When you’re starting to learn music, one of the biggest questions is: what style should I focus on? From pop, rock, classical, jazz, and blues to electronic, country, reggae, and more — the options are endless. Choosing a style isn’t just about taste. It shapes how you learn, which techniques you develop, what instruments you explore, and what kind of musician you become.
In this article, we’ll help you explore different genres, understand what fits your personality and goals, and choose a music style that inspires you to practice and grow.
Why Choosing a Style Matters
As a beginner, having a clear direction helps you:
- Stay motivated
- Choose the right songs and teachers
- Learn techniques relevant to your goals
- Find a community of similar musicians
- Enjoy the process more deeply
You can always explore new styles later — but starting with one gives you focus.
Step 1: Listen to Different Styles Intentionally
You probably already know what you like to listen to, but have you ever listened actively?
Spend a week doing the following:
- Create a playlist with songs from various genres
- Listen to 1–2 songs per style with full attention
- Ask: What instruments do I hear? What emotions does this bring up?
- Which songs make me want to learn or sing along?
Genres to include in your exploration:
- Pop
- Rock
- Classical
- Jazz
- R&B / Soul
- Country
- Blues
- Hip-hop
- Electronic
- Reggae
- Folk
- Latin
You might be surprised by what grabs your attention when you listen with intention.
Step 2: Consider Your Personality and Preferences
Different music styles often reflect different temperaments, values, and interests. Ask yourself:
Do you prefer structure or freedom?
- Structured: Classical, pop, country
- Freeform: Jazz, blues, electronic
Do you enjoy fast or slow rhythms?
- Fast: Rock, hip-hop, EDM
- Slow: Ballads, soul, jazz
Do you like storytelling?
- Yes: Country, folk, blues
- Not really: Instrumental, electronic
Do you love improvisation?
- Yes: Jazz, blues, jam-based rock
- No: Prefer songs with fixed parts
This kind of self-assessment points you toward a style that matches who you are.
Step 3: Try Playing or Singing Songs in That Style
Theory and preference are helpful, but the real test is in the playing.
Pick a few beginner-friendly songs from the style you’re drawn to and try learning them.
For example:
- Pop: “Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
- Rock: “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
- Jazz: “Autumn Leaves” – beginner version
- Country: “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
- Blues: “Sweet Home Chicago” – classic 12-bar
- Classical: “Ode to Joy” – Beethoven
- EDM: Try using a beat-making app like Launchpad or GarageBand
Does it feel fun? Natural? Frustrating? Exciting? Let your feelings guide you — not just your ideas.
Step 4: Match Your Instrument to the Style (or Vice Versa)
Some instruments naturally lend themselves to certain styles. That doesn’t mean you must follow the trend, but it can be helpful.
- Guitar: great for rock, blues, pop, country, folk
- Piano/Keyboard: versatile across pop, jazz, classical, electronic
- Drums: rock, jazz, funk, hip-hop
- Bass: essential for funk, rock, R&B, jazz
- Violin: classical, folk, country
- Voice: works in all genres, but your vocal tone may suit some better than others
- Digital/DAW setups: electronic, hip-hop, lo-fi, EDM
Some beginners choose a style first, then pick their instrument. Others pick the instrument and let the style follow. Either path is valid — they often shape each other naturally.
Step 5: Don’t Feel Trapped by One Style
Choosing a style isn’t a lifelong contract. It’s a starting point. Many musicians:
- Start in one genre and switch later
- Mix styles (e.g., jazz + pop = soul)
- Learn technical skills in one genre and apply them to others
In fact, understanding multiple styles makes you more well-rounded.
But for beginners, focus creates faster progress. Instead of learning 5 styles a little, go deep into one for a few months.
Genre Snapshot: What to Expect
Here’s a quick overview of what learning looks like in each major style.
Pop
- Melodic, catchy, and accessible
- Great for singing and songwriting
- Chord progressions often simple (I–V–vi–IV)
- Good for piano, voice, guitar
Rock
- Power chords, distortion, and energy
- Focus on rhythm and dynamics
- Great for electric guitar, drums, bass
- Often beginner-friendly riffs
Classical
- Technical and structured
- Requires reading sheet music
- Strong foundation for all music learning
- Ideal for piano, violin, and voice students
Jazz
- Emphasizes improvisation and expression
- Advanced chords and scales
- Rich in rhythm and harmony
- Great for piano, saxophone, voice, upright bass
Blues
- Repetitive 12-bar structure
- Simple chords, deep emotion
- Great for guitar, harmonica, piano
- Builds foundation for rock and jazz
Hip-Hop / Rap
- Rhythm and flow are key
- Focus on beat-making, lyrics, and delivery
- Often created using digital software
- Minimal traditional theory, maximum creativity
Country
- Storytelling and strong vocal melodies
- Often uses acoustic guitar and simple chords
- Emphasizes lyrics and emotion
- Accessible for beginners
Electronic / EDM
- Built digitally with loops and layers
- Great for creative production
- Good for learners with limited space
- Focus on structure, drops, and rhythm
R&B / Soul
- Emotional delivery and smooth grooves
- Complex chords and vocal runs
- Great for singers, pianists, bassists
- Merges gospel, pop, and jazz influences
Watch Live Performances for Inspiration
Seeing musicians perform in different styles helps you:
- Feel the vibe and energy of a genre
- Learn stage presence and expression
- Discover artists you want to emulate
Search for live acoustic sessions, concerts, or studio videos in your genre of interest. Take notes on what moves you — tone, rhythm, lyrics, interaction, dynamics.
Talk to Other Musicians
Even if you’re learning solo, you can learn from others:
- Join forums or Discord servers for your genre
- Follow genre-specific YouTube channels
- Ask local teachers what styles they specialize in
- Watch beginner Q&A sessions on TikTok or Instagram
Community feedback can confirm your path or introduce you to styles you never considered.
Be Honest With Yourself
Many beginners choose a style based on what’s “cool” or what others expect. But you’ll only stay motivated if you’re genuinely interested.
Ask:
- Do I look forward to practicing songs in this genre?
- Does this music make me feel something?
- Am I having fun, or just checking boxes?
You don’t need permission to enjoy any genre — follow your ears and your heart.
Combine Styles Later
Once you’re confident in your chosen genre, you can begin mixing influences:
- Pop + jazz = neo-soul
- Folk + electronic = indie electro
- Classical + metal = symphonic metal
- Blues + hip-hop = lo-fi rap
This is where music gets exciting. But you can’t mix styles well until you’ve understood one deeply.
Final Thoughts: Follow What Moves You
There’s no wrong genre to start with — only the one that keeps you coming back to your instrument.
Explore widely. Choose intentionally. Practice consistently. If your chosen style lights you up, that’s all the reason you need.
In time, your style may evolve, expand, or shift. But the first step is choosing a direction and walking toward it — one note at a time.