10 easiest instruments to learn for adults

There’s a common myth that learning a musical instrument is only for children and that adults have missed their chance. But that’s not true. 

In fact, adults have some special advantages when it comes to learning music. Adults are more motivated to learn on their own, have more life experience, and can understand complex ideas faster.

Studies show that learning music can change your brain in a good way at any age. One study from MIT found that adults who started learning music later in life had less memory loss as they got older compared to others. The study made it clear: it’s never too late to start learning music.

Besides helping your brain, playing an instrument as an adult can reduce stress, help you express your creativity, connect with others, and give you the satisfaction of learning something new. The key is to choose an instrument that fits your lifestyle, physical abilities, and musical interests.

Here’s a quick glance at the instruments covered in this guide to help you choose the best one for you:

1. Ukulele 

2. Piano

3. Harmonica

4. Glockenspiel

5. Recorder

6. Bongos & Hand Drums

7. Acoustic Guitar

8. Electric Bass

9. Drums (Including Electronic Kits) 

10. Violin 

Now that you have an overview, let’s dive deeper into each one of these instruments to see which might be the perfect fit for your musical journey!

1. Ukulele

Time to First Song: 1-2 hours

• The ukulele is one of the best instruments for adult beginners. Its rise in popularity isn’t random. With just four nylon strings, it’s much easier on the fingers than a guitar and needs very little hand strength.
• What makes the ukulele special is how fast you can start playing real music. In your first session, you can learn three simple chords – C, G, and F and play hundreds of songs right away. Adults love this fast progress because it feels useful and rewarding from day one.
• Its small size makes it easy to carry anywhere. You can practice during breaks, while traveling, or even on the couch. The warm, happy sound also helps. Even basic strumming sounds good, which keeps motivation high.

Best for: Adults who want to sing along, people who find guitar too hard, travelers, and anyone who enjoys casual group music.

Suggested Songs: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, “Riptide” by Vance Joy and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

2. Piano

Time to First Song: 1-2 weeks

• The piano is often called the most logical instrument, and there’s a reason. Each key makes the same sound every time. You don’t have to worry about finger pressure or breath control, which removes a lot of beginner frustration.
• The keyboard layout is also very clear. You can see notes, scales, and chords right in front of you. This makes music theory easier to understand. That’s why many music schools require piano study, even for students who play other instruments.
• Digital keyboards are especially helpful for adults. You can use headphones, practice anytime, and get instant feedback from learning apps. Within a few weeks, most adults can play simple songs with both hands, which feels like real progress.

Best for: Adults who want to understand music, enjoy solo practice, write songs, or plan to learn other instruments later.

Suggested Songs: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, “Let It Be” by The Beatles and “Clocks” by Coldplay

3. Harmonica

Time to First Song: 30 minutes-1 hour

• The harmonica is one of the most forgiving instruments. On a standard harmonica, every note fits the key. You breathe in or out, and it sounds musical – even if you’re brand new.
• This makes it great for adults who worry about making mistakes. You can play along with music almost immediately and sound good without much effort. That early success builds confidence fast.
• The harmonica also has depth. Techniques like bending notes allow long-term growth. Some studies suggest it may even improve breathing and facial muscle control.
• It fits in your pocket, so you can practice anywhere – at home, outside, or in your car. For busy adults, that flexibility matters.

Best for: Blues and folk fans, stress relief seekers, travelers, and people with limited space.

Suggested Songs: “Oh Susanna“, “Love Me Do” by The Beatles and “When the Saints Go Marching In“

4. Glockenspiel

Time to First Song: 10–30 minutes

The glockenspiel is one of the easiest instruments for adults to start with. Each metal bar is tuned to a fixed note, so every strike produces a clean, clear sound. There’s no tuning, no finger pressure, and no complex technique.

The layout is simple and visual, much like a piano. Notes are arranged from low to high, making melodies easy to understand. This helps adults grasp pitch and note relationships quickly, even with no music background.

Many beginners can play simple tunes within minutes using just one mallet. As coordination improves, playing with two mallets feels natural. The instrument’s bright tone makes even basic melodies sound musical.

The glockenspiel supports learning by doing. You start with real songs, not drills, which keeps practice enjoyable and motivating.

Best for: Adults who want fast results, visual learners, complete beginners, and those looking for a compact, low-pressure instrument.

Suggested Songs: “Mary Had a Little Lamb“, “Hot Cross Buns” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star“

5. Recorder

Time to First Song: 1-2 days

• The recorder has a bad reputation from school days, but it’s a real classical instrument. Adult recorders, especially wooden ones, sound warm and expressive.
• It’s easy to play because it needs very little breath control. Unlike flutes or saxophones, you don’t need strong lungs or a special mouth shape. This makes it friendly for adults.
• Recorder fingerings also transfer well to other wind instruments. If you want to try flute or clarinet later, the recorder is a great start.
• Many adults are surprised by how beautiful a recorder can sound when played properly.

Best for: Adults curious about wind instruments, early music fans, low-budget learners, and group players.

Suggested Songs: “Hot Cross Buns“, “London Bridge Is Falling Down” and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven

6. Bongos & Hand Drums

Time to First Rhythm: Immediate

• Hand drums remove one big challenge: there are no wrong notes. You only focus on rhythm. Just start playing, and you’re making music.
• This doesn’t mean drums are simple. Bongos allow many sounds based on how and where you strike. But beginners can join in right away, which feels rewarding.
• Drumming is also social. Drum circles let adults play together without years of training. It’s about connection, not perfection.
• The physical feel of drumming is another plus. Many adults find it relaxing and energizing at the same time.

