Learning a new instrument can be daunting, but it can also be beautifully rewarding. Being able to play your favorite tunes or fiddle around with pleasing notes can do wonders to lift the spirits. The following will explore some of the most basic steps you need to take to learn a musical instrument. This guide is intended for folks who are about to pick up their very first instrument who have no musical experience at all but can also apply to those who know some instruments but are picking up a new one.

Start Small

 

First things first, you maybe have been told that musical instruments and lessons are expensive. This is true; for the most part, they are, but thanks to the internet and modern technology, this doesn’t mean you need to start forking out cash right away. There are endless introductory guides on YouTube that can give you a taste of music lessons for the low cost of occasionally having to watch that one advertisement that is insanely annoying but comes up every time you’re online. Likewise, you can look for second-hand instruments or cheaper versions of traditional instruments like digital pianos, for instance. Look through something like a guide to best digital pianos for beginners, and pick out something that’s within your price range. This last year has been crazy, and we don’t need a brutal financial hit on top of it.

 

Learn To Read Music

 

Yes, some musicians play by ear, and maybe you’ll get there at some point too, but when you’re just starting out, having a basic understanding of how to read music can be really beneficial. You’ll be able to seek out your favorite tunes (or a song you think you might be able to play) and read it and try it out. For the majority of players, this is much easier than listening to a song and figuring out how to play it. That sort of skill comes much later on.

 

Pay Attention To Form

 

Early on, no matter what instrument you’re learning, it’s going to be a little physically uncomfortable. You’re going to be using muscles you’re not used to using, or pressing your fingers against strings that are a bit sharper than they look in music videos, or puckering your lips funny to get that sweet harmonica sound. It’s crucial that you ensure proper form early on, even if your muscles get tired. Poor form is so much harder to unlearn than good form is to learn. Take the time to get it right from the start so that when tougher songs come along, you have the right stance and muscle tension to handle them.

 

 

Breathing And Music Are Intertwined

 

It might seem funny to suggest breathing exercises (especially if you’re not working with any horn instruments), but the truth is that breathwork and music and intrinsically linked. Tie this up with the fact that most of us don’t breathe correctly, and you’ll discover a recipe for disaster. Breathing deeply through your nose results in 30% more oxygen flooding your brain. This improves your concentration and memory (meaning you’re going to learn that much faster). It also helps with muscular stamina, which we’ve discussed in the form point above. Finally, it can help you find your rhythm, which is a crucial part of playing music.

 

Understand Effective Practice

 

Practice is where most people fall flat when learning a new instrument or trying to develop any new skill. Yes, sometimes this is because practices are skipped, but more often than not, it’s because practices aren’t effective. In other words, the practice isn’t high quality. High-quality practise involves finding the sweet spot where you’re challenged the right amount: it’s not so easy you’re learning nothing new, and it’s not so hard you’re going insane with misery. The extra tricky part is that this sweet spot is a continuously moving target. It will probably always feel like the moment you find it, you surpass it and are looking for the next one.

 

Work With Songs You Like

 

Don’t force yourself to practice songs you hate. Nothing is going to slow your progress faster than misery. The internet is full of millions of songs; there’s going to be at least one you like in your skill range.

 

The above tips should help you pick up an instrument and keep fiddling with it until something sort of like music comes out of it. It’s always best not to rush yourself during these early stages. Remember, you’re not just learning how to play a song; you’re also learning proper form, music reading, breathing techniques, and practice approaches.