What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?

07 Feb 02 - 11:49 PM (#645045)
Subject: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

What's the easiest instrument? I have got a tin whistle, but I am not very good at it, I am thinking of getting one of them irish drums, they look easy to play.Thanks for any advice.john

---

07 Feb 02 - 11:55 PM (#645048)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Blackcatter

John,

The Irish Drum is definately not easy to learn. It is pretty tricky to get the rhythm right.

---

07 Feb 02 - 11:59 PM (#645052)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

Oh, thanks anyway, I like to learn an instrumet because Les said if you play an instument you dont have to dance.

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:01 AM (#645055)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Amergin

try a mountain dulcimer.....

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:02 AM (#645056)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Amergin

the nathan's belly drum is fairly easy to learn too....at least it was for me....

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:04 AM (#645057)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: ddw

If you just want to make acceptable accompanying noises, the 10-hole harmonica doesn't take a rocket scientist. Same is true with an Autoharp. But if you want to REALLY PLAY those puppies, they can be as challenging and most other instruments. If you want examples, listen to Mike Stevens on harp or Bryan Bowers on Autoharp.

cheers,

david

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:01 AM (#645084)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,allie kiwi

Triangle

And have I lost my cookie? hmm

Allie

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:02 AM (#645085)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: DougR

Well, a kazoo isn't real difficult if you practice a lot.

DougR

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:13 AM (#645087)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Ebbie

I agree with the mountain/lap dulcimer suggestion. If you stay with the simple tunes and chords you can't really go wrong, imo.

Learn two or three tunes and once you're proficient on them, you will be able to play along or lead in a group. And since not all tunes are really suitable for the lap dulcimer, you can always say without embarrassment, I'll wait. Just my opinion.

Eb

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:56 AM (#645098)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: paddymac

Well, it may be true in some areas that if you play you won't have to dance. But I'd be real careful of "them Irish drums." If you're too obstrusive in some circles, you might have to "run like hell away," which may be more difficult than dancing.

---

08 Feb 02 - 03:24 AM (#645131)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: BlueJay

Respectfully, I feel that Allie is wrong. The Triangle must be a real bitch. I had one, and couldn't get more than one note from it, no matter what I did. (I admit, I didn't try a slide).

I haven't tried the lap dulcimer, and all the percussion and flute/whistle things I gave up long ago as too difficult for me. There must be a certain mental state that I am lacking to be able to play such things.

What I really feel is that there are no instruments that are truly easy to play, unless you get into the electronic things sold at WalMart where any five year old kid can open up an orchestra. (And I don't think that's entirely bad, either).

Any instrument, almost by definition, IMO, must be challenging in order to offer satisfaction to the player. Subtle nuances, etc.

Even the Kazoo, as DougR states, requires some practice. Spaw, as President of the Kazoo Flatulent Musician's Society, might be able to offer some useful tips in this regard.

Thanks, BlueJay

---

08 Feb 02 - 03:40 AM (#645133)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Sarah the flute

Banjo - cos no-one ever wants anyone to play it!

---

08 Feb 02 - 03:55 AM (#645139)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: katlaughing

BlueJay! LMAO!!

My vote goes for mountain dulicmer, too, also known as lap dulcimer and Appalachian dulcimer. Spaw's got a really neat drawn up plan for making a quick and easy one for kids that my sister has used with kids from kindergarten age (5&6) on up. I think the plans are in the kids' section here at the cat. That would give you an inexpensive way of seeing if it's something you might like.

The piano is not hard, if you can read music, or have a good ear and don't get too complicated, but they are tough to haul around.:-)

Also, I have a plucked psaltery that a granddad made and sold on eBay; he offers them quite often. They come with music sheets which slide under the strings and markings of where to pluck for each note of a melody; easy as pie and they sound similiar to a small lap harp.

Have fun!

kat

---

08 Feb 02 - 05:42 AM (#645178)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: McGrath of Harlow

If you are capable of playing the bones at all, you can pick up the basics pretty quickly. And they are a lot more portable than a bodhran, and easier to conceal.

And the clincher - it's the only instrument you can play while you are actually drinking. (Apart from the footdella maybe.)

---

08 Feb 02 - 05:44 AM (#645181)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,The Ghost Of Willie Clancy

The uilleann pipes!

They're a complete doddle.

You'd pick them up in a weekend, I reckon!

---

08 Feb 02 - 06:35 AM (#645192)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: gnu

Ghost... that's why their so darn inexpensive.

---

08 Feb 02 - 06:36 AM (#645193)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: 53

I always thought that it was the harmonica, but some of the advice that I have heard about it, sort of makes me want to stick to the guitar.

---

08 Feb 02 - 06:44 AM (#645196)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,tHE gH

The expense is just a smoke screen.

Otherwise every bugger'd be playing them, like with the guitar!

I reckon most people could be reasonably proficient within a couple of days ... a week at most ... start off with a nice easy tune like The Bucks Of Oranmore or a wee easy jig like The Gold Ring and then take it from there!

