Do you know how to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on any instrument?
It’s a common assumption that a good amount of people had to go through what seemed like an obligation at the time to learn a musical instrument. It was so difficult for some of us to sit down for an hour or two during music lessons.
Fast forward to about 10 years later: we were, and probably still are, wishing we could have just sat through those lessons. While we watch others play many hymns and songs on musical instruments we never bothered to learn, the realization that “Mary Had a Little Lamb” was the least level we could have attained hits in little waves of regret.
On the other hand, we may also be, or know people that just never had the opportunity or the time. Surprise! There’s light at the end of the tunnel because it’s never too late!
Here are some of the easiest musical instruments you can learn in no time - in no particular order.
Harmonica
You were probably all thinking the keyboard would come first but the harmonica is alot easier! This instrument is probably the shortest route to joining a jazz band. You could carry it every and anywhere with you for practice because of its compatibility. You should also know that you never sound bad on the harmonica —unless you are trying to because any note you play will be in key. To play the harmonica you inhale or exhale into any of the holes and one hole could produce two different notes depending on the inhale or exhale technique you use.
Tambourines
Tambourines are so versatile that they could produce different sounds when shaken or hit. The sound the tambourine makes is like little bells or tiny cymbals and what makes it so easy to learn is the fact that you don’t have to find the right key to play on. The tambourine can however be easily equated to noise when played wrongly, but the good part about it is that you don’t need formal lessons; you could teach yourself. So get to it!
Maracas
Similar to the easiness of tambourine is the maracas. This instrument is a huge part of the Latin American culture and it is played by the shaking of wrists to produce sounds. It is as easy as it sounds that it has been compared to the rattle of a baby.
Recorder
The recorder is probably the first musical instrument any of us picked up. It may be some parents’ nightmare when they leave it to their kids, or a nightmare to that neighbour who has to listen to the second-hand noise, but after mastering it could easily provide a foundation for a smooth transition into the saxophone, clarinet, or any other more technical woodwind instruments. With it, you can learn solfa notations for music reading, tempo, pitch, and finger placement. This makes it a great first musical instrument.
Ukuleles
Ukuleles are basically little guitars with the exception of two strings, so they are lighter and more portable. They produce such fun, happy and playful sounds that make it hard to sound mediocre; you could literally hop on YouTube to learn a few chords and you’ll be playing songs in no time.
Electronic keyboards
The electronic keyboard is probably the most popular instrument in the world - if you disagree, you might want to look outside to make sure you haven’t been living under a rock this whole time. Electronic keyboards are the best way to learn the piano. They usually have play-along songs which make it fun with the reduced technicality that a standard piano would come with.
You also don't need to worry about the noise because it comes with an output for headphones. They can also leave the room because it works with batteries and doesn’t always have to be connected to a power source
The best part about all these instruments is the affordability of them all. If you think the first one isn’t for you, you can try the others but after going through all of them you most definitely can’t say you do not know how to play.
You’re welcome!