Q&A for How to Choose an Instrument

Any instrument is a good start. If you want to start with something basic, though, learn to play the piano, the guitar, or drums. The first two instruments can help you learn to read music, which will aid you in playing more difficult instruments.

It will be easier for you to learn guitar than for someone who does not know any other instruments, but it will still be challenging. It's like learning a language: The first language you learn besides your mother tongue is always the hardest, and they get easier from then on. It will not be "easy" to play guitar, but it will not be as hard as it was to learn violin.

If you want to play higher notes, try a piccolo. If you want to still play a woodwind instrument with the ability to breathe better, try a clarinet. If you want to use a technique similar to the flute, try a trumpet.

Try learning the guitar if you want to stay in familiar territory. If you want to try something really different, go big and learn the oboe or the viola.

No instrument is completely quiet, but choose one that you find enjoyable. You can find affordable used instruments in good condition online. Before renting or buying, research the care requirements and the difficulty level of playing it. If you find it too challenging or lack the patience for practice, consider trying a different instrument.

Usually the trumpet is the best choice for people who discover that the trombone is not suitable for them. If you still feel like playing bass, consider a tuba or a baritone.

Yes! They have the same strings (CGDA), just that the viola is one octave higher, and the finger placements used are slightly different. The only other difference is that the viola involves placing the instrument on your shoulder whereas for cello, you will sit and play it. It should definitely be easier to pick up viola if you already know how to play the cello.

You don't need particularly strong lungs to play most brass instruments, except for the tuba.

You might try playing a larger stringed instrument to give more bass, and probably a clarinet for a woodwind option, or a trumpet to give you a brass section.

While percussion might appear easy, it requires skill and practice just like any instrument. If your challenge with the flute is remembering notes, percussion could be a good fit. However, if you struggle with rhythm, percussion might also be challenging. Remember, all instruments require time and dedication to master.

Any instrument you are passionate about learning is ideal, and age is irrelevant.

The synthesizer is generally more forgiving than the violin, and you may need fewer lessons to get started.

Having previous knowledge of playing piano will make playing violin easier, since you will already know how to read treble clef. As for persuading you parents, think of all the reasons you want to start playing violin. Be sure to bring these up. Also, if you want to start with your school, they will most likely provide rentals that are cheaper than the music stores. Be sure to share this information with them as well.

If she won't let you get a full drum set, go with some bongos or other smaller hand drums. Show her that you are responsible and that you are really interested in the drums.

Playing a woodwind instrument with asthma might be more challenging, but it is possible.

Trumpet by far. It's easy to start off on the trumpet, and it is probably one of the more versatile brass instruments. While the saxophone's keys look daunting, it becomes more familiar as you play it. With practice, neither will be hard.

Larger instruments such as double bass or tuba can be harder for people with smaller hands to play, and easier for you to try.

I'd definitely recommend you start with piano. Then you can go learn any treble or bass clef instrument with knowledge of notes, chord progressions, and harmony.

The guitar is more versatile and there always seems to be someone who has a guitar lying around. It gives you a chance to practice playing with other musicians. Also, a violin and a guitar follow the same principles, so once you have learned the guitar, you can attempt the violin. The key is to have chances to play, and with a guitar you can attempt more music styles, as well as a lower initial investment on an instrument.

One of the best instruments to learn first is the piano, but you can easily catch up on flute or harmonica as well. Although harmonica is smaller and may look easier to play, you might only want to play it if you are a perfectionist or are very detailed. The flute is one of the easiest band instruments to play, so I would recommend flute.

Whichever one you like. If your hands are large, consider the viola. If you like a challenge, go for the violin.

Yes, a piano accordion is generally easier for beginners, especially if you have experience playing the piano, as it shares a similar layout.

Visit a music store where you can try different instruments to see which one you enjoy most. Remember, you can always change your choice later.

It will be fairly easy, as you already play a wind instrument. It will still be difficult though, because it is a new instrument.

All saxophones are quite different from playing guitar, so consider choosing the one with the sound range you prefer.

Flip a coin. Then, if whichever result you get makes you feel immediately sad, pick the other one!

If you want to be an expert instrumentalist, playing only one instrument is best rather than trying to learn more than one. To answer the question, it probably wouldn't be too difficult to learn to play another instrument.

Finger size doesn't affect your performance that much. Of course, if you have really short fingers, try the ukulele, smaller classical chord instruments (violin and viola), some thinner necked guitars, such as the Les Paul, or even mandolins and banjos. The strength of the finger is way more important. Go to a music store and experiment with all the different instruments and see what's best for you.

Absolutely! You can begin playing almost any instrument without prior musical knowledge, and the banjo is a great choice for beginners.

If you want to switch to the clarinet, give it a try! The techniques for playing the clarinet are quite different from the trumpet, and it might be challenging at first, but it can be a rewarding experience if you're interested in making the change.