Best Musical Instruments for Beginners

Things to Consider When Picking an Instrument to Learn

Learning to play an instrument can be incredibly rewarding—or incredibly frustrating. I’ve seen many students sour their relationship with music simply because they picked (or were assigned) an instrument that wasn’t a good fit.

Before picking an instrument to learn, there are a few important categories that parents and students should think through carefully.

How Difficult Is It to Make a Sound?

Imagine you walk up to a piano. I point to a key and say, “This is middle C. Can you press the key?” You do—and just like that, you’ve played middle C.

Now imagine I hand you a bassoon. I tell you which holes to cover and which keys to press. I say, “This is middle C. Can you play it?” You try to figure out how your mouth should go around the reed, you blow—and maybe something comes out.

Different instruments require very different techniques to produce sound. Wind instruments require embouchure control and an understanding of air. String instruments require hand dexterity and bow control.

The more things you need to coordinate just to make a sound, the more frustrating the instrument will be for a beginner.

How Well Is the Instrument Matched to Your Body?

This can be a sensitive topic, but your body matters when choosing an instrument.

Imagine choosing an instrument for a six-year-old. Which makes more sense: piano or tuba?

A child may not have the hand span to play octaves on a piano, but they’ll also struggle to reach a tuba’s mouthpiece, hold its weight, and form a proper embouchure. Some instruments simply require adult stature to play comfortably.

There are child-sized versions of some instruments, especially string instruments, which can make learning easier at a young age.

Another important factor is orthodontics. Many instruments require using your mouth to create sound. Braces can significantly affect comfort and technique on wind instruments. It isn’t impossible, but it can be unpleasant.

How Expensive Will It Be to Learn This Instrument?

Learning an instrument comes with upfront and ongoing costs, including:

• The instrument itself
• Maintenance equipment
• Lessons
• Sheet music

These costs vary widely depending on the instrument. You can buy a beginner guitar for around $50. A French horn, on the other hand, typically costs $1,000 or more—and you should avoid suspiciously cheap options.

Maintenance also matters. You can tune a guitar yourself, but tuning a piano requires a professional. Lesson costs depend on how common the instrument is. Piano teachers are easy to find. Bass clarinet teachers are not.

When you’re just starting out, it’s reasonable to choose a cheaper instrument in the same family as your dream instrument. For example, learning trumpet before switching to French horn allows you to build fundamentals without a major financial commitment.

How Easy Is It to Find Learning Resources?

Teacher availability is only part of the equation. Learning resources matter too.

Try searching “piano lessons” and “oboe lessons” online. You’ll find far more piano resources. More popular instruments have more free lessons, method books, videos, and sheet music available.

If you plan to teach yourself, search for:

• Lessons
• Guides
• Free sheet music
• Beginner resources

If you see plenty of results, you’ll likely be able to learn the basics more easily.

How Much Do You Want to Learn This Instrument?

Practice is inherently frustrating. You spend time working on things you don’t do well yet. You’ll have good days and bad days. Some techniques will come easily, others won’t.

To stick with it, you need a reason.

I wanted to learn French horn because of a song featured in an audiobook I loved as a kid. My very first goal was simple: learn to play that song. That personal connection carried me through the hard parts.

Passion doesn’t remove frustration, but it makes it survivable.

Which Instrument Should I Learn?

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a simple way to narrow your options.

If you want the fastest early success, choose an instrument where making a sound is straightforward and feedback is immediate. Piano and guitar are strong options.

If you enjoy physical challenges and breath control, wind instruments like saxophone or trumpet may be more satisfying.

If cost is a concern, start with instruments that are inexpensive to purchase and maintain, or consider renting before committing.

If your goal is long-term opportunity, harder instruments with fewer players can open doors to scholarships, ensembles, and specialized programs later on.

Instrument Comparison for Beginners

Easiest Instruments for Beginners

Using the categories above, here are my picks for the easiest instruments to learn for beginners. I’ve tried to represent different instrument families.

1. Piano
2. Saxophone
3. Trumpet
4. Guitar
5. Violin

These are easier to start on, not necessarily easier to master. Because so many people play piano, violin, and guitar, competition for auditions, scholarships, and advanced opportunities can be fierce.

Hardest Instruments for Beginners

Some instruments are much harder to start on, but that difficulty can create unique opportunities later.

1. Organ
2. Bassoon
3. French horn
4. Drum set
5. Harp

These instruments tend to have fewer players, which can make it easier to earn scholarships, land ensemble spots, or access specialized programs.

Final Thoughts on Choosing an Instrument

No matter which instrument you choose, mastery is difficult. You’ll need to practice consistently and stay engaged over time.

The key to enjoying the process is learning to appreciate practice itself—not just the end result. Picking an instrument that fits your body, budget, access to resources, and personal motivation makes that journey far more enjoyable.