Best for: Rhythm lovers, social learners, active musicians, and dancers.

Suggested Songs: “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Waka Waka” by Shakira and “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck

7. Acoustic Guitar

Time to First Song: 1-2 weeks, 

• The guitar is popular, but it’s harder than many expect. Steel strings hurt at first, and chords take time to build strength.
• Still, it’s worth the effort. The guitar works in almost every music style. You can play alone, sing along, or join a band.
• There are endless learning resources online. Adults who like self-paced learning will never run out of help.
• Once your fingers adjust, thousands of songs become playable with just a few chords.

Best for: Versatile musicians, singer-songwriters, and adults ready for a challenge.

Suggested Songs: “Horse with No Name” by America, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan and “Wonderwall” by Oasis

8. Electric Bass

Time to First Song: 1-3 days

• The bass is often easier than the guitar. It has four strings and focuses on single notes instead of chords.
• Many bass lines are simple and repetitive. Adults can start playing songs very quickly. This early success keeps motivation high.
• Bass players are always needed. Bands often have too many guitarists, but not enough bassists. That means more chances to play with others.
• The wider spacing between notes also feels comfortable for many adults.

Best for: Group players, rhythm lovers, funk and rock fans, and adults who struggled with guitar.

Suggested Songs: “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen and “Come As You Are” by Nirvana

9. Drums (Including Electronic Kits)

Time to First Beat: 1 hour

• Electronic drum kits have made drumming easier for adults. You can use headphones and practice in small spaces without noise issues.
• Drums use your whole body. This makes practice feel active and fun. Many adults enjoy the physical release.
• Basic beats are easy to learn, while advanced skills come over time. You can play simple songs early and grow gradually.
• Drummers are always in demand, making it easy to join bands later.

Best for: Active learners, stress relief seekers, and adults who want guaranteed group opportunities.

Suggested Songs: “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and  “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

10. Violin (The “Precision” Instrument)

Time to first song: 2-3 weeks 

• Unlike a piano or a drum kit, you can take your violin anywhere. This makes it easy to integrate into a busy adult lifestyle.
• Modern technology has introduced fingerboard tapes – small, non-permanent stickers that act as “training wheels.” They show you exactly where to place your fingers, removing the guesswork that used to frustrate beginners.
• Because the violin requires you to manage two different tasks simultaneously (bowing with the right hand and fingering with the left), it is one of the best instruments for neuroplasticity, forcing the brain to create strong, cross-hemisphere connections.

Best for: Adults who enjoy challenges, want strong brain training, and prefer a portable, expressive instrument.

Suggested Songs: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star“, “Minuet 1” by Johann Sebastian Bach and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven

How to Choose: Which Instrument is Your Perfect Match?

1. Start with the music you love

What do you actually listen to?

• Like folk or sing-alongs? → Ukulele or guitar
• Love blues or jazz? → Harmonica or piano
• Into rock or funk? → Bass or drums

When the instrument fits the music you enjoy, staying motivated is much easier.

2. Consider your living situation

Where will you practice most?

• Need to stay quiet? → Piano (with headphones), kalimba, glockenspiel, harmonica, electronic drums
• Noise isn’t an issue? → Acoustic guitar, recorder, traditional drums

Your space alone can eliminate several options.

3. Think about your schedule

How much time can you practice?

• Short daily sessions (10–15 min)? → Harmonica, ukulele, kalimba
• Longer, focused sessions? → Piano or guitar

Choose an instrument that fits the time you actually have.

4. Be honest about your patience level

How fast do you want results?

• Want quick wins? → Harmonica, glockenspiel, kalimba
• Okay waiting a few weeks? → Piano, guitar, violin

Fast progress keeps many adults motivated.

5. Do you want to play alone or with others?

How do you imagine yourself playing?

• Mostly solo? → Piano, kalimba, glockenspiel
• With bands or groups? → Bass or drums
• Both? → Guitar or ukulele

Social goals matter more than most people realize.

6. Check your physical comfort

What feels easiest on your body?

• Larger hands? → Bass
• Breathing limitations? → Piano or strings
• Prefer movement over finger work? → Drums

Comfort helps you practice longer and enjoy it more.

Still unsure? Use this rule

If you’re stuck between two options, choose the one that’s easier to practice daily. The instrument you actually pick up is the right one.

Conclusion

The idea that adults are too old to learn music is simply wrong. Science proves otherwise.

Learning music as an adult isn’t just possible, it’s a great time to start. Your brain can still build new skills at any age. And unlike kids, you have real motivation, clear goals, and the discipline to stick with practice.

Each instrument in this guide offers a different way into music. Some give quick wins. Others take more time but offer deeper rewards. 

The best choice is the one that excites you enough to keep practicing.

While self-learning works, many adults progress faster with a teacher who can correct mistakes early and keep lessons focused. Wiingy offers affordable online music tutors with flexible scheduling, making it easier to fit lessons into a busy adult life.

Whatever path you choose, the key is to start. Pick an instrument, give it a few weeks, and see how it feels. You might surprise yourself.

It’s never too late to become a musician.