Best Instruments for the Absolute Beginner
It's a tough choice.
Picking up a new instrument can be a daunting task, whether you’re a child learning for the first time, an adult re-learning, or just trying something totally new. Whatever the case may be, it’s definitely difficult to decide on an entry-level instrument.
There’s so many choices, so many people trying to sell you things you don’t need — it’s hard to filter through all the noise. That’s why we did it for you, and put together a list of our picks for the best instruments for the absolute beginner.
Guitar
SQUIER BULLET STRATOCASTER HT HSS ELECTRIC GUITAR
Created to be a budget-friendly entry level alternative to their parent company, Fender, Squier guitars offer dozens of great aspects of Fender guitars at a fraction of the cost. This iconic Stratocaster-style guitar has a smooth Laurel fingerboard, and a very navigable neck, making it ideal for someone still learning to master the art. This guitar delivers that great Stratocaster sound at an entry level price.
FENDER CC-60S CONCERT ACOUSTIC GUITAR
The Fender CC-60S has absolutely everything that a beginner should be looking for in their first guitar. The CC-60S is a fantastic choice, because it’s a cut above other “starter guitars”, while maintaining a very reasonable price. This guitar has a solid spruce top, which means that the sound will grow richer as the guitar ages, making this a great choice for the long run. The smaller concert-sized body also makes this guitar maneuverable and compact, offering an easier playing experience for any beginner.
Drum Sets
PEARL EXPORT 5-PIECE SHELL PACK
The Pearl Export Series has been the #1 selling drum set in the world for 30 years for a simple reason — it’s a top-notch drum set at a consumer-friendly price. These Poplar and Asian Mahogany blended shells offer an incredibly rich tone, and can produce both toned and punchy sounds, making it great for any genre. This drum set is the perfect choice for any new drummer, and it has a track record to prove it.
PEARL ROADSHOW 5-PIECE DRUM SET WITH HARDWARE AND CYMBALS
While this option is a slight step up in price as compared to other entry level drum sets, this package is worth it. This drum set comes with everything one will need to start their rhythmic journey, even down to a pair of maplewood drum sticks. The Roadshow offers Poplar shells that carry an exceptional tone, and the flanged hoops make sure that tone comes through strong. This package is a complete starter kit with a stellar sound, and is absolutely ideal for a beginner.
Bass
SQUIER CONTEMPORARY JAZZ BASS GUITAR
Just like their six-string guitars, Squier basses have that Fender sound and flair at a reasonable price. Whether you’re looking to shake the walls or lay down some funky-stuff, this bass has you covered. This bass has dual ceramic single-coil pickups with standard Jazz Bass controls, which to a non-musician means: you can change the tone both drastically and subtly to fit your sound. With the price and playability this guitar offers, it’s a no-brainer as the choice for any bassist.
SQUIER CLASSIC VIBE '60S MUSTANG BASS GUITAR
This bass has a totally vintage sound and a look to prove it. However, even with the vintage sound, it still has all the features of a modern Squier bass to dominate any stage today. The Fender-designed alnico pickups give this bass a clean and distinct sound, and the special C-shaped neck makes this bass extremely playable for any new learner.
Keyboards
ROLAND GO:PIANO88 DIGITAL PIANO
When we say this is the outright best choice for a child learning piano, we mean it. This digital piano has a full 88-keys (which is a big difference-maker when learning piano), and with its slightly reduced size, it can make piano less difficult for any child trying to learn. This digital piano also offers bluetooth capabilities, and can connect to your smartphone for a streamlined learning process, or bluetooth speakers.
Korg has been making industry-leading keyboards for decades, and that didn’t change with their more affordable B2 Digital Piano. Korg focused on accessibility and ease-of-use when designing the B2 model, and it shows in the keyboard’s intuitive interface and setup. This piano has a light-touch, full 88-key keyboard, and with a bundle of built-in piano sounds from around the world, this piano offers a wide array of capabilities without breaking the bank.