Twelve common choices
Every instrument is easy to start in some ways and hard in others, so these profiles are unranked. Use them alongside the guide to choosing.
Strings, plucked
Acoustic guitar
- How it sounds
- Fingers or a pick pluck six strings, tuned E A D G B E from low to high.
- The first months
- Open chords and simple strumming patterns. Fingertips are usually sore for the first few weeks until calluses form.
- At home
- Moderate volume. Nylon strings sound softer and feel gentler on the fingers than steel strings.
- What you read
- Chord charts and tab at first; standard notation in treble clef later if you want it.
Strings, plucked
Electric guitar
- How it sounds
- Same tuning as the acoustic, with pickups that send the sound to an amplifier.
- The first months
- Lighter strings are often easier to press than on an acoustic. Riffs and single-note lines come early.
- At home
- Headphone amps and small practice amps keep the volume down.
- What you read
- Tab and chord charts, with treble clef notation for those who want it.
Strings, plucked
Ukulele
- How it sounds
- Four nylon strings, most often tuned G C E A.
- The first months
- Many beginners play simple chord songs within the first weeks. Small and light to carry.
- At home
- Quiet enough for most apartments.
- What you read
- Chord diagrams and tab, or treble clef.
Keyboard
Piano or keyboard
- How it sounds
- Each key produces its own note, so every pitch is laid out in front of you.
- The first months
- Both hands learn different jobs at once, which is the main early challenge.
- At home
- A digital piano can be played with headphones. Look for full-size weighted keys if you plan to move on to an acoustic piano.
- What you read
- Grand staff: treble clef for the right hand, bass clef for the left.
Strings, bowed
Violin
- How it sounds
- A bow drawn across four strings tuned G D A E. There are no frets, so your ear places each note.
- The first months
- Holding the instrument and bow takes patience, and the early sound can be scratchy.
- At home
- Fairly loud up close. A practice mute softens it.
- What you read
- Treble clef.
Strings, bowed
Cello
- How it sounds
- Played seated, with four strings tuned C G D A, an octave below the viola.
- The first months
- Many adults find the seated posture comfortable. As on violin, your ear places each note.
- At home
- Warm and fairly full in a small room. Needs floor space and a car that fits the case.
- What you read
- Mostly bass clef, with tenor and treble clef for high passages.
Woodwind
Flute
- How it sounds
- You blow across an opening in the head joint, much like blowing over a bottle.
- The first months
- A steady tone can take some weeks. Light and quick to assemble.
- At home
- Clear and bright, moderate volume.
- What you read
- Treble clef.
Woodwind, single reed
Clarinet
- How it sounds
- A reed on the mouthpiece vibrates against your breath. Most common is the B-flat clarinet.
- The first months
- Covering the tone holes fully and keeping a steady mouth shape come first. Reeds wear out and need replacing.
- At home
- Moderate volume, softer in the low register.
- What you read
- Treble clef, written as a transposing instrument.
Woodwind, single reed
Saxophone
- How it sounds
- Made of brass but played with a reed, so it counts as a woodwind. Alto and tenor are the usual starting sizes.
- The first months
- Many adults get a usable sound fairly quickly. Smooth control across the range takes longer.
- At home
- Loud. Plan where and when you can practice.
- What you read
- Treble clef, transposing.
Brass
Trumpet
- How it sounds
- Your lips buzz into the mouthpiece. Three valves and lip tension change the note.
- The first months
- Building lip strength takes time, so early sessions are short with plenty of rests.
- At home
- Loud. Practice mutes reduce the volume.
- What you read
- Treble clef, written for a B-flat instrument.
Percussion
Drums
- How it sounds
- A kit of drums and cymbals played with sticks and foot pedals.
- The first months
- Steady time and keeping each limb independent are the main early work.
- At home
- Very loud. An electronic kit with headphones or a practice pad makes home practice possible.
- What you read
- Percussion staff, where each line or space stands for a drum or cymbal.
Singing
Voice
- How it sounds
- Your own body is the instrument, so there is nothing to buy to begin.
- The first months
- Breath support, pitch matching and comfortable range come first.
- At home
- Easy to practice anywhere you feel free to be heard.
- What you read
- Treble or bass clef depending on your range.
Instrument families
Instruments in the same family share skills, so a later switch within a family is easier. Guitar, ukulele and bass share chord shapes and tab. Violin, viola and cello share bowing. Flute, clarinet and saxophone share breath control, and brass players all use the same buzzing lip technique.
A note on transposing instruments
Clarinet, trumpet and saxophone are called transposing instruments. Their music is written at a different pitch from the one you hear. On a B-flat clarinet or trumpet, a written C sounds as the B-flat a step lower. It matters mainly when you play from the same sheet as piano or guitar, since group parts are already written in the right key.
Protect your hearing
Drums, brass, saxophone and amplified instruments can be loud enough to harm hearing over long sessions, especially in small rooms. Musicians' earplugs reduce volume evenly so the music still sounds natural. If your ears ring or sound muffled after playing, take a break and ask an audiologist about protection.