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:36 PM (#645400)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: NicoleC

Dulcimer, huh? And I just bought my Mom one of those $7 tin whistles 'cause I thought it would be really easy for someone who's never played a thing in her life, and she has suddenly decided she wants to be musical.

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:43 PM (#645406)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Midchuck

You can learn enough guitar to accompany your singing or someone else's fiddle or whatever, in maybe six weeks of practice a half-hour to an hour a day.

You can practice eight hours a day for fifty years and not be any close to mastering the instrument than when you started - maybe further away, because you become more and more aware of what you don't know.

That's part of what makes it fun.

Peter.

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:47 PM (#645408)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rustic Rebel

If you have any kind of rhythm the washboard is pretty easy. I have a friend who mounted an electric pick up on his and plugs it in. Sounds good. He uses those snare drum brushes. Another friend duct-tapes thimbles to all of his fingers to play one.

---

08 Feb 02 - 12:53 PM (#645411)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: harpgirl

...the easiest one to learn to play is the easiest one to learn to play for you. I don't think any one instrument is easier to learn than another. If an instrument is easy for you to play it's probably because you resonate with the instrument, so to speak.

ddw, have you really mastered the autoharp? It is not easy to play it really well, I think. Same is true for the mountain dulcimer, imho hg

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:03 PM (#645416)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Justa Picker

I'm really surprised no one has mentioned the piano - the most basic instrument from which everything else flows.

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:12 PM (#645424)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST

Justa Picker,

Someone (kat) did...

Read the thread, eh?

---

08 Feb 02 - 01:23 PM (#645428)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: artbrooks

I'd suggest the nose flute, since playing it basically involves a controlled sneeze. However, I wouldn't suggest trying out someone else's unless you boil it first. For those who haven't seen them, they look a lot like a CPR shield and sound something like a slide whistle.

---

08 Feb 02 - 02:11 PM (#645458)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Wyrd Sister

air tambourine

---

08 Feb 02 - 02:13 PM (#645462)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Les from Hull

John - if you fancy 10 hole mouth organ/harmonica/gob iron/tin sandwich, don't buy one. I'll be happy to pass on one of my 'retired' gob irons, and give you some starting points. It's the instrument I started playing (all of 40 years ago!) But I think that you should keep going with the whistle - especially when you get a computer and can download some tunes in ABC format.

---

08 Feb 02 - 02:42 PM (#645482)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Just Amy

I find the easiest instruments to play are: Tambourine, Bones/Spoons, Nose Flute or Autoharp. I took 7 years of piano lessons and 2 years of guitar. I picked up autoharp in about 2 minutes about 1 year into the piano lessons. Can't say I ever got good but it is easy to learn the basics. The nose flute just grosses people out which is why it is my favorite. You can learn the spoons in 10 minutes and be as good as anyone else in about 1/2 hour. Pick up a tambourine - you are playing it.

---

08 Feb 02 - 03:47 PM (#645515)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: katlaughing

Baritone uke is a nice size and it's easy to learn a few basic chords on it, too.

HeyaJP! I really did have ivories on m'mind!**BG**

kat

---

08 Feb 02 - 04:08 PM (#645523)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: catspaw49

Tell ya' John, Skin Flute may be YOUR instrument and you probably already have a "leg up" on it.......so to speak.

Spaw

---

08 Feb 02 - 04:14 PM (#645526)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Russ

My vote for mountain dulcimer. Get someone to show you the basics (tuning, simple fretting, strumming) and you will probably be playing a recognizable tune in half hour or less.

Be warned. A fair percentage of players of other acoustic instruments are annoyed by the sound of the lap dulcimer.

---

08 Feb 02 - 04:16 PM (#645529)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: MMario

it depends on the person.

---

08 Feb 02 - 04:41 PM (#645544)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Desdemona

Lots of people say the recorder; in fact last year, my (then 3rd-grade)son's entire music class learned the basics of playing it, and this year everyone was expected to choose an instrument on their own. My son chose the saxophone(!), but can still be heard to tootle away on the recorder occasionally.

---

08 Feb 02 - 06:09 PM (#645583)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Benjamin

I'd guess the triangle. The Mandolin hasn't been too challenging yet though.

---

08 Feb 02 - 06:43 PM (#645603)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Bill D

well, the uilleann pipes (especially those with full registers!) ARE slightly easier than tying your shoe whilst fending off a swarm of bees during a ski jump in a hurricane...at night...while drunk.

But for making tunes easily, I would go with a recorder. (no tuning like an autoharp)...the mountain dulcimer is pretty easy also, and is not TOO hard to tune. The recorder can be carried in a pocket and practiced almost anywhere.

