read more | Helpful?
Dec 17, 2022 — Overall, I think the Orba 2 is an excellent little instrument if you're a casual musician (or even if you have no musical background at all) ...
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Apr 13, 2022 — When you've got your hands full trying to play guitar, put your feet to work with these pedal accessories from Vidami and Elgato.
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Jul 17, 2020 — Happy Piano is simple instrument app. Entertainment with colorful piano, drum, xylophone while learning instrument sounds. The Happy Piano...
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Piano is one of the easiest instruments for people to learn, no intonation problems, no (initial) tone production difficulties, and even a wrong...
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Piano is the easiest to produce a good sounding tone (you push a key). You can learn to play simple songs very easily.
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Keyboard or flute/whistle! Both are cheap and easy to play, although keyboard is easier imo.
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Piano is probably the best instrument to learn on first, as you can play anything on it and its not both vertical and horizontal like a guitar...
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The easiest instruments to pick up are piano, guitar and bass. Because these instruments make the sound for you. Whereas with wind instruments ...
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Top 10 Easy Instruments to Learn - YouTube
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