1. Keyboard (Piano or Electric Keyboard)
- Why It’s Easy:
- The layout of a keyboard is straightforward, with clear and consistent notes.
- You don’t have to worry about tuning or complex finger positions compared to string or wind instruments.
- Learning basic chords and scales is relatively simple.
- Difficulty: Easy to start with basic songs, but mastering can take time.
2. Ukulele
- Why It’s Easy:
- The ukulele has only four strings, which makes it easier to learn compared to a guitar.
- The chords are simple to form, and the instrument is small and light.
- It’s relatively inexpensive, making it a good starter instrument.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, quick to learn basic songs.
3. Acoustic Guitar
- Why It’s Easy:
- Many beginners find the guitar approachable because of its popularity and the abundance of learning resources.
- Open chords are easy to learn, and you can play many songs with just a few chords.
- There are many instructional videos and courses online.
- Difficulty: Slightly harder than the ukulele but still accessible for beginners.
4. Drums (Electronic Drums or Hand Drums)
- Why It’s Easy:
- The basic concept of rhythm is easy to grasp, and you can start by just keeping a simple beat.
- You don’t need to worry about notes or tuning, and many people find drumming fun and intuitive.
- Electronic drums can help practice at home with volume control and often come with built-in lessons.
- Difficulty: Good for those who enjoy rhythm-based learning, but advanced drumming requires coordination.
5. Harmonica
- Why It’s Easy:
- The harmonica is a very portable and inexpensive instrument.
- It’s easy to make sound on a harmonica, and you can play simple tunes with basic techniques.
- It’s also very versatile and used in a variety of music styles (blues, folk, rock).
- Difficulty: Great for beginners and easy to carry around.
6. Recorder
- Why It’s Easy:
- A common starting instrument in schools, the recorder is cheap, simple to learn, and easy to produce sound on.
- It doesn’t require advanced techniques to get started, making it an ideal choice for young beginners.
- Difficulty: Easy for children and beginners, but can get more complex as you progress.
7. Xylophone or Glockenspiel
- Why It’s Easy:
- The xylophone is essentially a percussion instrument with a simple layout.
- It’s like a keyboard, where you play different notes by hitting bars with mallets.
- This makes it an excellent instrument for beginners to learn music theory and rhythm.
- Difficulty: Easy to pick up basic tunes, but mastery of complex melodies takes practice.
8. Voice (Singing)
- Why It’s Easy:
- Singing is natural for most people, and it’s free! You don’t need an instrument to start.
- There are many online tutorials, apps, and lessons to improve vocal technique.
- It’s an incredibly versatile way to make music in almost any genre.
- Difficulty: The basics are easy, but developing vocal control and range requires practice and vocal training.
What to Consider When Choosing an Instrument
- Physical Ability: Some instruments, like the violin or saxophone, may require more physical coordination and stamina.
- Learning Resources: Instruments like the guitar, piano, and ukulele have abundant learning materials available online.
- Personal Interest: Choose an instrument that excites you—whether it's a string instrument, a percussion instrument, or your voice.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an easy instrument to start with, the ukulele, keyboard, and harmonica are often considered great choices for beginners. They are relatively simple to pick up, provide a quick sense of achievement, and are very versatile. However, the ease of learning depends on your personal preferences and goals. If you enjoy rhythm, drumming could be a good fit, while if you love melody, a guitar or piano might be more suitable.
Would you like specific resources or tutorials for any of these instruments?