Even easier...just learn mouth music! *grin*

---

09 Feb 02 - 12:13 AM (#645805)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Catherine Jayne

Dont learn the violin!!!! I have been playing for 17 years (I am nearly 22!!) and i wouldnt say it is easy to start. I have been classically trained and although I can play mozart, bach, beethoven etc resonably well I find learning folk tunes quite difficult.....I put it down to music college training........everything seems to sound baroque in style!!!!

catsPHiddle

"One of those Irish drums" is a bodhran, and unlike what people think in general, they are NOT an easy instrument to master. As you know john I've been playing for nearly two years now and it's taken me a long time to get as far as I am. I used to be the bain of everyone's life on my old drum, playing the same horrible rhythm, which isn't a problem, as that is what it is there for, but I wanted a lot more out of it. I wanted to express myself through my playing, which is why I probably have such a bad back and wrist. If you do decide to get a bodhran, you need to take a lot of time over deciding which one to get. Every one is different even if they're made by the same person/company. Each has a different skin, therefore has a different tone, and different beaters also give different sounds...that does not include stanley knives!! Chose wisely and find someone who can teach you well. I love my bodhran, it was £125 and is not as expensive as drums made by companies such as Roddy Turner, whose bodhrans aren't as high quality and personally I really don't like. To start with get a reasonably cheap one, but chose one with a good skin and good sound. If you need someone to go shopping with you I would be quite happy to help you choose the right one.

Sorry to go on so much, but my bodhran is my life.

See you soon John,

JeZeBeL xxx

---

09 Feb 02 - 12:21 AM (#645806)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: catspaw49

All good points Jez.....and you can use it as a porta-potty too!

Spaw

---

09 Feb 02 - 12:24 AM (#645811)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Amergin

Spaw...I reckon that would be the best use for one....though I must admit they are handy for going to the pubs....you can use it as your own personal barf bucket....

---

09 Feb 02 - 01:22 AM (#645834)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Whippoorwill

I haven't noticed anybody mention bass fiddle. If you can hear chord changes you can get enough music out of it to get by in a week or two. Like everything else, though, the more you learn the more there is to learn. I've been playing since 1957, and I still hear guys who make me want to go home and shoot my instrument.

Baritone uke is good, but why not tenor guitar? Don't have to pull your fingers in so tight. I've got an old tenor banjo that I tune the same as a uke (strings 1-4 on guitar). Four strings are easier than six, and you can learn to play it badly in a very short time.

Whip

---

09 Feb 02 - 01:32 AM (#645835)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Boab

Easy to bang a rhythm on a bodhran---but NOT so damn' easy to PLAY one! Once you master the rhythm part, you must begin to improve; if it turns out that you can't, then forget it---you just aren't a "drum person". A bodhran can transmit a great variety of nuances, but it takes skill and practice to master the art. Try walking in on an Ian MacKintosh performance with a bodhran under your arm---"Boab, if you as much as show a stick, I'll hae you wearin' that thing like a horse-collar!" One of the main things about bodhran is knowing when NOT to play it. Ian aint anti-bodhran---he just knows that one of the commoner traits of bodhranni is the belief that their art enhances every melody; it doesn't! An easy instrument to learn?--a Jawsharp---but, like the drum, it hasn't got a part to play in every tune!

---

09 Feb 02 - 04:21 AM (#645867)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Charles

It depends on who can instruct you in the instrument and what kind of music you are playing. I've had a totally non-musical friend back us up on the electric bass after about 10-15 minutes instruction on country waltzes. ("OK, Start with this note, when we sing 'away' hit that note, next line go back to the first note, then on the last line go dum-dum-dum on these three. Got it?")

---

09 Feb 02 - 11:32 AM (#645994)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Jeanie

I agree with MMario and Harpgirl - depends on the individual. I've just (this last week) started playing the mandolin, and it's great ! Wish I'd known years ago how easy it would be to play. I can even play "Captain Pugwash" - a great ambition fulfilled.

- Jeanie

---

09 Feb 02 - 12:26 PM (#646028)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rogalski

yep I would definately go for the Irish Pipes [being a scotsman] they look really easy especiallythe fullset with the drones and regulators, and i'm sure whoever said the price was a smokescreen was right....I mean, just take a look at them, any decent plumber could knock them together in about 10 minutes!!!! [e-mail]

---

09 Feb 02 - 01:18 PM (#646064)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Little Hawk

The kazoo is the easiest. Harmonica is also rather easy, if you don't feel the need to progress past beginner level playing. Dogs are easy too....just blow on a harmonica and the dog does the rest.

- LH

---

09 Feb 02 - 01:43 PM (#646077)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Wincing Devil

IMNSHO: The Vox Humana.

Easiest to learn, most difficult to master.

(AKA The Human Voice)

Wincing Devil   >;-( <--- Insert Pithy Tagline Here --->

---

10 Feb 02 - 01:55 AM (#646384)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

Thanks everybody, especialy Les and JeZ, for your kind offers, I decided to take both your advice, stick with the whistle & practice more and by a bodhran as well.I am working almost every day at the minute but I hope to see you both soon.john
PS. I will TRY to go to the new session in Beverley on Tuesday, Les if I go you are welcome to a lift.cheers.john

---

10 Feb 02 - 07:38 AM (#646438)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Gillie

Triangle or jew's harp!! Even a shaky egg.

