Most Popular Musical Instruments: Best for Beginners and Professionals.

There are countless advantages to picking up a musical instrument. No wonder you are considering enrolling yourself or your child in music lessons. Music not only makes you more creative, but musically and socially it opens the opportunity to engage with other people through the universal language of music.

This list of the top 10 popular instruments is a mix of accessibility, price, versatility, and careers. Whether you’re looking for a tool that suits your personality or want to make your love into a career, this guide has something for everyone. Which instrument would you like to play?

For those who are just getting started, don’t fret, we got you covered! This post even includes some of the best beginner tools, to be able to find something that’s right for you and your level of expertise. The blog features which instruments are popular, with historical data, sounds and application scenarios. So, if you are looking to write tunes in harmony or want to learn a new hobby, let’s get to know some of the musical instruments and discover what makes them tick.

10. Harp

The harp is a string instrument common in many cultures throughout history. It’s very sonic, known for its resonant tone, and it’s been used in so many different styles of music. It’s slender body and lyrical voice have made it a universally popular icon throughout culture and history. Although the harp’s simple harmonic character is virtually unchanged, its potential has been vastly extended through successive centuries by advances in material, stringing, and pedals.

Age from: 8 years Difficulty: Medium

Popularity

- Middle Ages :

European music had its harp at the heart, played in court to accompany singers and dancers.

- Renaissance :

The harp was a common solo instrument, and music was even composed for it.

- 19th and early 20th centuries:

The harp had been mostly reserved for classical music.

- Late 20th century:

Other genres of music picked up the harp: folk, world, jazz.

Uses

• This harp sound can be used in conjunction with vocalisations or melodious solos.
• Harp has been many played in many cultures: Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.

9. Trumpet

It is a common brass instrument that appears in a wide variety of music. It is one of the earliest instruments on Earth and has been played in pious and warrior times. Trumpet is one of the most well-known wind instruments still played. You’ll see the trumpet in the widest variety of styles and ensembles. From fun chapel to harmony and funk band to orchestra. This little brass instrument is a great choice for young children and teenagers who like to make noise and just want that "cool factor". It is small and convenient to play, but a trumpet’s three plain keys and the possibility of buzzing the mouthpiece is particularly appealing to budding performers. As trumpets are largely the centrepiece of the brass section, this instrument would be ideal for young musicians who like to play the part of the entertainment.

Age from: 8 years Difficulty: Medium

Popularity

• Most common wind instrument is the trumpet.
• It’s an instrument that can be played in different styles of jazz, rock, pop and classical.
• It is also a central instrument in orchestras, marching bands and jazz ensembles.
• We’ve heard the trumpet in many a hit song: reggae, ska, EDM.

Uses

• The trumpet was used for ceremony and military reasons.
• It was a weapon of prestige for kings and noblemen in Medieval Europe and it was employed for hunting.
• This has included the trumpet in Haydn, Vivaldi and Mozart works.

8. Violin

Violin is one of those string instruments that are extremely versatile and beautiful. In many different forms, classical, rock, country, bluegrass, jazz. Violin is an instrument that kids can take starting as young as four years old so it is an excellent beginner instrument to have if you want your child to start early. It is so tiny, it is easy for tiny children to play and get their roots in strings instruments with. Children learn correct string technique, listen and basic musical ideas in the initial violin lessons and classes.

Age from: 4 years Difficulty: Medium

Popularity

• Violin is the most popular instrument on earth.
• It is an especially kid-friendly activity and it is even taken up by children from three years old.
• The violin has been the heartbeat of orchestras since the 1600s.

Uses

• The violin is a prominent instrument in classical music, especially in orchestras and chamber music. It is often used to carry the melody.
• It is used in many types of folk music, including bluegrass, country, and Indian music.
• It is used in jazz and jazz fusion, sometimes with electric violins.
• It is used in some forms of rock music, sometimes with electric violins.
• It is often played as a solo instrument.

7. Cello

Increasingly, the cello has become fashionable in recent years. Its intense, warm tones mean that you can sing extremely cool pieces. Furthermore, the cello can be found in several musical ensembles including string quartets and orchestras. Like violin, cello is another string instrument that beginners can get their hands on. While considerably larger than the violin, it is nevertheless fairly beginner friendly, and also teaches the basics of strings technique. But it’s also a really cool instrument that allows players to play everything from bass line to melody. And, because cello is more obscure than the violin, it is more sought after when it comes to playing in orchestras and ensembles.

