How do I choose my musical instrument?

Playing a musical instrument brings many benefits. Whatever your motivation for learning a new instrument: for a hobby, to start a band or simply because it’s a school subject, the benefits are many. But how do you know which instrument to choose? Which one suits you best? Indeed, the selection criteria are many in the wide range of existing musical instruments. In this article we take stock.

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Which type of instrument to choose?

The piano

When learning a musical instrument, the choice of piano is: strategic : While sitting, you can focus on the notes by tapping them. You practice your ear and your dexterity. The piano is a good choice at any age start with music† Once you are more familiar with the piano, it is possible to move on to other instruments such as the synth, the accordion or the harpsichord.

The guitar

This instrument is one of the most popular because it hits different music styles like rock or classical. The guitar adapts to all worlds, is easy to transport and equally suitable for practice alone or in a group† In addition, there are different types of guitar:

  • classical guitar with nylon strings;
  • acoustic guitar with metal strings;
  • electric guitar.

You will also find other instruments in the same vein like the guitar like the bass, the banjo but also the mandolin.

Wind instruments

This family of instruments is not for everyone because it requires: a lot of breath and training. Indeed, it will be necessary to blow continuously into the mouthpiece or mouthpiece of your instrument. In addition to understanding the notes, you must: master the different techniques of breath.

It’s a multitude of music styles you can play playing with a wind instrument : classical, jazz or even popular music. Wind instruments are divided into two families: woodwinds and brass instruments

Among the most well-known and played wind instruments are:

  • the saxophone;
  • the trumpet ;
  • the trombone;
  • the Horn ;
  • the baritone;
  • the snorkel
  • the clarinet ;

The exotic instruments

Past more classical instruments as mentioned above, there are other more original and less known types. With what different origins and less common sounds, you can discover them with pleasure: you can choose from: the impressive number of instruments existing. So, to give you some ideas, here are some tools you might like:

  • the sitar
  • the ukulele;
  • the flute;
  • the whistle ;
  • the drum ;
  • the triangle ;
  • the pan flute
  • the acoustic bass;
  • the koto;
  • bagpipes;
  • the Chinese violin;
  • the guqin;
  • the erhu;

Which instrument suits my personality?

Test multiple instruments

To be able to know the ideal tool, it is advisable to try different ones: piano, guitar, drums but also double bass, flute and djembe. By trying out instruments with different techniquesyou will feel the one or those with whom you are most comfortable.

To test multiple musical instruments without too much effort (and therefore cost), you can: join an orchestra or go to a music store. So you can test different families of instruments to get an idea of ​​which one you feel comfortable with.

Try different experiences

There are several ways to discover and learn to play an instrument : music theory, or self-study. If you study music in school, you have a program that is established by the establishment: it is music theory which you then learn the basics of musical learning.

However, going into an establishment through an orchestra can force the instrument on you depending on needs† The bright side is the opportunity to discover a new instrument that you may have a fondness for.

Trust each other

One of the success factors is your have faith in yourself† Follow your instinct: your affinity with this or that instrument is not necessarily explained. Otherwise, some physical criteria can also take into account:

  • your size: if you are tall, you will definitely like the double bass;
  • your hands: with long fingers you can choose all instruments. Conversely, little fingers will limit you for certain instruments such as the bassoon for example.

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