---

10 Feb 02 - 08:11 AM (#646445)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Jon Freeman

John, for the most part, forget "easiet". The best instrument for you will be the instrument you most want to play and it will be worth it even if it takes you years.

The drum and "easy to play" is the classic example of why there are so many bad bodhran players about and why the instrument has such a bad name in many sessions. It is a wonderful instrument but it takes skill and feeling for the music (and for the people you are playing with) to become someone that others enjoy playing with... It should never be considered an easy way into a session.

Jon

---

10 Feb 02 - 08:15 AM (#646446)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: alison

whistle is easier than the recorder... no "weird" fingering... and no thumb hole

slainte

alison

---

10 Feb 02 - 08:37 AM (#646458)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Jeri

John, I'll have to agree with Jon. As why an instrument is easy. They all take work to learn, and they all take a lot of work to master.

Find one you love the sound of. Find one where the work of learning will be fun so you don't give up on it. You'll eventually quit practicing on the easiest of instruments if you don't love the sound of it enough to get through the hard parts. Trust me - I have a ton of instruments here I can play half-assed. Fiddle is what I stuck with, and fiddle is one of the hardest instruments to play. I stuck with it because I kept imagining what I could sound like.

---

10 Feb 02 - 11:04 AM (#646519)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Peter T.

Something that is really easy to play and sound fantastic right from the start is a guitar tuned to an open-D tuning (that is, a D chord). Forget all the standard tuning goop. I once taught a 7 year old to play the blues in about 2 minutes, sounded great. In open-D the open guitar is the I chord (i.e. do nothing, just strum), laying a finger along the 5th fret is the IV chord, and doing the same along the 7th fret is the V chord, so you can play 10 zillion songs immediately, every children's song ever practically, and with a bit more work you can do some serious stuff!!!

yours, Peter T.

---

10 Feb 02 - 11:14 AM (#646522)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Mr Red

IMHO any percussion instrument is easy to learn, but most instruments are hard to master, in the sense of being accepted by musicians. & not all the skill is in playing, there is a lot to be learned in handling opinionated "real" musicians and not all of it can be achieved through manual dexterity. In short, thick skin and gentle nature come in handy.

---

10 Feb 02 - 04:04 PM (#646698)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: McGrath of Harlow

Whatever you choose, or whatever you choose, keep it simple.

---

10 Feb 02 - 07:11 PM (#646839)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,farmerpaul

Mr Red said what I was told by a really good guitarist, she said of a chap playing in the pub who everyone was admiring. "having sex is not making love, he is having sex".mechanical but no feeling.

---

10 Feb 02 - 10:55 PM (#647025)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Mary in Kentucky

It seems to me that several points of discussion have been left out. Most of you know where I'm coming from...my MS has taken away my ability to sing and also my fine motor skills. That means I can no longer play Chopin on the piano. And though I'm learning dulcimer...so many tunes are for accompanying singing (like strumming the guitar). Whistle, fiddle, and pipes are better in groups. I just saw a melodeon up close for the first time last year. I played clarinet as a teenager, but can't get a sound out of it now. The harmonica also seems limited, even though I love "Goodbye Old Paint."

So John, back to your question...as others have said, play the instrument you love. But also consider:
1) Will it be for your "solo" enjoyment or group playing?
2) Will you sing along with it?
3) How much musical background do you already have?

Above all, JUST DO IT!

---

11 Feb 02 - 09:31 AM (#647237)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Dave Bryant

I knew of one (would-be) performer who used to turn up with a different instrument each week, convinced that it was "going to be the right one this time". He tried guitar, whistle, bodhran, banjo, and even crumhorn. He never seemed to realise that playing any instrument, even passibly, takes some dedication and work (why do you think that I'm such a crappy guitarist ?).

I'm reminded of the story of the famous musician (I'm sre everyone will tell me who it was) who was approached by a couple who asked him "How do get to the Carnegie Hall ?", not realising that they hadn't recognised him and were merely asking for geographic directions he replied, "Practice, Practise, PRACTICE !".

---

11 Feb 02 - 06:12 PM (#647608)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: harpmaker

John, I've just started a mandolin class, Its not too late to join if your interested. Look what Jeanie (this thread) says about the mandolin. You don't know untill you try! Also, Harps are easy to play, but are a bit expensive for beginers. Did you like the CD that you've been asking for, for about a year or more?? John the harp.

---

11 Feb 02 - 08:18 PM (#647722)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

Thanks everyone who replied since my last message.
John your CD is brilliant and was definetley worth the wait! see the thread I started called "harpmakers CD".