Age from: 8 years Difficulty: Medium

Popularity

• The cello has taken off recently, particularly thanks to crossover musicians.
• It is now fashionable for the cello to play in rock music – there’s even a genre called cello rock.
• The cello is popular precisely because its place in music, evocative of the human voice, is special.

Uses

- Orchestra:

The cello is in an orchestra’s string section and the cello supports the bass line. And it can sing countermelodies or melodies to the violins.

- String quartets:

The cello is the bass voice of the string quartet but composers may include a melodic function.

- Chamber groups:

The cello is in lots of chamber groups.

- Solo works:

The cello is a perfect instrument for solo work because of its warm tones.

- Pop music:

Cello was played by pop musicians The Beatles, Björk and Jamiroquai.

6. Flute

Flute is a fantastic entry-level woodwind. It is cheap, learning, portable and easy to play! To be a good flutist you obviously have to work hard. Just like any other instrument. The basics, however, can be learnt pretty quickly. It makes it easy for you to get started singing your first songs in no time. This professional flute is usually very expensive because these are often in precious metals. Outside of choir, band instruments are the first instruments that let students play in a group. So if you’re interested in trying something to make your kid some friends and learn how to work in a team and communicate, flute or another band instrument are great choices.

Age from: 6 years Difficulty: Easy

Popularity

• The flute has existed since 900 B.C. or earlier.
• The first flute must have been from China - called the "ch-ie".
• It’s played by girls and women, and by a lot of guys too.
• Emotion is played through flute in orchestral and concert band music.

Uses

• Orchestra, concert band, jazz, folk and world music employ the flute.
• It can be played in church, at a recital, at a rock concert and many other venues.
• The flute is a soprano voice in orchestras and heads the woodwinds.

5. Ukulele

The most joyous-sounding instrument there is. And so the ukulele is in its stride. And that is not surprising. Ukuleles is one of the most accessible tools. It is a simple instrument. The grips are not fancy and the nylon string is not difficult on your fingers. Because the ukulele is smaller and has fewer strings (4 instead of six, unlike a guitar), small children can play it. And it gives them the opportunity to work on finger dexterity. And the repertoire on the ukulele is usually quite entertaining, just like the guitar. At Merit, ukulele classes where five- to seven-year-olds play the instrument with a parent are a joint bonding opportunity that generates countless musical memories back home.

Age :from 5 years old Difficulty: Easy

Popularity

• Ukuleles were first created in Hawaii in the late 19th century.
• It came from Portuguese immigrants who took it from Portuguese tools such as the machete.
• And the ukulele has become more popular in recent years.
• It’s taken off in the schools and most of them swap out recorders for ukuleles.
• Ukulele groups are a hit with anyone, singalongs and all.

Uses

- Writing Songs:

A ukulele is a great songwriting instrument as you need just a few chords, a melody and some words.

- Music to go with:

You can also use the ukulele with other instruments to accompany you.

- Single player:

You can play the ukulele solo or on instrumental tracks.

- Stress reduction:

Ukulele is a stress and anxiety relief method as it lowers the cortisol in your body.

- Music lessons:

The ukulele classes are a great way to take music lessons because they’re so simple.

4. Drums

Drums are popular as they’re a staple of a lot of genres of music, and they’re also interesting and lively to play. Drums are popular culture too. Not usually the neighbours’ favourite tool. But you can also drum away at home in the privacy of your own home thanks to electric drum sets. Drumming might be difficult for an unprofessed person. Most starters can't even play rhythms and have your hands and legs all do a different thing simultaneously, when they are new. But it has been so accessible with drum classes that can be taken online.

Age from: 6 years Difficulty: Difficult

Popularity

• Drums are the most ancient and universal musical instrument on the planet.
• Drums have been part of religious ceremonies and other cultural festivals since antiquity.
• At the heart of all music styles: Drums feature in most styles of music from classical to pop.
• Fun to Play: Drumming is fun whether you are a first timer or professional.
• Healthy and Active: Drums are a physically active form of music playing, you may keep your heart rate high while playing the drums.
• Resonant symbolism:Drums are famous icons, in popular culture, that symbolize life, mutiny and brute strength.

Uses

- Rhythm:

Most times the drums are used as the basis for a song’s rhythm.

- Orchestras:

Orchestras play drums (like kettledrums, also called timpani).

- Production of music:

Drums are played in music production and studios.

- Disco:

There is disco, rap or reggae music with drums, also in religious services, in procession, and military parades.

