Choosing the right musical instrument can be extremely difficult. With all the different choices, it’s hard to commit to a singular craft, which is why this guide is designed to help you pick the perfect instrument.
While some instantly fall in love with a particular musical instrument, others find it hard to find the perfect instrument to commit to. Choosing the right musical instrument is the first step to helping you on your musical journey, even though it can be hard to decide.
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Many people tend to switch instruments later on. Although this is still a good thing since knowing multiple instruments provides versatility, some professional musicians regret not learning the perfect musical instrument for them earlier on.
Instead of going through the trial and error phase, spend more time choosing the right musical instrument to commit to avoid wasting time.
If you’re indecisive regarding your first musical instrument and want to choose the perfect one right away, this guide is for you.
Steps to choosing the perfect musical instrument
Here are a few steps you can follow to ensure you select the right instrument.
1. What genre do you enjoy?
If there’s a genre you enjoy, this will give you an idea of what type of instrument you might enjoy playing. Different genres and songs usually highlight other devices; depending on your chosen genre, you might find the perfect instrument within that group.
2. Do you want to play alone or with a group?
Specific instruments are hard to play alone. Be truly honest with yourself. Are you a born star soloist, or do you want to connect deeply with other people through music?
3. What is the most realistic musical instrument?
Specific instruments, like the drums, can be hard to practice due to space or logistical restrictions. Therefore, choosing a musical instrument that you can practice freely is essential to minimize potential roadblocks later on.
4. What instrument can you imagine yourself playing?
Although practicality is essential, passion should also never be neglected when it comes to music. If there’s a musical instrument that you know would make you happy if you learned how to play it, keep that instrument as one of your top picks.
Going the traditional route when choosing an instrument
Some people don’t fall in love with specific songs or genres, but rather music as a whole, which is perfectly fine. If you’re planning to take the more professional route toward classical music, here are the steps you need to follow.
1. Learn how to read notes and play the piano
The piano is a perfect starting point for those who want to learn how to play classical music. This is because it also helps you practice reading and understanding notes while giving you a solid background in music.
2. Experimenting with different instruments
If you’ve learned the basics and are still unsatisfied with the piano, it could be time for you to experiment with other instruments. Since you’ve learned more about reading notes, you’ll be able to tell which parts of a musical piece fascinate you the most and what you want to specialize in.
3. Have a goal and pick an instrument that will help you achieve it
The more knowledgeable you become as a musician, the more you’ll want to achieve something of your own, either writing your songs, making a rendition, or any other goals. Once you have a clear plan, you’ll be able to choose the right instrument and stick with it.