---

12 Feb 02 - 01:49 AM (#647869)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Kaleea

Alas, poor John, no one told him the truth that the easiest instrument to learn is the : Triangle, of course! The technique is simple, and the conductor points right at you when you must "ding" it! Ah, life's little pleasures, with the ding of triangle.

---

12 Feb 02 - 09:53 AM (#648139)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST

A Comb and kleenex...also ould be a good name for a pub.

---

12 Feb 02 - 10:13 AM (#648158)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,AmosMoses

Great thread. I play guitar and have 1 year mandolin. As has been said any instrument is easy to learn and gets progressively harder the more you play it. my two cents.

---

12 Feb 02 - 02:36 PM (#648352)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: JeZeBeL

Well, I've just got back from a couple of days in Dublin. Last night I finally found a session. I asked if it was ok to join in as I know they can be a bit funny about strangers joining in, but they were all real friendly, and actually enjoyed my bodhran playing. There was this bloke sat next to me with spoons and he was telling me how use have to use the bodhran as a part of you that you use to express yourself, which is spot on. He said you don't have to play every single beat, which is also true, and that the bodhran should enhance the accompanyment of the wune, not just drone in the background. Something which, since getting my new bodhran last year I have learnt to do and understand. It makes it a lot more interesting to play. I started playing the bodhran cos I was at a folk gathering with workshops and was bored, n thought, aye, that looks easy, I'll give that a go. Everyone has the same impression of the bodhran, but in all honesty it is NOT easy to play.

John, if you need a hand with the whistle or the bodhran, I would be happy to teach you....as long as you can get to gowdall, near goole.

Cheers,

JeZ xxx

---

12 Feb 02 - 05:25 PM (#648502)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Dead Horse

Whats this triangle thing? Any relation to a TeeFer or Bastringue? Now THAT is an instrument, and far more than just one note, it can be the entire percussion section. But you must have a sense of rhythm, which I suppose you need for most instruments (except banjo, of course)

---

12 Feb 02 - 08:38 PM (#648689)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: vectis

The buffoon. My husband is an expert player.

---

13 Feb 02 - 03:18 PM (#649306)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: harpmaker

Gut bucket, dog box, tea chest bass,-call it what you will, is quite easy to play. Its a lot of fun at sessions for shure. Thanks for the comments on the CD John. John the harp.

---

13 Feb 02 - 06:45 PM (#649471)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,BINHIDING

Try clapping,if you get really good try the hospital.

---

13 Feb 02 - 07:17 PM (#649499)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: JeZeBeL

??????????????????????????????????

---

13 Feb 02 - 07:23 PM (#649506)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Frogmore

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.

---

13 Feb 02 - 07:27 PM (#649510)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: kendall

If it is a REAL musical instrument, it is not easy.

---

13 Feb 02 - 07:33 PM (#649517)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: harpgirl

...gee David, you must own a music store! Isn't it great that the Florida Folk Festival will have a fiftieth birthday party? Are you going to be there? harpgirl

---

13 Feb 02 - 09:57 PM (#649636)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Frogmore

Hello Ms. Harpgirl, Yes, hallelujah! How could anyone dare to stop something in it's 50th year?? What's the real scoop on George Steinbrener coming up with big bucks? (Sorry I changed the subject of the thread.) You bet I'll be there and I might even bolt my strumstick to my dreadnaught and do the 2 neck thing. Why not?

---

15 Feb 02 - 05:06 PM (#651077)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,chrisss

fretless Bass is the easiest instrument to play. -----> your first lesson is here.................. http://www.geocities.com/washtubbass/fretless_by_nature.html

---

22 Feb 02 - 07:36 AM (#655203)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

Thanks everyone, I bought a mandloin, it was 69 pound from Antones guitars in Hull, it is an Ozark.I am getting lessons of harpmaker (John the Harp).

Jez-Thanks for offering to teach me whistle, I am still going to keep my whistle, but I am working almost every night at the minute and don't wake up till after dinner! so by the time I have got up and had my dinner then found your house it will be time to go to work, but I hope to see you at The Jug soon, I am going to cut my hours down over the summer, (about half of my customers are students and most of them go home for the summer).john

---

22 Feb 02 - 10:19 AM (#655305)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: wilco

Autoharp was easiest for me. Toughest is the musical saw. It even makes me sick when I practice!! Also hard is the fiddle; I've had three instructors quit on me (real cry babies).

---

22 Feb 02 - 10:56 AM (#655324)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Suffet

I saw a teenager learn to play the mountain dulcimer in a few minutes. She didn't use a noter, just her left index finger to slide up and down along one of the strings while the other two remained open drones. She sounded the strings gently with a long, flexible pick held in her right hand. Almost immediately she was accompanying herself singing Frère Jacques.

--- Steve

---

28 Apr 03 - 07:44 PM (#942332)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull

---

28 Apr 03 - 08:05 PM (#942349)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Alba

What are you trying to say John? ...*BG*...that you yourself are the instrument. Voice Box perhaps!
A:>)

---

28 Apr 03 - 08:51 PM (#942373)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: kendall

John, I would recommed giving this some thought; what instrument do you like the sound of better than others? Get one, and WORK it!

