How to choose your first instrument guide

How to choose your first instrument without regrets

I cover How to choose your first instrument without regrets by sharing how I match my musical goals with my budget. I treat the choice like picking shoes: fit, comfort, and how often I’ll play matter. I list songs I want to learn, include lessons and maintenance in the math, test instruments with the styles I love, check size and comfort, weigh acoustic vs electric, compare new/used/rental options, and try or rent first with a short trial so I buy with confidence.

If you want a quick overview of who we are and our approach to beginner music advice, see our About page.

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Key takeaway

• I try different instruments to see what feels right.

• I pick an instrument that is comfortable for my size and hands.

• I choose the sound that makes me want to play.

• I set a budget and look for a good starter option.

• I practice a little every day to stick with it.

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How I match my musical goals and budget

I want to help you answer How to choose your first instrument without regrets by sharing a clear, repeatable process. Start with two questions: what style do you want to play, and how fast do you want to progress? Treat the instrument as something you’ll keep using—not abandon.

I list what I want to play and how fast I want to progress

• Which style: folk, pop, classical, or rock?

• Practice time: 15, 30, or 60 minutes a day.

• Pick an instrument that matches both style and practice time.

Style → instrument → expected progress (first 6 months)

Style	Beginner instrument	Typical first 6 months
Folk / Acoustic	Acoustic guitar, ukulele	Simple songs in 2–3 months
Pop / Keyboard-based	Keyboard, digital piano	Chords and simple songs in 1–2 months
Classical	Violin, classical guitar	Posture and simple pieces in 3–6 months
Rock / Lead	Electric guitar, bass	Riffs and power chords in 2–4 months

If I can play a simple song in one short session, the instrument fits my goals.

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I set a realistic budget (include lessons & maintenance)

Money breaks into three parts: the instrument, lessons, and maintenance. Add them up before deciding.

Item	Typical cost range (USD)	Notes
Beginner instrument	$80–$600	Acoustic guitars ~$150–$400; keyboards $100–$500
Lessons (per month)	$0–$240	Apps free; group $30–$60; private $40–$80/hr
Maintenance (annual)	$10–$120	Strings, tuning, setup

Example: used acoustic $220 $40/mo lessons $30/yr maintenance = $370 first-year total. A reliable mid-range instrument that stays in tune beats a very cheap model that discourages you.

My simple goals-and-budget checklist:

• Write one primary style.

• Set daily practice time (minutes).

• Pick 2 instruments to try.

• List total budget (instrument 3 months lessons 1 year maintenance).

• Try the cheaper option first if it passes the play test (one song in a short session).

• Reserve money for setup after buying used.

For tips on proper storage, humidity control, and routine care that affect maintenance costs, see this basic care for musical instruments guidance.

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How I pick an instrument by music style and songs I love

I test instruments with the songs and genres I enjoy

Bring three songs you love to the shop or session. Play along or have someone back you up to hear rhythm, melody, and dynamics.

What I listen for:

• Tone: bright, warm, thin, or full.

• Comfort: fret reach, key size, weight.

• Volume and balance with others.

• Record a quick clip and listen on headphones.

Genre	What I listen for	Example test
Rock	punchy attack, sustain	power-chord riff
Jazz	warmth, clean tone	walking changes
Pop	clear lead, easy chords	radio strum
Classical	even tone, smooth dynamics	arpeggios & scales

Repeat the same three songs on 2–3 instruments to compare quickly.

Questions I ask before I buy

• Can I play those three songs in six months?

• Will I practice ≥ 20 min most days?

• Can I carry and store this instrument where I live?

• Is the sound one I love?

• Does my budget cover upkeep and lessons?

• Would I feel proud to bring it to a jam?

If I hesitate on more than two answers, I try another model or wait.

My style-fit quick test (10–15 minutes):

• Play your favorite song for 10–15 minutes.

• Rate comfort, tone, feel (smile while playing?), and cost factor (repair risk).

• Add scores: ≥ 16 = strong match; < 12 = try another.

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How I check size, age, and comfort

I measure hand span and arm length

• Hand span: thumb tip → pinky tip.

• Arm length: shoulder → middle finger tip.
  Compare to instrument choices.

Measurement	Typical reading	Suggested beginner choices
Hand span < 15 cm	Small hands	Soprano ukulele, half-size violin
Hand span 15–18 cm	Medium hands	Concert ukulele, 3/4 guitar
Hand span > 18 cm	Large hands	Full-size guitar

I try holding and fingering to avoid pain or strain

• Sit and stand; mimic songs you want to learn.

