New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Learning to play an instrument is no easy feat, but it is a rewarding one. Whether it's the first time you're picking up an instrument or you're expanding your repertoire, figuring out what equipment to use or where to begin can be confusing.
Whatever you are learning and whatever level you are starting at, here are a few suggestions to start you off on the right foot.
1. E-Kit for Drums
Drums are amazing instruments and fun to learn if you have good rhythm. True drum sets are really expensive, though, which can discourage people from trying this instrument out.
However, a great compromise is an electronic drum set, or an e-kit. Some brands even specifically make e-kits for beginners to help new musicians (or new drummers) get started. It's still an investment, but it will save you quite a lot of money, space, and allow you more room to experiment while you're learning.
2. Start with a Ukulele
While guitar and ukulele are not the same by any means, there are enough similarities that starting with one can help you understand the other. You can jump directly into learning guitar, or you can start by learning ukulele.
However, by starting with the smaller ukulele, you will learn more about strumming patterns and start with smaller chords. It's also significantly cheaper to get a ukulele than a guitar.
3. Go for the Classic Piano
Piano is by no means an easy instrument to master. There are a lot of keys and octaves on a classic piano, but you can always start with an electric keyboard to learn the basics and work your way up.
A lot of musicians say that learning piano helped them with music a lot more than they expected. Piano forces you to read sheet music and have a better understanding of chords and progression. Starting with this instrument, even though it may be difficult at first, can actually help you master even more in the long run.
4. Pick Up a Beginner Bass
Bass guitar is underappreciated. It provides the foundation for most great, popular songs, and it's also not terribly difficult to learn.
As with the drum kits, you can find special bass guitars specifically designed for beginners. Don't let the fact that a bass has fewer strings fool you, though. It isn't necessarily easier to learn than guitar, but it is a great place to start learning music. Be the backbone of all your favorite songs and the coolest person in class!
5. Try a Different String Instrument
A lot of parents opt to have their kids learn violin or cello at a young age. No matter how old you are, though, string instruments are a fantastic way to pick up music. Though they are unlike any of the other instruments we have mentioned, they will give you a solid foundation in reading music and understanding tone - and patience.
Violin takes a lot of time and focus, but it's one of the most rewarding instruments to learn because of its unique qualities.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you decide you want to play, no matter the genre or your skill level going in, the most important thing to remember is regular practice! Set aside time throughout your week to learn and focus. No matter your skill or innate talent, you won't be able to master an instrument unless you devote your time to it.
Learning to play doesn't have to be hard. Pick something you enjoy and think about the kind of music you want to play. If something draws you, even if it isn't one of the instruments mentioned, then go with it. After all, the key to playing music is passion.