---

28 Apr 03 - 10:47 PM (#942434)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Ely

Another vote for the Appalachian dulcimer. I messed with it for a week and the then took it to a Civil War reenactment and gathered a bigger crowd than two regiments (North and South) of men. My brother will never forgive me . . .

Which is not to say that you can't learn to do some really wicked stuff on a dulcimer if you work at it. It covers the full range from basic one-finger to the guy who can play the entire Willaim Tell Overture by bouncing a pencil on the strings (I'm not kidding).

---

29 Apr 03 - 12:03 AM (#942479)
Subject: RE: BS: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: denise:^)

I teach autoharp and hammered dulcimer lessons, and I see a LOT of people who think that the "Autoharp Fairy" is going to fly over their bed at night and wave her little wand, and--VOILA!!! Instant Acclaimed Musician!! (I don't see that as much with the HD--I think it's the prefix 'auto' in autoharp...)

Anyway, it IS true that, if you have ANY sense of rhythm at all, you can learn to accompany yourself on a 2-3 chord song, with a simple strum on the autoharp, in one good hour-long workshop or lesson.

You will not be Bryan Bowers.

You will not even be Denise:^)!

...but you will be making music...

Of course, to get to the point that people other than those who love you VERY much will sit and listen, and perhaps even sing along, you need to put in a lot of time and practice.

I think that is true for any instrument. (Even singing improves with practice!)

Hope this doesn't discourage you--the practice can be really enjoyable, if you like your instrument and love to make music.

Denise:^)
p.s.--why is this BS? Sounds like music to me... ;^)

---

29 Apr 03 - 07:11 AM (#942620)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,chippinder

The easiest instrument to learn I suggest is the one you really, really want to learn. You'll be more committed to practice if its an instrument you like. If you don't like it or don't want to learn it you will resent the time spent practicing.
Chips

---

29 Apr 03 - 08:18 AM (#942653)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,noddy

It must be the Banjo -you dont have to tune it ,nobody knows any of the tunes people play on it and who ever listens when its played.

---

29 Apr 03 - 10:12 AM (#942718)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: red max

Bass guitar. I took it up because bass was the easiest route into a band, as everyone else wanted to be guitarists or drummers. There are only four strings, and you can easily get away with only using two of them. Of course, some bassists can be very dextrous and talented, but no bugger's listening to them so why bother?

---

29 Apr 03 - 10:45 AM (#942743)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,noddy

or of course the Shakey Egg.    nuff said.

---

29 Apr 03 - 10:55 AM (#942754)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Banjoman

Buy yourself the most expensive Melodeon you can afford. Then you will only have to carry it around to be universally accepted by Morris Teams Session players etc. without ever learning a note.
The melodeon is the last refuge of the musically incompetent.
However, if you really do want to play an instrument, get a five string banjo. Its open G tuning lets you play loads of tunes very easily, and its very easy to develop your own style. As to not wanting to dance - well thats another issue - why not Learn to dance its easier than playing -believe me. Its no fun after a four hour stint with a heavy instrument around your kneck - its definitley easier to learn a few basic dance steps.

---

29 Apr 03 - 11:22 AM (#942780)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: George Seto - [e-mail]

Red Max! Some of us DO listen to all of it. If it's not interesting, NO, I won't listen either, but the bass player is the one who has to know the tune to ENHANCE the tune. Same as the bodhran or banjo or mandolin players. They should not overpower the singer, or lead instrument, but enhance. I've seen good and bad players of instruments. Pretty well all of the good and great players, are barely discernable to many people, but if they aren't there, you would soon know it.

My vote is also for the human voice. It is easy to join in, and with a tiny bit of practice you can actually sound good. With lots of practice you can be magnificent!

BESIDES, it's the CHEAPEST instrument, unless you're a mute!

---

29 Apr 03 - 11:24 AM (#942782)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: PoppaGator

It's *got* to depend upon your inclination and temperament. Lots of folks recommend the harmonica as "easy," (including several of the above posts), but I carried one or more around for several years without ever feeling I had even begun to learn it at all. The only real use I ever got out of a harmonica was as a pitchpipe to tune my guitar -- a "real" and moderately dificult instrument that I HAD learned to play. Since I was unable to impress even my own self with my sorry efforts as a reed player, I never felt like I had any business playing it for others.

On the other hand, there's one simple instinctive instrument at which I became quite skilled, and to which I was always able to bring plenty of enthusiasm -- the washtub bass. Who knows why? The only explanation I can come up with is that the bass is the one "part," the one instrument, I was really meant to play, moreso than any "lead" voice like the mouth harp or even the guitar. And, with the gutbucket, I found a way to instantly express my inner bassist, without a great investment of time, study, money, etc.