• Can you reach notes without over-stretching? Is wrist bending sharp? Pain within five minutes = stop.

• Signs to watch: numbness, tingling, sore tendons, sharp pain.

For clinician-reviewed advice on recognizing early signs and preventing overuse, check this resource on advice on playing-related pain and injury.

Fit-and-comfort rules:

• Pain < 5 minutes → stop.

• Choose the smallest size that still sounds good.

• Test fretting/fingering for one song.

• Check posture in a mirror or video.

• Try straps, cushions, or footstool before switching instruments.

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How I weigh acoustic vs electric for beginners

Sound, amp needs, and home noise limits

Aspect	Acoustic	Electric
Sound	Bright, body-driven	Shaped by amp/effects
Amp needed	No	Yes (or headphones via interface)
Home volume	Louder naturally	Can be silent with headphones
Beginner cost	$100–$400	$150–$500 amp $50–$200
Best for	Folk, singer-songwriter	Rock, blues, effects-based

If you need low noise, electric headphones is ideal. If you want great unplugged tone, choose acoustic.

Facts I keep visible when comparing

• String feel: nylon/light-gauge gentler on fingers.

• Action: low action helps beginners.

• Setup need: plan $30–$80 for a setup.

• Learning curve: electric often feels easier with lighter strings.

• Gear: electric needs amp/interface for headphones.

• Resale: popular starter models hold value.

Decision steps:

• List goals and where you’ll practice.

• Set budget including amp and setup.

• Try instruments 15 minutes.

• Pick whatever makes you want to play daily.

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How I judge learning curve and practice time

Time to play a simple song (typical)

Instrument	Typical time to play a simple song	Early reward	Main beginner barrier
Guitar	1–3 weeks	Yes — chords sound good fast	Finger pain, chord changes
Piano/Keyboard	1–2 weeks	Yes — melody harmony	Hand coordination
Ukulele	2–7 days	Big yes — very quick wins	Small fretboard oddness
Recorder/Flute	3–10 days	Yes — simple tunes fast	Breath control
Violin	4–12 weeks	Slow — tone takes time	Bowing & intonation
Drums	1–3 weeks	Yes — rhythm immediate	Coordination, kit setup

Match practice time to your week

Block practice like appointments. My baseline: 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week = solid starter (100 min/week). If busy: 10 min twice a day still helps. For faster progress: 30 min/day, 6 days/week.

Weekly free time → best fit:

• 30–60 min → Ukulele, Recorder

• 60–150 min → Guitar, Drums, Piano

• 150 min → Violin, advanced lessons

Short daily practice outperforms rare long sessions.

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How I find affordable starter instruments without buyer’s regret

How to choose your first instrument without regrets starts with smart price checks and clear goals. Compare new, used, and rental options and consider warranties.

Option	Typical cost (starter)	Warranty / Return	Best when
New	$150–$500	~1 year	You want new parts/service
Used	$50–$300	Often none	Low price, inspect condition
Rental	$10–$40/month	Repairs often included	Try before you buy

I once rented a keyboard for 4 months at $25/month and then bought a model I already knew I liked—saved regret.

Look for trusted starter brands and bundle value (case, tuner, strap, online lessons). Bundles can save $30–$100 and get you playing faster.

Common trusted starters:

• Guitar: Fender Squier, Epiphone, Yamaha acoustic

• Keyboard: Casio, Yamaha

• Ukulele: Kala

• Violin (student): Stentor

For industry-neutral resources on brands, starter gear, and education programs to compare options, see this resources for affordable starter instrument options.

Affordable-buy checklist:

• Set a budget.

• Decide your goals (hobby, lessons, long-term).

• Compare total cost (new vs used vs rental for 6–12 months).

• Check warranty & return policy.

• Look for useful bundles.

• Test play or ask for videos.

• Check seller reputation and recent reviews.

• Plan for extras (strings, lessons, setups).

Treat your first buy like a small project: write numbers and pick the best fit for your goals.

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How I choose a teacher, method book, or app

Vet teachers for beginner experience

Book a trial lesson. Look for a teacher who works with beginners, sets clear goals, gives small wins, and explains in plain language. If you need personalized help finding a local or online teacher, use our contact page to ask for recommendations or next steps.

