Learning a musical instrument can be one of the most rewarding hobbies you’ll ever take up. And let’s be honest, it’s a lot more fun than doom-scrolling on your phone. Whether you’re looking to discover your inner artist, relax after a long day, or just have a bit of fun, music has this way of making life better. So, where do you begin? If you’re a total novice, choosing the right instrument is half the battle. Here are some of the easiest options to get you started.
- Ukulele: simple, fun, and portable
- Keyboard or Piano
- Guitar: versatile and iconic
- Bass guitar: the backbone of music
- Voice: your built-in instrument
- Bongos or cajón: rhythm made easy
- Harmonica: small but mighty
- How to choose the right instrument for you
Ukulele: simple, fun, and portable
If the ukulele were a person, it’d be the one cracking jokes at the party and handing out free cocktails. It’s easygoing, always a good time, and everyone loves it. The ukulele is a top pick for beginner musical instruments, loved for its cheerful sound, affordability, and simple chords. With just four strings and a sound that instantly transports you to somewhere sunny, it’s really fun to play. The best part? You don’t need years of training to strum a few chords and impress your friends. It’s light, portable, and perfect for taking anywhere—beach, barbecue, or even your living room on a rainy Sunday.
Is the ukulele easy to learn?
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Simple chords and only four strings make learning fast. | • Limited versatility—best for Hawaiian, folk, or pop styles. |
• Lightweight and portable—great for travel and kids. | • Small size can feel awkward for larger hands. |
• Affordable, beginner-friendly, and widely available. |
► ARTMASTER TIP: The ukulele is a fantastic beginner instrument for children – easy to learn, small and loads of fun!
Keyboard or Piano
The piano might look a bit intimidating at first—all those keys! But here’s the thing: it’s laid out like a musical map, and once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly intuitive. Once you figure out where middle C is, everything else falls into place. It’s one of those instruments where even pressing a few random notes can sound oddly impressive.
If the full-sized piano feels like a big commitment (or your living room isn’t quite Buckingham Palace), the keyboard is your go-to. It’s portable, often packed with features like drum loops and tutorials, and makes learning even more fun. Whether you’re channelling your inner Beethoven or just trying to master the intro to Clocks by Coldplay, the keyboard or piano is perfect for beginners who want to get into music without feeling out of their depth.
Are keyboards beginner-friendly?
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Logical layout—middle C and scales make sense visually. | • Playing with both hands requires coordination and practice. |
• Sound is rewarding, even with simple melodies. | • Acoustic pianos are expensive and require maintenance. |
• Keyboards have tutorials, drum loops, and learning aids. | • Full-sized keyboards or pianos can feel overwhelming. |
► ARTMASTER TIP: In David Bennett's Piano for Beginners course, you'll be playing 'Clocks' by Lesson 4. Try it out for free👇. Read more articles on learning piano here.
Guitar: versatile and iconic
Ever pictured yourself as the star of a campfire singalong, strumming away while everyone awkwardly forgets the second verse? The guitar is versatile, iconic, and perfect for those "Wonderwall" moments. With just a handful of easy guitar chords, you can belt out everything from Beatles classics to indie hits. Start with an acoustic—it’s straightforward, no cables required, and sounds great. And, let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of nailing your first song.
Is the guitar an easy instrument to learn?
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Basic chords unlock hundreds of songs. | • Strings can hurt your fingers at first. |
• Tons of free resources and tutorials are available. | • Switching between chords takes time and effort. |
• Acoustic guitars are portable and don’t need extras. | • Larger size might feel uncomfortable for some beginners. |
► ARTMASTER TIP: For more tips on getting started on guitar, check out our guides or try one of our beginner courses for FREE.👇
Bass guitar: the backbone of music
The bass guitar is the unsung hero of most songs. It doesn’t shout for attention, but when it’s there, you feel it. It’s all about rhythm and groove, making it a brilliant choice if you’re drawn to the beat. With fewer strings (just 4) to worry about and a focus on single notes, it’s a bit less overwhelming for beginners than its six-stringed sibling. And bands are always looking for bass players. Plus, mastering a killer bassline? Instant cool points.
How difficult is it to start learning bass guitar?
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Only four strings and single-note focus make it less complex. | • Requires an amplifier to sound its best. |
• Emphasis on rhythm means fewer techniques to learn. | • Can feel repetitive without a band to play with. |
• In high demand—bands always need bass players. | • Larger size can make it harder to handle for some. |
► ARTMASTER TIP: For a complete guide to getting started on the bass, take a look at our article — Bass guitar basics.
Voice: your built-in instrument
You already own one of the most versatile instruments on the planet—your voice! Singing isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it’s about expression, storytelling, and connecting with others. Whether you’re humming in the shower or belting out ballads in the car, you’re halfway there. And the beauty of it? No equipment necessary—just you and your favourite tune.
Pros and cons of learning to sing
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• You already have your voice—no equipment required! | • Singing in front of others can feel intimidating. |
• Humming and singing along come naturally to most. | • Proper techniques like breathing and projection take time to master. |
• Can be practised anytime, anywhere. | • Advanced vocal skills, like vibrato, need dedication. |
► ARTMASTER TIP: Technique is everything in singing. Find out how to use breathing techniques, which includes a free video lesson from Stevvi Alexander's course (it is also great for relaxation)
Bongos or cajón: rhythm made easy
If you’re someone who can’t help tapping along to a beat, why not give percussion a go? Bongos and cajóns are incredibly satisfying to play. Bongos offer high and low tones you can experiment with, while the cajón (a box-shaped drum you sit on) delivers surprisingly versatile beats. They’re great for jamming with friends or just letting off a bit of steam after a long day.
Why learn to drum?
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Just tap along to a beat—no prior knowledge needed. | • Focused only on rhythm—no melodies to experiment with. |
• Great for stress relief and beginner jamming. | • Hand coordination is needed for more complex beats. |
• Affordable and portable for all ages. | • Can be loud, which isn’t ideal for all settings. |
Harmonica: small but mighty
The harmonica is proof that good things come in small packages. It’s like a tiny blues machine that fits in your pocket and turns you into a musical superhero—no cape required. Often seen as one of the easiest instruments to learn, its compact size, affordability, and simple blow-and-draw technique make it a fantastic choice for blues and folk music lovers. Whether you’re playing solo or adding some flair to a jam session, the harmonica is a crowd-pleaser—and it fits right in your pocket.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
• Compact, portable, and affordable—play anywhere. | • Limited versatility—best for genres like blues or folk. |
• Simple blow-draw technique is quick to learn. | • Techniques like bending notes are tricky to master. |
• Fun and satisfying to experiment with early on. |
How to choose the right instrument for you
If you’re still undecided, ask yourself:
What kind of music do I love? If you’re into folk, maybe try the ukulele or guitar. Blues fan? The harmonica could be your thing.
How much space do I have? A grand piano might not fit in your flat, but a keyboard or bongos definitely will.
What’s my budget? Some instruments are cheaper than others, so pick one that works for your wallet.
How much time can I commit? Learning an instrument takes practice—think little and often rather than marathon sessions.
Picking up an instrument isn’t just about learning to play; it’s about finding something that makes you want to play. Every instrument has a story to tell—and you’re the one who gets to tell it. So take your time, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. After all, every music legend was once a beginner.
Ready to get started? Explore ArtMaster’s beginner-friendly courses designed to make learning fun, easy, and rewarding—no matter which instrument you choose!
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