Top 10 musical instruments to learn

Being able to play your favourite instrument has many advantages. Some use it as a pastime, others simply to get their children interested in playing them. The benefits of playing an instrument are substantially based on research; especially for young children. Millions of people all over the world play all kinds of instruments as a way to express themselves. Others simply do it for entertainment, fun or to earn money. Regardless of why this list shows the top ten musical instruments to learn.

1. Electric Guitar

It wasn’t until recently that the electric guitar became the most popular instrument on the top ten list. Before that, the piano was actually in first place. However, the electric guitar now has the top spot. The rise can be attributed to several factors. For one, there’s the popularity of pop and rock and roll artists and music. There are countless videos and movies displaying artists playing electric guitars as they enjoy themselves and woo the crowds. 

2. Piano

The piano is one of the most popular instruments in the world. That’s because it is so versatile and can be played in just about any music genre. The piano can also be played solo. In America alone, there are about 21 million people who play it. While it is more expensive than an electric guitar, it is still very popular. Many music producers, artists and conductors rely on the piano as a way to create some of the best music available. The fact that the piano can be used by itself for someone to perform or entertain others, also makes it that much more popular and powerful.

3. Violin

The violin is considered one of the most beautiful sound producing instruments in the world. It is also one of the oldest which has been around for centuries. Furthermore, the violin has hardly changed during all those years. For various musical genres, the violin is an integral and important part of it. Users begin playing it as early as 6 years old. It is a great instrument for kids to start out which may explain why it’s so popular.

4. Bass Guitar

The bass is often an under-appreciated instrument. We often think of the bassist in the background, but the bass is what gives a song its groove. When we are not listening to music on headphones or out of laptop speakers, it is the bass that gives a song depth. They are tuned similarly to guitars but instead of six strings, your child is just working with just four which makes the instrument much more manageable.

5. Ukulele

What’s nice about the ukulele is the size. Beginner ukuleles are just the perfect size for kids. They are easy to hold and they can pick up some tunes very quickly. And let’s be fair. Unlike some of our other recommendations, they are fairly quiet instruments which will be nice if you have to listen to your child practice for hours on end!

6. Drums

Although not as quiet as other instruments, the drums have a high popularity overall. Playing the drums allows a player to lose themselves in the moment. Since drums play an integral part of so many music genres, it is unlikely it will ever fall from the top ten position. Still, for anyone who has to go through the beginning of a drummer’s playing career, it can be overwhelming and difficult. 

7. Flute:

One of the things that make the flute so popular is that it is an inexpensive instrument. It is also very easy to learn and lets you take it anywhere with you. Add that the flute is so much fun to play and you will see why it is on the top ten list. Those reasons give it many advantages for people looking towards their first instrument to play.

8. Cello

The cello produces a sound that no other band instrument can compete with. That’s because it has a perfect tone and can accompany just about any other instrument. In addition, the cello can perform some beautiful solos. Although slightly bigger in size, it is closely related to the violin. For parents who want their child to learn to play it, the recommended starting age is 5 or 6.

9. Cajon Drum

This Peruvian instrument has become a mainstay across all genres. It provides a wide variety of sounds and can be played with your hands, some sticks, brushes or whatever making it very fun experiment with. Best of all, it is relatively compact so easy to move around and store when not in use.

10. Sax

The Sax is the other woodwind instrument that is considered by players to be the easiest to learn. Its versatility is what makes it a great instrument option. It is played in such a wide variety of genres from rock to blues and jazz and even classical! It is also is a little bit more of an unusual instrument these days which is good for those children look to express themselves in a, particularly unique way.