The phrase music makes the world go round is no lie. We all love music in some way or another and it gives us a small escape from reality, even if it is only for a brief moment. However, learning instruments can be beneficial for both children and adults. It helps develop the brain in many ways and gives you a sense of creativity.
In this article, we take a look at the 11 most popular musical instruments for kids and adults to learn and to help them develop this function of the brain with more ease. A good instrument can help you escape reality and serves as a purposeful hobby. We have added a small buyer’s guide that also entails some of the key features that are important to look for in the top instruments.
Top 10 Musical Instruments To Learn
1. Ukulele Soprano Beginner Mahogany Set
With the guitar being the most popular musical instrument on the market today, it is a no brainer that we are starting our list with something similar. The Ukulele Soprano Beginner Mahogany Set is made from mahogany and includes carbon nylon strings. This will definitely improve the durability of it when jamming.
The guitar is fully packed with all the things you need for your gigs. A tuner that is made from copper and fully functional will help to keep the guitar in top condition and the instruction manual is added with pictures and clear instructions on how to use the kit. It is really comfortable to play with the 15 frets flat space design.
Another benefit is the price. This is one of the most affordable guitars on the market today and includes everything you expect from a top quality model. It also features durable construction and the strings come with a lifetime replacement deal. This is the perfect guitar for beginners and adults to get started on.
Pros
- Complete super kit
- Advanced tuner for more accurate sounds
- Top instruction manual
- Comfortable to play with
- Really affordable
Cons
- Takes a lot of practice
2. Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar
Nothing says you have arrived as much as good branded guitar and the Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar is an affordable option for beginners to start with. Made mostly from Rosewood, the guitar is really durable and comes with excellent sound output. Since it is an acoustic guitar, it sounds natural as well and you don’t need an amp.
The guitar features a natural handcrafted finish and it comes with a clear instruction manual for all beginners to understand. Rich overtones will improve the quality of the sound from your guitar and simply add to the songs quality.
It might be a little expensive for most beginners, but it is still affordable. Since this is considered a long-term investment and you don’t need to upgrade anytime soon, this is an excellent guitar that we would recommend. However, it might not be ideal for smaller children to start with this model right away.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Rich overtones
- Clear sound and a fine tuner
- Durable construction (All Handmade)
Cons
- Recommended for adults only
3. Casio CTK-2550
Casio is one of the leading brands when it comes to the piano and the Casio CTK-2550 61-Key Portable Keyboard is one of these simplistic options that will allow you to exploit your own skills. It comes with full app integration and you can plug in all of your learning apps to the device and it should allow you to improve your skills.
This piano includes around 400 different tones and it comes with 100 rhythms that can be used when playing. Multiple sounds and songs have been preloaded, allowing you to integrate them into your music. The Step-Up lesson system will provide you with a few lessons and teach you how to effectively play the piano.
The price is something we definitely like and this is one of those affordable pianos that you just can’t get enough of. It might not include the table or any of the stands required, but will still be cheaper than the elite options.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Step-Up lesson system included
- Over 400 tones and 100 rhythms
- Includes app integration
Cons
- No stand or stool is included
4. Mugig Melodica 37 Key
It might not have all the keys to start learning, but the Mugig Melodica 37 Key is one of the best when it comes to learning new skills with a clear phosphor bronze reed and reinforced metal, the piano stands out is an excellent beginner option. It is also wider than the 32-key alternative with more sounds.
The piano has an excellent sound output, making it clear to the ears and comes with 2 functional mouthpieces to help you with a melodica. These have all been constructed from food grade materials, making it much safer for you to use. A durable bag has also been incorporated to carry it along, but you will need to buy your own stand.
With such an affordable price, this melodic instrument is perfect to use by children and adults of all ages. You can easily carry it around with you and it comes with clear instructions on how to actually get started. Unfortunately, it is a little out of tune compared to many of the more advanced versions but still recommended for learning.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Clear learning instructions
- Clear sound production
- Durable construction and carry case
Cons
- A little out of tune
5. RockJam RJ561
The piano is probably one of the most popular instruments and the RockJam 61-Key Electronic Keyboard Piano SuperKit is an electronic alternative with 61-keys that will make your life a whole lot easier. It is an entire set that includes the keyboard and a stool with an adjustable feature to ensure that you are actually comfortable when playing.
With over 100 sounds and 50 demo songs, it is easy to find the perfect sound for all your musical needs. These sounds also help you learn some of the basic piano skills and you can eventually compose your own with the headphones that are included. The thorough learning aid will make a massive difference to ensure you improve your skills.
It might be a little expensive, but when looking at some of the elite keyboards and brands, this one is actually quite affordable. With all these aids and functions, it is no secret that we definitely recommend it to adults and even teens.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Includes a thorough manual
- Over 100 different sounds
- Complete set
- 50 demo learning songs
Cons
- It lacks a little durability for small children
6. Davison Full Size Black Electric Guitar
If rock is more your style of music as an adult, the Davison Full-Size Black Electric Guitar with Amp is one of the best options you can make. Not only is it an affordable model, but includes all the details of the top models. Additionally, you receive a complete set and the amp is generally expensive, but already included in this package.
While the sound is off the chart, you receive multiple accessories that include headphones when playing. The guitar also features a clear instruction manual for all beginners to take learning by the scruff of the neck as they are playing. It is worth noting that the guitar is available for right handed and left handed players.
