If you are looking to learn to play a musical instrument but are not sure which instrument to choose, we're here to help. Most beginners will find some musical instruments are more suitable and easier to learn than others so we have put together a list of our top 10 beginner instruments.

Keyboard/Piano The piano is a great musical instrument for beginners. Whilst it can take a long time to learn and to master it is incredibly fulfilling to do so and is an instrument that can offer enjoyment for a lifetime. More traditional acoustic pianos can be large and expensive, however, there are some fantastic keyboards and digital pianos available that offer the sound and feel of a piano at often a much lower price and smaller size. Check out our Keyboards vs Acoustic Pianos to learn more about the different types of piano.

Guitar The guitar is a great choice of instrument for beginners and with good reason. The guitar comes in a variety of sizes and styles to suit the player. Classical guitars are the best choice for beginners, especially those of a younger age, but there are other great choices depending on what style of music the student is looking to play. The basic technique of the guitar is fairly easy to pick up and those that go on to master it can easily switch to other guitar style instruments such as the ukulele and bass.

For help choosing a guitar check out our posts 6 Tips For Buying Your First Guitar and Guitar Size Guide.

Violin The violin is another popular choice of instrument for beginners (as are a few of the other orchestral strings). The violin is available in a variety of sizes from full size 4/4 right down to 1/16, with the latter suitable for learners as young as 3 years of age. You can check out our Violin Size Guide for help with sizing.

Beginners will be able to produce a good sound on the violin in little time, however fully mastering the instrument will take more time, hard work, and practise. The violin is also always in demand in orchestras and music ensembles so as the player develops there will be a choice of music groups for them to join.

Cello The cello is another great instrument for beginners for many of the same reasons as the violin. Available in a variety of sizes from full size 4/4 to 1/10, with the latter suitable for those as young as 4 years of age, check out our Cello Size Guide for help with sizing.

Beginners will be able to pick up the technique and produce a good sound in little time, and just like the violin the cello is always in high demand in orchestras and music groups.

Double Bass The double bass is another of the orchestral strings family that is a good choice for beginners. Whilst the large size of the double bass may make it seem as though it wouldn't be suited for beginners of a young age, it is available in a variety of sizes from full size 4/4 right down to 1/16 with the latter being suitable for children as young as 5 years of age. For help with sizing check out our Double Bass Size Guide. Similarly to the violin and cello, beginners can also produce a good sound on the double bass in little time. The double bass plays an essential role in many orchestras and music groups giving good opportunity to perform with others as the player develops.

Saxophone The saxophone is a great instrument for beginners. It is available in a variety of types and sizes, with the alto saxophone being the most suitable for beginners. Check out our Different Types of Saxophone post to learn more about the saxophone. A lot of student saxophonists find the saxophone easy to learn and pick up the fingering technique and produce a good sound quite quickly.

For young beginners we recommend the Nuvo jSax. It is an entirely plastic, lightweight, miniature saxophone which is also available in a variety of fun colours!







Flute The flute is a great instrument for beginners and is one of the most popular, especially for school age learners. The flute is small and compact, easy to learn, and is one of the more affordable instruments in the orchestra. It is very popular for use in orchestras and bands giving the player lots of opportunity to play with others as they progress. For young beginners we recommend the Nuvo Student Flute. It is a lightweight, entirely plastic flute, available in both a curved or straight head, and a variety of fun colours that kids will love!



Clarinet The clarinet is the third in the woodwind family that is a great instrument for beginners. A lot of beginners find the clarinet quite easy to learn and with its popularity in orchestras and music ensembles there are many opportunities to play with a group. A lot of clarinetists can also easily play other instruments such as the saxophone.

For young beginners we recommend the Nuvo Clarineo, a lightweight, plastic clarinet which is available in a variety of fun colours!

Trumpet The trumpet is the only brass instrument on our list and with good reason! The trumpet can be easy for beginners to pick up, is easy to carry, and players can use the skills they learn on the trumpet with other instruments from the brass family.

For young beginners we recommend the pTrumpet - a fully functional, entirely plastic, lightweight trumpet. It is available in a variety of fun colours which kids will love and is great value!

