The world of musical instruments is open with possibilities. There are folk instruments like the dulcimer or psaltery, rock instruments like the electric guitar, and classic marching-band instruments that kids can learn in school.
However, that limitless span of possibility can be overwhelming to a beginner who just wants to try something new! Here are a few basic guidelines for selecting the instrument to begin learning.
Assess your Musical Goals
Before choosing an instrument, it's important to know what the player's goals are:
- Does a child want to play in a school marching band?
- Does an adult want to play in a rock band?
- Does the player want to be able to play recognizable tunes quickly?
- Does the player want to be able to sing along with his or her instrument?
- Does the player want to achieve mastery at a classical piece?
- What kind of music does the player enjoy listening to?
The answers to these questions will help narrow down the scope of what the student should take up. It is important to enjoy listening to the kind of music a new instrument makes, even if it will take several years to be able to achieve the level of mastery one enjoys hearing.
Players may also need to consider issues of space in the home, and privacy for at-home practice. A drum-set requires a space that is set aside for practice, while a standard piano is a major piece of furniture, and will have to become a part of the whole household.
Getting the Basics: Piano and Guitar
Many instruments are suitable for beginners. Once an individual can read and understand sheet music, it's simple to transfer skills from one instrument to another in the same family.
If the player wants to learn and understand sheet music, the piano is the simplest of instruments available, as the notes are laid out - literally in black and white - in front of the player. Starting with the piano is a good way to really grasp musical theory, and this translates into singing as well as many other instruments. If space is limited there are electric keyboards that mimic piano sound as well as key weight that would be suitable for at-home practice.
The other popular instrument for beginners is the guitar. This is because a guitar is light, easy to carry, fun to show off with, and relatively quick to create recognizable melodies. Without classical training, a guitarist might never have to read sheet music, however that doesn't stop them from moving from acoustic to electric to various other stringed instruments! (It is recommended to start with acoustic and then move to electric for learning purposes.)
Marching Band and School Orchestra Instruments
Woodwind instruments such as the clarinet, flute, and saxophone offer relatively low cost options (particularly used), are very portable, and can be played in marching bands, orchestras and smaller ensemble groups. All of these are very suitable for beginners.
Brass instruments such as the French horn, trombone and tuba are a little larger, a little louder for at-home practice, and a little trickier to master, but also in high demand for the school environment.
String instruments such as violins, cello, and string bass are unique and fun to play. They can take time and dedication to master, but are often the highlight of an ensemble group, and are very versatile.
Transferring Guitar Hero and Rock Band Video Game Skills to the Stage
If a player just wants to look sexy and stand on a stage with a big guitar, the easiest way to do this is to learn to play rock bass. Bass guitarists have to have the timing skills of a percussionist, and the best players include the skills of improvisational flair like the lead guitar. A good bass player has to practice for years, however it's possible to be passable relatively quickly once you master a few licks.
There are, of course, countless other instruments to try! For example, the ukelele is tuned like a guitar and plays the same as the first four strings as an acoustic guitar. It doesn't have the same sound or range, but it can be a fun first instrument and a way to explore playing.
Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