Electric guitars generally cost a fortune, but not this guitar model. It is one of the more affordable models and offers anyone the opportunity to get started. One of the downsides is that the guitar does tend to lose tune quite often. However, you have a good tuner included to help you fix many of these issues.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Includes all the accessories and your amp
- Clear instruction manual
- Ideal for right and left-handed players
Cons
- Tends to fall out of tune quite often
7. Joy 61-Key Standard Electronic Piano Keyboard
Moving on to the little ones, we have the Joy 61-Key Standard Electronic Piano Keyboard and this one of the best models for children to play with. It looks like an authentic piano and includes all the basic keys that you will need to learn. However, adding a few stickers could be helpful to teach them some notes on the keyboard.
It comes with 50 demonstration songs and this should make life easier for your older kids when they are learning. It is worth noting that the piano is really cheap and does not come with a stool or stand for the keyboard. With a sound recording feature, your children can also record all their latest hits for playback at a family gathering.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Includes 50 demonstration songs
- Great for kids and adults
- Record your favorite songs
Cons
- Sound quality is not the best
8. Feixiang Acoustic Guitar
If your kid likes to strum along on their guitar to music, the Feixiang Acoustic Guitar is one of the best options to get them started. With full integrated mahogany, it looks and feels like one of the adult guitars. The guitar is lightweight but features an ergonomic design that makes it really comfortable for children to play with.
This little model tends to stay in tune a little better than some of the other kid’s guitars. It comes with a complete set of picks and bag for you to carry it along to your gigs. As for the price, it is really affordable and offers some great learning experiences. Unfortunately, the saddle is not the best and you might need to upgrade this.
Pros
- Really affordable
- Stays in tune
- Ergonomic design for more comfort
- Complete set with a bag and picks
Cons
- The saddle is a little cheap
9. Strong Wind Classical Acoustic Guitar
The Strong Wind Classical Acoustic Guitar is one of the newer models that is released for children and adults to play with. It features full wood construction with steel strings that maintain the sound as much as possible. Since it is quite small and lightweight, it is perfect for young guitarists to actually find their rhythm.
It also comes with a complete bag and multiple picks, but the instruction manual will help any child get into the swing of things.
Pros
- Full wood construction
- Easy to play with
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Complete set
Cons
- Tends to fall out of tune quite easily
10. SMART WALLABY Musical Instruments Set
The SMART WALLABY Musical Instruments are some of the best options for toddlers to get them started and it features 15 different instruments that should help children get into playing. The instruments are non-toxic and child-safe as they have been constructed from natural wood except for shaker eggs where plastic have been used for better sound quality. However, it is not the most elegant musical pieces.
Since these instruments are for children, you should expect them to eventually grow out of them. However, they are really affordable and will offer you some great value when it comes to starting out their little careers.
Pros
- Complete set of 15 instruments
- Really affordable
- Food grade plastic construction
Cons
- Not a long term investment
11. Mendini Full Size 4/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin
Next, we have a decent violin on this list as well. The Mendini Full Size 4/4 MV300 Solid Wood Violin is made from solid wood and not only designed for children, but for any real beginner. The violin has been hand-carved and the stylish finish makes it look great. It also comes with all the needed accessories and a carry case.
With a Brazilian wood bow, the violin is one of the top beginner options and you have multiple different guides that will aid your learning process. It is an affordable model for all children or adults to play with and improve the musical prowess. Additionally, the limited 1-year warranty will keep you protected against any manufacturer defects.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Complete manual for beginners
- Hand-carved design
- Limited 1-year warranty included
Cons
- The accessories might not be the best
Buying Guide
Key Features To Consider When Choosing A New Instrument
The best instruments we selected have been specifically chosen for beginners. While there are many more great instruments, we have focused on the most affordable options that actually help you improve your musical skills. Here are the top features that we used to actually choose the best options on the market today:
Instrument Type
You will need to start with the instrument type and choosing the right instrument will make a massive difference. It is important to experiment with different options before simply selecting one. The most common option that almost anyone can use with ease is the guitar. With a little guidance and perhaps a few lessons, you can quickly be rocking out to your favorite songs.
Durability
The top instruments and brands like Yamaha or Casio can be really expensive, but when you choose lesser brands, you might be trading off some of the durability. It important to look at all the instrument features and this includes the durability aspect as well. If you are choosing an instrument to learn a new skill, you probably want some longevity as well.
Accessories
While the instruments themselves can be a little expensive, there are a few accessories that you also need to keep in mind. When looking at the instruments, it is important to look for complete sets. You can easily upgrade things like the tables or the picks as you move on, but the accessories could make life a little easier for you.
Learning Features
We all understand that an instruction manual is generally included with most of these products. However, that might not always be enough for every beginner to hone their skills. You might need to look for additional accessories that could aid you in actually improving your overall skills when playing the instrument.
Occasionally, brands like Casio will include instruction and tutorial CDs that will enable you to actually see the notes that are being played. Other top brands offer free online subscriptions to lessons for a set period. It is better to choose one of these programs or receive an instruction CD to ensure you get the best possible value for your money.
Price
Lastly, you do need to consider the price and this is one of the most fundamental aspects of playing an instrument. If the instrument is only being used as a hobby that you will use occasionally, there is no need to spend too much. Alternatively, those with massive music aspirations might need to choose something a little more advanced to hone their skills and last them a little longer.
Which Instrument Do We Think Is The Best For Beginners?
All of these instruments have a dear place in the music industry, including the small set that is made for the toddlers. However, it is better for beginners to start with the piano. The piano is one of the easiest to learn and once you understand the reading of the musical notes, you won’t have any troubles playing and excelling at it.