Learning a musical instrument can have many benefits; it can be a form of stress relief, a creative outlet, a rewarding challenge and an effective way to improve memory and hand-eye coordination. But just which musical instrument should you learn? Below are 5 of the most popular instruments that people learn, along with a brief description of why they are so popular.
#5) The Saxophone
The saxophone is the most popular woodwind instrument to learn. Its expressive tone has made it a popular instrument used in many styles of music including jazz, pop, rock and ska. It may not be the easiest instrument to learn, however it is considered simpler to learn than other woodwind instruments like the clarinet and flute due to its more straightforward key layout. It’s worth taking a couple saxophone lessons to nail the basics.
#4) The Drums
The drummer is the backbone of any band. Unlike other instruments that are melodically focused, the drums are all about rhythm. This – and the fact that they require both legs and arms to play – make them one of the more unique instruments, and the fourth most popular instrument to learn. Just be wary of a few things: a drum kit isn’t cheap, requires a lot of space and is not the most neighbour-friendly instrument. Of course, there are solutions to these three problems such as hiring a drum kit, opting for a mini kit and considering an electric kit.
#3) The Violin
One of the most emotive instruments is the violin. It’s central to many classic pieces of music and is also heavily found in other genres like folk and country. Because of this, it’s the third most popular instrument to learn. Learning the violin takes patience – it’s a tricky instrument to learn and doesn’t sound very good when played badly. However, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sounding instruments once you’ve mastered it. Before buying a violin, it could be worth renting one to see if it’s the right instrument for you. There are companies that specialise in band instrument rentals that you can hire violins from.
#2) The Guitar
Many would consider the guitar to be the ‘coolest’ instrument. It’s also an incredibly versatile instrument heavily used in rock, blues, country, folk and pop. As a result, it’s the second most popular instrument. You can either learn the acoustic guitar or the electric guitar. Acoustic guitars are cheaper and have a more rustic sound better suited to musical styles like folk and classical. Electric guitars allow you to play around effects and are ideal for playing rock and blues. Both can be challenging instruments to learn initially, but things get a lot easier once you’ve got used to the frets.
#1) The Piano/Keyboard
The piano is the world’s favourite musical instrument to learn. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument – you can hear it in almost every musical style, from classical to pop. The keyboard, meanwhile, has become central within electronic music and can be used to create melodies out of any sound imaginable. What makes the piano such a great instrument is that it’s so easy to learn. All the notes are laid out in order, making it easier to visualise them. Pianos are one of the most expensive instruments and take up a lot of space. As a result, keyboards and electric pianos tend to be more popular – they are more compact and more affordable.
Which instrument should you learn?
Most people will learn one of these instruments. However, there are many other instruments that you can learn. Think about your preferred style of music, your budget, and how much patience you have. This will help you make your choice.
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