Top 5 Best Musical Instruments

Which instrument is the best? When people want to learn an instrument they often ask this question - and even people who are currently learning instruments may wonder about this. In this article, I will rank my favourite instruments, both on the ease of learning, and the sounds that they produce. Before I start, music is subjective and this is my personal opinion on this topic; if you are planning to start learning a new instrument you should think about what type of music you like. You should consider genre, how much time you can commit to practise, and whether you are committed to learning vital musical skills such as sight-reading and technique. But anyway, now for my ranking…

5. Guitar

Guitar is one of the most common instruments in a variety of musical genres worldwide, including pop, blues, country, and flamenco. Additionally, it is quite easy to learn, you only need 2-3 years of daily practice to get to an advanced level (much less than other instruments). Also, if you enjoy singing, then guitar is a good option for you as it nicely pairs with a vocal performance.

4. Harp

The harp can produce a beautiful, angelic sound if played well. It is harder to learn and play to a high standard, but with practice, it is possible and definitely worth it. Harps are also vital in many orchestral pieces as they add a magical glimmer on top of the majestic orchestral sounds. Finding a good harpist is hard, so if you can play the harp well you will find many opportunities waiting in your musical journey.

3. Cello

The cello produces a thick, rich sound and has a large range; it can produce high notes like the violin and also deep resonating notes that are unique to the cello. That being said, the cello is quite difficult to learn so this instrument would require A LOT of time and dedication. With daily practice, you need around five years to reach a decent level at the cello, much more than the guitar.

2. Violin

The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family, and is very popular. It can produce a variety of beautiful sounds - for example it can sound elegant and sophisticated; exciting and lively. There are many solo opportunities but even more collaborative opportunities with the violin. For example, orchestras and string quartets/trios all require the violin. The bad news is that it is difficult and definitely requires a lot of patience and practice. I have learned the violin before (and subsequently quit it), and I must warn you: it is painful (mentally and physically) and it will only sound good when you reach a certain level. However, I (kind of) regret quitting the violin, because I love the music that a violin can produce when mastered, so if you are a dedicated and patient person I’d definitely recommend the violin.

1. Piano

First place is the piano! I play the piano myself (although there was certainly no bias in making this decision). I chose it because it produces a variety of beautiful songs and has the largest range (88 keys) and can play almost any genre of music. The piano is like an entire orchestra and the reason I like it so much is because it is a solo instrument; you don’t need an accompanist when performing (unless you are playing a concerto where you’d need an orchestra to accompany you). However, this is also a potential drawback of this instrument - it is harder to find teamwork opportunities with the piano.

You can be successful in any instrument you choose, as long as you are passionate about it and willing to commit. And don’t forget the importance of your teacher: a good teacher can help you do really well, and a bad teacher might make you bored of the instrument. My teacher was actually one of the reasons why I quit the violin. So, if you don’t like your teacher, I suggest you try out a new teacher. I hope this article has helped you pick an instrument that you are passionate about and one you love!