What instrument should I play?
Many people feel a natural connection with one musical instrument more than others, but don’t worry if you don’t feel this yet. The first step before you start thinking about how to form a band, or where to play your first gig is; what instrument should I play?
Maybe the first question many people ask themselves is actually “am I musical?” This doesn’t really matter too much and you shouldn’t be put off learning just because you haven’t really been involved in music before. There are many different types of instrument and you will be able to find one that suits you.
If you have a great ear for melodies and you find yourself getting a tune stuck in your head then a solo instrument like a trumpet or saxophone could be right for you.
But if you are a rhythmic person and are more likely to tap your foot along to a beat then the drums or bass guitar (often referred to together as the ‘rhythm section’) would seem a better choice for you. These instruments are very important in a band as they keep everyone playing together in time, a good rhythm section can make a band sound much more professional.
However, if you already consider yourself to be quite a musical person then an instrument like the piano (or keyboards) or guitar could be the right choice for you. These instruments are known for producing chords, which means lots of notes played at the same time to create harmonies. You would need to be able to tell if any of the notes you are playing are not ‘in tune’ with the rest of the chord.
The truth is, there is no such thing as the easiest instrument to learn. Every instrument can seem easier if it is the right choice for your own personality and physical characteristics.
If you don’t have access to a selection of instruments at a school or college to help you make your choice, some music stores allow you to hire instruments for a short period of time. Maybe hire an electric piano for a month or two to see if you like it? Alternatively, if you think something like a violin may be the type of instrument for you, have a look on ebay for a cheap violin to get you started. Often you can see them for sale for as little as $30 or $40!
Which instrument is the right size for me?
An important point to consider is your own physical characteristics. If you have a bigger body size then the small notes of a violin may be too hard for you. Or if you are smaller than most people, the keys of a piano may seem too far apart for you.
The good news is there are a huge variety of different instruments out there so you will definitely find something for you. What instrument should I play if I am 6’7″ and have very big hands? … probably the drums, bass guitar or double bass!
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