One school of thought is that the washtub is to the "real" bass as the kazoo is to the saxophone -- you can fake an approximation of the real instrument's sound, but you're worlds away from the technique required to function as a real musician. I disagree, at least to a degree; there's a bit of technique to washtub playing. For example, you can raise the pitch either by tightening the string/rope (pulling back), by shortening it (by grabbing it against the broomstick "fretboard" and sliding down), or both. Gotta wear gloves, of course!

Like any of the "easy" instruments, the one-string bass is easy to play badly, but requires some kind of musicianship, albeit instinctive, to play well.

For anyone who loves music and feels the need to play despite never had any training, there's probably a solution for you out there, but there may not be more than one that's right for you. If you fail to find the groove with your first attempt (like I did with the harmonica), keep trying; there might be another vehicle better suited for your talents.

---

29 Apr 03 - 12:24 PM (#942837)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST

guitar is pretty easy if you just want to accompany yourself or others on simple chords. Like any instrument though - there's a whole load to advance onto later. But its quite a quick-start instrument.

---

29 Apr 03 - 12:30 PM (#942844)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Racer

I just wanted to add that playing in key should also be a consideration. There are players out there that won't shift things up or down a key to accomadate a 'D' whistle or a 'G' harmonica. There are a few common keys that most people play in, but sometimes people don't know what key their playing in. In these cases, you have to watch and listen in order to figure it out. I have a particularly hard time doing this with fiddle. I guess the notes are too high.

It sucks to hear someone playing his 'D' whistle, when everyone else is playing in 'C', because he doesn't know. It's even worse when their ear isn't developed enough to tell them to stop playing.

My vote goes to the guitar. You can usually get away with only knowing six chords, and there's almost always someone there to follow.

--CS

---

29 Apr 03 - 12:45 PM (#942847)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: mexican

I've heard it said that no braincells at all are required to play one of those eight button melodeon things.

---

29 Apr 03 - 05:02 PM (#943061)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: denise:^)

Lots of folks are mentioning the egg shaker--
let me add that a rhythm-impaired shakerist can cause quite a bit of damage wtih a loud egg!!!

If you aren't sure how your rhythm skills are, you'll probably have to get someone you trust, someone who will tell you the truth--someone who knows rhythm when they hear it!--and then play along with someone or some recording. Ask them to tell you honestly if you stayed in time.

Nothing like trying to lead a sing-along with a rhythm-impaired shaky-egg or bass player "joining in." (Or bones--yikes!)
Or--BEST OF ALL--one of those rthythm-impaired folks who collect entire BAGS of 'novelty' rhythm toys, and then sit there, going, "Zip! Whiz! Clangety-clang! Bonk-bonk-bonk! whip-whip-whip-whip-whip-whip-whip! Ding ding ding!..." throughout the entire event. Aaaaaarrrghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Denise:^)
...who knows a few 'rhythm-bag' collectors...

---

29 Apr 03 - 05:25 PM (#943083)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Leo Condie

why are melodeons so easy?

---

29 Apr 03 - 05:36 PM (#943091)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: PoppaGator

I suppose there's nothing to be done to protect us from the completely talentless. And the sad thing is, those completely devoid of any musical sensibility at all don't even have the judgement to realize their own incompetence. Offering them kazoos and washboards, I suppose, only makes matters worse.

On the other hand, there are plenty of individuals who have the requisite ear and intelligence to participate in some kind of musical jam or session, but who haven't yet acquired and learned an instrument. Perhaps something mentioned in this thread will help someone like this find a place to start.

After all, there was once a time when each one of us hadn't yet learned to play our respective instruments. (Well, most of us anyway -- we all know somebody who seems to have jumped out of the womb able to play anything with strings on it.)

---

29 Apr 03 - 07:18 PM (#943154)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Bill

Why not try an ocarina they are easy to carry don't take up a lot of space and not as limited as they first appear when you really try.
Bill the sound(as was)

---

29 Apr 03 - 09:27 PM (#943220)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: JohnInKansas

No one has mentioned the really easiest and most appropriate instrument: the JUG.

Giving careful thought to the source of the the question - John from Hull, and the most likely use - to be present and not dance, the JUG is the perfect solution.

One must arrive prepared to play in any key, hence with a full jug. Various aspects of the filling are good for hours of discourse and opinion shared with your fellow musicians.

Taking a place on the periphery of the event, where one can devote appropriate attention to tuning to the key in use, the contents must be removed in small increments, with interspersed "hoots" to test. A peripheral location is essential, so that the "pre-tuning" hoots don't interfere with the main event, and also to avoid unwanted "help" from those who are likely to participate in the tuning.

It is almost certain that, by the time the player perceives that he/she is "in tune," said player will fully believe that vast reservoirs of talent and virtuosity have come to the fore - and will fully believe that full and complete mastery of the instrument has been obtained.

At this point, it is also quite likely that our new performer will be unable to dance, so that problem is solved automatically.

