I suppose the human voice is the easiest, since most of us began practicing on Day #1. Someone else mentioned that the one you really want to play is the easiest, and there's something to that. In my opinion, the easiest STRINGED instrument is the McNally Strumstick. And it sounds good too. The website is www.strumstick.com If you want one of these shipped to you, just let me know. I've got several and get a kick out of making "pickers" out of peope who have given up.