3. Tabla

Tabla is the most popular North Indian drum. Tabla is more popular than ever, worldwide, over the past three decades. Generally played in North Indian classical music, but with versatility in almost any style of music, it is now the most used percussion instrument. One tabla, a set of hand drums from the Indian subcontinent. It has been the main percussion instrument of Hindustani classical music since the 18th century and can be played alone, along with other instruments and vocals, or in a string band.

Learning the tabla on the internet can be the right touch! You’re a beat-dropper, or a normal tapper who just likes to play along with the music, but the tabla is your ticket to Indian percussion.

Age from: 6 years Difficulty: Medium

Popularity

• Tabla is a basic instrument of Hindustani music in northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Tabla emerged in South Asia out of naqqara, dholak, dhukkar, duggi and pakhawaj drums.
• Two Ustads who established the tabla — Ustad Alla Rakh and Ustad Zakir Hussain — are mentioned here.
• Tabla: The tabla is the most widely used percussion instrument in India.
• The tabla is a favourite because it’s versatile and tone beautiful.

Uses

- Music accompaniment:

The tabla goes with the songs, music instruments and dances. It’s the tempo of the performance.

- Stabilizing vocalists:

The tabla helps vocalists preserve the sense of Raga (melodic sequence).

- Improvisations:

Tabla players improvise complex riffs in classical music called thirds and ghats.

- Supporting dance acrobatics:

The tabla is part of dance acrobatics like Kathak.

- Aiding devotional practices:

Tabla in Hindu and Sikhism bhakti devotional practices, bhajan and kirtan singing.

- As accompaniment for qawwali and ghazal recitals:

Tabla plays rhythmic accompaniment and accompaniment in ensemble concerts (Qawwali and ghazal recitals).

- Solo playing:

Tabla-players are also soloists.

2. Guitar

It’s a close second with the guitar as it’s both versatile, inexpensive, and can be plugged in and out. And though the piano has long been around, rock and pop came out of the guitar. Acoustic, electric, bass guitars. It’s a bit more tricky with chords and can be slower for beginners, but guitar students can begin plucking and playing easy songs early on. Keep in mind that acoustic guitars take much less time to learn than an electric.

Age from: 6 years Difficulty: Difficult

Popularity

- Multi-purpose:

The guitar can be played by itself or with another instrument, and it is used for everything from rock to country to pop.

- Mobile:

Guitars are portable, which isn’t the case with the piano or cello.

- Cost:

Simple inexpensive guitars are great learning guitars.

- Convenience:

Guitar is one of the most familiar instruments on the planet.

- Polyphonic:

Guitar can play more than one tone at a time.

- Social aspect:

The guitar is a social instrument, played around a campfire.

Uses

- Rhythm section:

In jazz bands, the rhythm section usually comprises of the guitar.

- Lead guitar:

For the popular songs, lead guitar usually plays a solo role.

- Bass lines:

A bass guitar can play bass lines in pop songs.

- Music therapy:

Music therapy can be done with the guitar.

1. Piano/Keyboard

The piano (or keyboard) is, by far, one of the most common instruments among the novices. In part, this is because you can start teaching or taking lessons at an early age (at the age of five), but also because it is so simple to start at the piano. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that 21 million Americans are piano players! Perhaps the instrument with which I have the most versatility is the piano: it is used in almost all genres and with anyone, either on their own or with a band. It will be a slow, grindy game to learn, but once you can get it down, you might have a shot at a career! If you play piano, most teachers will tell you to pick a wooden or classic instrument first, over an electric. A lot of beginners are usually able to play some basic songs and melodies fairly easily, which gives them a good feeling of accomplishment that will get them excited about music school and encourage them to practice hard. Then again, piano instruction is a good foundation in music reading, scales, and some basic music theory.

Age: from 5 years old Difficulty: Easy

Popularity

• Piano is one of the most played instruments on earth.
• The average American plays the piano: 21 million.
• Piano is particularly in fashion in China.
• The piano took off in the 19th and 20th centuries as the middle classes expanded throughout Europe and North America.

Uses

- Piano Solos and Choirs:

Piano can be found in many types of music such as classical, jazz, popular etc.

- Accompaniment:

You can play piano alongside other instruments or singers.

- Practices:

The piano is for the rehearsals of pieces and performing.

You should have enjoyed learning which instruments people play most! 10 essential instruments to help you learn music and benefits they can get from music lessons, as well as teaching instrument history.

Keep in mind: There are a couple other things to consider when you are shopping for an instrument for your child or teen.