Best Musical Instruments for Adult Beginners to Learn
Choosing your first instrument as an adult feels overwhelming. Piano? Guitar? Something more unique like saxophone? Each instrument has pros and cons for beginners. Here’s an honest comparison to help you decide.
The Best All-Around Beginner Instruments
1. Ukulele ⭐ EASIEST TO START
Pros:
- Fastest results: Playing songs within 2-4 weeks
- Soft nylon strings: No finger pain like guitar
- Small and portable: Easy to practice anywhere
- Affordable: Good ukuleles cost $50-150
- Fun and social: Great for sing-alongs
- Only 4 strings: Simpler than guitar’s 6
Cons:
- Limited repertoire compared to guitar or piano
- May outgrow it if you become very serious
- Less “impressive” than other instruments (though who cares!)
Best For: Complete beginners wanting quick wins, social musicians, travelers, anyone intimidated by other instruments
Not Ideal For: Those wanting deep classical repertoire or complex soloing capabilities
2. Piano ⭐ BEST FOUNDATION INSTRUMENT
Pros:
- Visual layout: See music theory on the keyboard
- Immediate sound: Press key = sound (unlike saxophone where tone takes weeks)
- Versatile: Classical, jazz, pop, rock—works for everything
- Solo capability: Can play melody and harmony simultaneously
- Best for understanding music theory: Everything makes sense on piano
- Doesn’t go out of tune: Unlike guitar or violin
Cons:
- Not portable: You’re stuck practicing where the piano/keyboard lives
- Requires significant equipment: Piano or quality weighted keyboard ($300-2000+)
- Hand independence takes time: Getting both hands to cooperate is challenging initially
- Reading two clefs: Treble AND bass clef (vs. one for most instruments)
Best For: Anyone serious about music, those wanting to compose/write songs, future multi-instrumentalists (piano knowledge helps EVERY other instrument)
Not Ideal For: Apartment dwellers with no space for keyboard, those wanting portability
3. Guitar ⭐ MOST POPULAR FOR GOOD REASON
Pros:
- Huge repertoire: Literally millions of songs use guitar
- Portable: Take it anywhere
- Social: Campfires, parties, jam sessions
- Songwriting: Great for composing
- Both rhythm and lead: Chords OR solos
- Cool factor: Let’s be honest—guitars look and sound cool
Cons:
- Sore fingertips initially: Calluses take 2-4 weeks to build
- Barre chords are hard: That 2-3 month hump where you want to quit
- Can go out of tune: Requires regular tuning
- Reading music: Tabs are easier but standard notation helps long-term
Best For: Singer-songwriters, rock/folk/blues fans, social musicians, those wanting versatility
Not Ideal For: Those with very small hands (though 3/4 size guitars exist!), people who hate initial finger pain
4. Voice ⭐ MOST ACCESSIBLE INSTRUMENT
Pros:
- Always with you: No equipment to buy or carry
- Free to start: No instrument purchase necessary
- Deeply personal: Your voice is uniquely yours
- Improves speaking: Better breath control, projection, confidence
- Every genre works: Opera, pop, rock, jazz, musical theater—all viable
- Immediate musical expression: You can express emotion from day one
Cons:
- Harder to self-assess: Can’t see what you’re doing wrong
- Requires vulnerability: Singing in front of others feels exposing
- Physical technique is abstract: Breath support, placement—all internal and invisible
- Voice changes with health: Colds, allergies, fatigue affect your “instrument”
Best For: Performers, anyone who loves singing along, shower singers ready to formalize their skills
Not Ideal For: Very shy people (though lessons help!), those preferring tactile instruments
Instruments with Moderate Learning Curves
5. Saxophone (Alto or Tenor)
Pros:
- Incredibly expressive and soulful
- Perfect for jazz: If jazz is your passion, sax is THE instrument
- Powerful sound: Commands attention
- Great for bands/ensembles
- Impressive to play well
Cons:
- Tone development takes time: 4-8 weeks before you sound good
- Requires breath control: Physically demanding
- Expensive: $300-800+ to start (though you can rent)
- Loud: Neighbors may not love it
- Embouchure challenges: Lip/mouth positioning requires practice
Best For: Jazz lovers, former band students returning to music, expressive players
Not Ideal For: Very small budgets, apartment living with thin walls, those wanting instant gratification
Timeline: Playing melodies in 2-3 months, sounding like a real saxophonist in 6-12 months
6. Drums
Pros:
- Phenomenal workout: Cardio + strength + coordination
- Best stress relief: Hitting things is therapeutic!
