The Top 10 Musical Instruments for Beginners

There are some musical instruments that are easier to learn than others and are suitable for beginners. Here are the best instruments for beginners in no particular order.

Violin

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Violins are fairly easy to start learning and are most suitable for children 6 years and older. They come in a variety of sizes, from full size to 1/16, depending on the age of the learner. Violins are very popular and in demand so if you become a professional player it wouldn't be hard to join an orchestra or any musical group. Remember to opt for non-electric violins as they are more appropriate for beginning students.

Cello

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Another instrument that is fairly easy to start and suitable for kids 6 years and older. It is essentially a large violin but its' body is thicker. It is played the same way as the violin, by rubbing the bow across the string. But where you can play the violin standing up, the cello is played sitting down while holding it between your legs. It also comes in different sizes from full size to 1/4.

Double Bass

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This instrument is like a huge cello and is played the same way, by rubbing the bow across the strings. Another way of playing it is by plucking or striking the strings. Double bass can be played while standing up or sitting down and is suitable for kids 11 years and older. It also comes in various sizes from full size, 3/4, 1/2 and smaller. The double bass isn't as popular as other string instruments but is essential in most kinds of ensembles, especially jazz bands.

Flute

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Flutes are very popular and suitable for children to learn at age 10 upwards. Since it is very popular, there will be a lot of competition out there if you do decide to continue professionally. But don't let this fact dishearten you. The flute is one of the easiest instruments to learn, easy to transport, not hard on the budget and fun to play.

Clarinet

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Another instrument of the woodwind family that is easy to start for kids 10 years and older. Like the flute, the clarinet is very popular and you will find opportunities to play it professionally if you desire. There are students who start off with the clarinet and take another instrument like a saxophone and have no problems with the transition.

Saxophone

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Saxophones come in a variety of sizes and types: like the soprano saxophone, the alto sax, tenor sax and the baritone sax. It is suitable for kids age 12 years and older. The alto saxophone is advisable for beginners. You will have a lot of opportunities to play the saxophone as it is needed in most school orchestras.

Trumpet

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The trumpet belongs to the brass family of instruments and is quite easy to start for students age 10 and older. Trumpets are orchestral instruments mostly used in jazz bands. It is easy to learn, easy to transport, fun to play and not very expensive. Remember to avoid buying a trumpet with a painted finish as the paint will chip.

Guitar

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The guitar is one of the most popular instruments and is suitable for students age 6 years upwards. Folk-style is easier to start with for beginners. Remember to opt for non-electric guitars if you're just starting out. Guitars come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any student's need. Guitars are a mainstay in most music ensembles and you can also play it solo and still sound appealing.

Piano

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Suitable for kids 6 years and older. The piano takes a lot of time and patience to master, but once you do, it is worth it. The piano is one of the most versatile instruments out there and one of the most beautiful sounding. Traditional pianos are more suitable for beginners but there are a lot of electronic pianos out in the market right now that sound and feel like a real piano and cost almost the same.

Harp

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The harp is surprisingly easy to start. There are piano students who learn to play the harp with little difficulty because both instruments require reading music pieces in double-stave. Harps come in small sizes for kids age 8 years upwards and bigger harps for students 12 years and older. There are not a lot of people who play the harp and finding a teacher may be difficult. Nevertheless, it is one of the most ancient and beautiful sounding instrument and it's worth learning if you desire.