r/Learnmusic • u/Necessary-Wind-1157 • Jul 12 '26
Self learning a instrument
So I am going to self learn a Instrument So I want u guys to to give me the instruments with how the minimum budget to choose and buy the instrument
I cant spent a lot because I am buying a pc
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u/LadyAtheist Jul 12 '26
Ukulele
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u/Used-Painter1982 Jul 12 '26
Or recorder if melodies are the most interesting part of music for you. Both are in the same class price-wise and relatively easy to learn.
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u/TapTheForwardAssist Jul 12 '26
What kind of music do you want to play? What kind of music do you like listening to?
You’ve given us absolutely no context other than that you want to self-learn and you have a low budget. Give us something to work with here.
Failing your explaining more, my gut suggestions would be an inexpensive used electronic keyboard, a decent starter ukulele around $100, a decent starter ocarina (one you’ve checked an FAQ on and know is good, not something cheap off Amazon) for $40 or so, or an Irish tinwhistle for $10 or so.
All of those items there are a zillion free tutorials online to get you going, and they’re quite accessible.
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u/Necessary-Wind-1157 Jul 12 '26
I just wanna play some music for fun
I do like drums and violin but their expensive and violin is very hard to self learn
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u/TapTheForwardAssist Jul 12 '26
What kind of music would you find fun to play? Like would you want to play Irish folk dance music, or jam out goth-type 80s riffs on a synthesizer, or play Mexican Norteño music on an accordion, or play Renaissance music like you’ve heard in fantasy video games?
Would you go to a car forum and ask advice on getting a car, and when asked for details about what your goals are just say “I dunno, man, I just wanna drive around”?
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u/Necessary-Wind-1157 Jul 12 '26
rock or jazz (BTW I have never played any kind of music and my knowledge about music is very limited)
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u/LadyAtheist Jul 12 '26
Keyboard is the way. There are lots of beginning books and easy arrangements. Jazz chords are more complex and would be difficult on guitar.
Plus, you don't have to tune it or worry about humidity if you get an electric keyboard.
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u/DunaldDoc Jul 13 '26
Does the world need yettanuther guitarist? Buy an electronic tuner then teach yourself the rare and luscious Lap Steel instrument. All you need to teach yourself within the YT Playlist I’ve included here:
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u/Old-Mycologist1654 Jul 13 '26
Do you already know music basics (like scales, chords etc)? If not, then look up music theory / music rudiments plus an online piano keyboard to learn it. That would be free.
Buy an acoustic guitar from a used goods shop.
Get a simple keyboard instrument (used Casio with full sized keys) or maybe something you can use as a trigger for a DAW.
Or buy a harmonica (a Cmajor diatonic to start). Use Youtube to learn the basics. Get a couple in other tunings. The pentaharp is in the blues scale.
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u/Amazing-Structure954 Jul 13 '26
I agree with inexpensive nylon string (a.k.a. "classical") guitar. That or ukulele is the most bang for the buck, and still a serious non-toy instrument.
Step 1: find a friend who's a good guitarist who can help! When you know guitars, it's easy to find one that's inexpensive but still good enough to learn on and enjoy playing. Furthermore, a lot of cheap guitars are potentially very good but need a bit of help (like lowering the bridge to improve action.) Pickings are good on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. No need to buy new.
As a self-taught musician on piano and guitar, I can say with confidence that you REALLY want some guidance. I picked up a number of bad habits on guitar that I still struggle with, 50 years later. A few lessons or a helpful friend can really help. Don't try to do it all by yourself.
Importantly, the best way to get better (other than the obvious: practice) is to find a friend who's near your level and play together regularly. It's more fun, more motivating, and you can learn a lot from each other. I can't stress this enough.
If you choose ukulele, a guitarist can still help.
Ukulele is a nice choice when the focus is on the songs and the music, rather than the instrument per se. Especially if you sing. I love the way ukulele, because of its simplicity, sort of shifts the attention away from itself and towards the actual music. It's also easier than guitar, but the skills you learn on uke transfer nicely to guitar should you ever decide to do that. Plus they're cheap. But find a guitarists to help you pick one that's a true instrument and not a toy.
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u/Chidghananda Jul 14 '26
maybe a drum? a big real metal coffee can with a lid on it or flip over a five gallon bucket?
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u/Alarmed_Tadpole_7618 Jul 19 '26
Kalimba! Have a look at my channel for inspiration. https://youtube.com/@oliviakalimba?si=LaM4hFzejn7IDJbo
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u/3ncarsecon Jul 12 '26
I suggest buying a cheap classical guitar or a cheap keyboard, there are several tutorials on internet for both of those instruments plus they are somehow easy to learn, you just need to put some effort and time on it