So you want to learn an instrument? Welcome to the club! 

Starting out can be pretty daunting. From mastering the different chords to perfecting your technique, it can seem like you’re at ground zero of a veritable mountain to climb.

The most important thing you can do before you even purchase your instrument is to pick something you’re genuinely going to enjoy. Whether it’s because it’s used in your favourite genre of music or you just love the sound, learning an instrument is all about passion—so start as you mean to go on! This will keep you motivated to practice and allow you to learn the songs you love best.

We’ve put together a list of the best instruments for beginners to learn to help you get started.

1. Piano / Keyboard

The piano is the most common instrument to learn, as it is one of the easiest. You don’t need to spend ages trying to find the perfect placement for your fingers on complicated strings, you just need to learn the chords.

Playing the piano helps with hand-eye coordination and is an easy way to learn sheet notes if you are completely new to music.

It also pays off in the long run, as keys are used in all different types of music. Whether you choose to stick to classical or experiment with jazz, pop or even electronic music, the piano is an instrument that can follow you all the way!

There are pianos and keyboards available at every price point. Beginners may choose to invest in a starter keyboard or splash out on a beautiful grand piano, which makes an impressive addition to your home as well as being a gorgeous instrument.

It may take a while until you are a confident player, but the piano is an incredibly fulfilling instrument and can offer a lifetime of enjoyment.

2. Violin

Another popular instrument for beginners is the violin. They are readily available to buy and you can easily find an inexpensive teacher.

There have been many studies conducted that show that playing the violin improves memory and attention span, and better overall mental function and health.

After a long day sitting at a desk, many adults have unhealthy spines and terrible, pain-inducing posture. Playing the violin will help fix this, as it requires perfect posture.

In addition, it is a great instrument to play in an orchestra, which is one of the most effective ways to become a better player. This will help you as a musician and widen your social circle.

3. Saxophone

Coming away from the more basic and traditional instruments, the saxophone may not be an instrument that you would have originally considered. However, it’s a great instrument for beginners.

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love the sound of a saxophone? From jazz to classical, marching bands to contemporary pop and rock, the saxophone has an instantly recognisable, timeless sound.

A lot of student saxophonists find the saxophone easy to learn and pick up the fingering technique and produce a great sound quite quickly.

It is available to buy in many different shapes and sizes, with the alto saxophone being the most suitable for beginners. Saxophones are also portable and as with the violin, you can also join an orchestra to improve your technique and make friends!

4. Drums

As much as non-drummers hate to admit it, the drummer is always the coolest member of the band. They’re also one of the most important. Drummers are responsible for driving the entire rhythm section and can provide crucial versatility throughout the song.

Much like the piano and the saxophone, drums are also used in almost every genre of music. It’s a great instrument for individualists, as drummers tend to develop their own unique style as well as learning the discipline.

Why are drums so popular? They’re fun! Playing the drums is a cerebral and physical exercise that can relieve stress, develop your memory and improve your coordination and reflexes.

You can learn the drums without professional help, such as on YouTube or other online platforms.

5. Flute

The flute is the easiest instrument to learn, as it is taught to most children in primary school. This is where most people learn how to read sheet notes for the first time and it will help you to understand all the skills that go into playing music, such as rhythm, harmony, key, metre and more.

It is small and compact and one of the more affordable instruments. It is very popular for use in orchestras and bands, giving the player lots of opportunity to improve. It is frequently found in jazz, folk and other world music.

It promotes good posture, healthy and deep breathing, core strength and control and finger dexterity.

In summary, learning any instrument will improve your mental and physical health greatly and can be a great task for anyone, especially during the boring months of COVID-19 quarantine. Picking up a new instrument can be a lot harder than expected; practice and patience is key!

Bio: This blog post was contributed by Hayes Music, an online and in-store music shop in Southampton. If you’re looking for the perfect beginner instrument, take a look at the instruments available at Hayes Music today.