A word of caution though. Too many hooters too prominently in evidence can detract from the serious purposes of a session, and above all else, when you reach that point of perfection, resist the temptation to play with other's jugs.

John

---

29 Apr 03 - 10:11 PM (#943240)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Bee-dubya-ell

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the hammer dulcimer. Yeh, it looks scary with all those strings and such, but it is the most forgiving stringed instrument there is. It's tuned diatonically so it's difficult to play an accidental by accident. In other words, if you're playing in C you can't possibly accidentally play an F# instead of an F. The worst that you could do would be to play an E or a G which are at least notes in the C scale so they harmonize instead of clash. Just about anybody can be playing "Golden Slippers" in just a few minutes. "Off to California" just takes a little longer.

Only problem is if you're looking for an instrument to learn to keep from having to dance, the hammer dulcimer is a poor choice. Most players seem to be compelled to dance while playing.

Bruce

---

30 Apr 03 - 03:49 AM (#943342)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Roger the Skiffler

So where did you hear me, Poppagator?

Roger the Completely Talentless.
(buzz buzz, rattle rattle)

---

30 Apr 03 - 04:04 AM (#943345)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,noddy

claves are harder than shakey eggs and louder.

---

30 Apr 03 - 08:18 AM (#943420)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: red max

Re. bass guitar

I know some people do listen to the bass, George. In fact, I was watching the Glastonbury movie the other day and Dave Pegg's playing is so brilliant it makes me want to weep. But it DOESN'T make me want to go and practice my scales, heh heh! I've been a hack bassist for nearly 20 years and a hack I'll remain

---

30 Apr 03 - 08:34 AM (#943433)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: fiddler

John fro Ull are U tasking the p*ss

No Instrument is easy to play!

No praps I'm being a dork!

Much more likely!

Take up fiddle there are no marks for you fingers so it doesn't matter and all you do is pull the bow thing backwards and forwards.

Waht could be easier!!!!

A

---

22 Nov 05 - 03:25 PM (#1611444)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Qute

I am thinking about playing the piano or guitar, which is easier?

---

22 Nov 05 - 06:34 PM (#1611537)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST

the flesh oboe

---

22 Nov 05 - 06:59 PM (#1611548)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Ebbie

I play guitar - somewhat - but in my opinion the piano is a great way to start learning any kind of music. Everything is right in front of you, the intervals are easily noted and no finger contortious are required. The downside, of course, is that most pianos are not easily transported in the back of your car...

---

22 Nov 05 - 09:10 PM (#1611659)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: leftydee

I say learn the accordion.... if you play poorly people hate it. If you play it well, people still hate it.

---

23 Nov 05 - 09:58 AM (#1611939)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Paco Rabanne

Northumbrian smallpipes.

---

24 Nov 05 - 10:59 AM (#1612839)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Terry K

If you've got two brains, piano. Otherwise guitar. Until they invent something easier, in which case please let me know.

Terry

---

24 Nov 05 - 11:29 AM (#1612858)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: Guy Wolff

One good thing to notice is what instument do you "hear " and cant stop thinking about??? Something you are " called to "..   Its amazing in the 60's and early 70's I gave a girl friend and then a year later my brother a banjo; each before realizing I really wanted to play the banjo.. As Chip said above its easiest to play the instrument you really like .. To that I would add that different people have natural tendencies.. cattsfiiddle said it was hard for her to play non classical fiddle . She may have gotten used to reading music and has a harder time just going with it ... without the dots. ( I know my wife Erica has that difficulty)
       I am a rythum person . So after drums as a kid Banjo was my first instrument .. It came quickly for me because I heard the rythum of the thing.. Blues guitar was an off-shoot from that and English dance tunes came next in open tuning guitar..All from the inpitus of dance .How people danced to the music was my door way to the rythum of it . I cant play morris tunes without remembering My wife in a Boston Morris team and how high they jumped and where in the rythum of the tune they leaped ..
       So what might seem a hard thing for one may be an easy jumping off place for another. Keeping in touch with what feels natural to you will help you find the easiest path to your music. .What instrument cant you get away from ??? . All the best , guy

---

25 Nov 05 - 10:16 AM (#1613552)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,neovo

Apologies if this has been said before - it's rather a long thread and I might have missed it. In my opinion the easiest instrument to play is the one you really, really want to play. No point in learning something just because it looks easy and hating every minute of it. On the other hand if you are desparate to learn an obscure system duet concertina you will persevere and get a lot of pleasure from your achievement.

---

20 Jul 08 - 04:34 PM (#2393626)
Subject: RE: What's The Easiest Instrument to learn?
From: GUEST,Heidi

the ukulele is extremely fun and easy to learn
i got one a few days ago and people think i've been playing for at least a year
i picked it up in, honestly, about 15 minutes
they're really cheap too, i got mine for 30$

here's a website with a lot of good information
www.ukuleleworld.com

---