- Rhythm foundation helps all music
- Incredibly fun
- Great for bands/ensemble playing
Cons:
- LOUD: Acoustic drums in apartments = angry neighbors
- Requires space: Full drum kit or electronic setup
- Equipment cost: $300-800 for decent electronic kit
- Coordination: Takes time to get all four limbs working independently
- Practice limitations: Can’t drum at 11pm
Best For: High-energy people, those who love rhythm, apartment dwellers willing to invest in electronic drums
Not Ideal For: Very small apartments, those on tight budgets, people wanting melody
Timeline: Basic beats in 4-6 weeks, playing with songs in 2-4 months
7. Bass (Electric)
Pros:
- Easier than guitar to start: Simpler note choices
- Essential to bands: Every band needs bass
- Steady and satisfying: Groove feels amazing
- Great for understanding harmony: Bass teaches chord structures
- Less competitive: Lots of guitarists, fewer bassists
Cons:
- Less solo repertoire: More of a supporting role
- Larger instrument: Harder to carry than guitar
- Requires amp/equipment: Can’t just grab and play acoustic
- May feel “boring” to some: Fewer flashy moments than guitar
Best For: Groove-oriented players, those wanting to join bands, rhythm lovers
Not Ideal For: Solo players, those wanting tons of repertoire options
Timeline: Playing basslines in 4-6 weeks, jamming with others in 2-3 months
Instruments That Are Harder for Adult Beginners
Violin
Why it’s hard: Intonation (playing in tune) is incredibly difficult. No frets to guide you. Bowing technique takes years to master.
When to choose it: If you love classical music and have patience for a long learning curve.
Trumpet
Why it’s hard: Embouchure development is slow. Range takes years. Physically demanding.
When to choose it: If you love brass sound and jazz/classical trumpet.
Clarinet/Flute
Why they’re moderate: Not as hard as violin/trumpet but tone development takes time. Breath control required.
When to choose them: If you love classical music or wind ensemble playing.
How to Choose YOUR Instrument
Ask Yourself:
What music do you love?
- Classical → Piano, Violin
- Rock/Folk → Guitar
- Jazz → Saxophone, Piano, Guitar
- Pop → Voice, Piano, Guitar
- Any/All → Piano
What’s your living situation?
- Small apartment → Ukulele, Digital piano with headphones, Voice
- Space available → Drums, Acoustic guitar, Full keyboard
What’s your budget?
- Under $200 → Ukulele, Used guitar
- $200-500 → Keyboard, Electric guitar, Used saxophone
- $500+ → Acoustic piano, New saxophone, Drum kit
What’s your goal?
- Solo playing → Piano, Guitar, Voice
- Playing with others → Guitar, Bass, Drums, Saxophone
- Songwriting → Piano, Guitar
- Pure enjoyment → Anything you’re excited about!
What’s your personality?
- Social/Outgoing → Guitar, Ukulele, Voice
- Analytical → Piano (theory heaven)
- Physical/Kinesthetic → Drums
- Expressive/Emotional → Voice, Saxophone
The Honest Truth About “Best” Instruments
There is no single “best” instrument for everyone.
The best instrument for YOU is:
- One you’re genuinely excited about
- Fits your lifestyle (space, budget, noise tolerance)
- Matches your musical interests
- Feels right when you hold/play it
If you’re torn between two instruments: Start with piano (best foundation) and add the second later. OR choose the one you’re more excited about (motivation trumps logic).
Getting Started
Try Before Committing: Many music stores rent instruments. Try saxophone for a month before buying.
Start with Lessons: A good teacher prevents bad habits and accelerates progress 10x.
Don’t Overthink It: Choosing piano vs. guitar isn’t a permanent life decision. You can always switch or add instruments later.
Trust Your Gut: If something excites you, that’s probably the right choice—even if “experts” say it’s “hard for beginners.”
Ready to start your musical journey? At Kalman Music, we teach all instruments to adult beginners in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Book a free trial lesson and our teachers will help you choose the right instrument for your goals, lifestyle, and interests.