For standards and resources that help when finding and evaluating teachers, check this finding and choosing a music teacher guide.

Teacher types:

• Private in-person — fast feedback, cost & travel.

• Private online — flexible, needs good internet.

• Group class — cheaper, social.

• Short-term coach — focused, not for steady progress.

I avoid teachers promising instant mastery without a plan.

Pick books and apps that match your instrument and goals

Prefer resources that teach notes, rhythm, and good posture, use songs you like, offer short practice steps, and provide feedback. I use a teacher one book one app for balanced learning.

Trusted resources: Alfred’s Basic (piano), Hal Leonard (guitar), Suzuki (violin). Try app free trials to check if the feedback is useful.

Learning-resources shortlist:

• Teacher with many beginner students.

• Step-by-step method book.

• App that gives real feedback and short daily lessons.

• Combo: teacher book app speeds progress.

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How I narrow my options and avoid regret

I start with the question: How to choose your first instrument without regrets. I write down must-haves, cut options fast, and test the top two if possible. I rank options by cost, portability, and sound quality.

Example scoring (1–5):

Instrument	Typical cost (USD)	Portability	Sound quality	Total
Ukulele	50–300	5	3	13
Acoustic guitar	100–600	3	4	12
Keyboard (basic)	100–500	2	3	10
Violin (student)	150–800	3	4	12

Read reviews, watch honest demos (not slick ads), and make a short pros/cons list for each option. If many users repeat the same complaint, pay attention.

Comparison template (fill after testing):

• Instrument: e.g., Acoustic guitar

• Cost: e.g., $250

• Portability (1–5): e.g., 3

• Sound Quality (1–5): e.g., 4

• Learning Curve: e.g., Medium

• Why I like it: 1–2 short points (main reason bolded)

• Deal Breakers: 1–2 points

• Final verdict: Keep / Pass / Maybe

I pick the one I can live with for a year—if I’m excited to practice, I buy.

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How I avoid regret by trying, renting, or borrowing

Try short-term rental or borrow to test commitment

Rent or borrow to check comfort, size, tone, and ease of learning. Treat a rental like a real purchase and take notes each session.

What I test and why:

• Comfort — neck fit, hand reach, strap feel.

• Tone — clean notes, warmth, clarity.

• Playability — action height, tuning stability.

• Cost to keep — strings, service frequency.

• Portability — weight, case size.

Borrowing from friends costs little and gives real feel; renting is fast for models you can’t borrow. Many public libraries and community programs run instrument lending schemes—see this public instrument lending and rental program example for how that can work locally.

Set a 30-day play test

I give myself a 30-day test with clear weekly goals and record progress.

30-day plan:

• Week 1: Holding and three notes/chords.

• Week 2: Clean transitions, a short riff or strum pattern.

• Week 3: Play a simple song slowly.

• Week 4: Play the song with steady tempo and basic dynamics.

Record Day 1 and Day 30 clips to compare. If there’s clear improvement, interest is real.

Rent-or-buy decision rule to ensure How to choose your first instrument without regrets:

• If after 30 days I hit at least 3 of 4 goals (comfort, tone, progress, budget) → buy.

• If 1–2 goals → extend rental or try another model.

• If 0 goals → return and rethink.

Also ask: “Do I reach for it daily?” and “Can I imagine this in two years?” If both yes → buy.

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Conclusion

Choose your first instrument like shoes: it must fit, be comfortable, and be something you’ll reach for every day. Start with clear goals and a firm budget, list songs you want to play, include lessons and maintenance, and test thoroughly. Play three songs you love, check size and comfort, compare acoustic vs electric, and rent/borrow before you buy. Use a 30-day play test and a simple pass/fail checklist (comfort, tone, progress, budget). Hit at least three of four, and you’ll avoid buyer’s regret.

Short daily practice wins. Pick teachers, books, or apps that give small wins, and prioritize playability over looks. In short: plan, test, practice, and buy with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

• Q: How do I pick the right instrument for my size and budget?
  A: Try instruments in person. Check size, weight, and price. Choose what feels fun and comfortable.

• Q: How to choose your first instrument without regrets?
  A: Set clear goals, test a few styles, and pick the one you’ll play weekly. Use the 30-day test and the rent-or-buy rule.

• Q: Should I buy new or used for my first instrument?
  A: Inspect used gear carefully or get a tech check. Buy new if budget allows, but avoid cheap junk—value and playability matter more than being new.