Easy and Cheap Musical Instruments to Learn (2024)

Maybe, like us, you love music, but you’ve never had a chance to create it yourself. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! While some instruments are costly and take years of training, there are also many great options that are easy and affordable to learn.

Playing music can allow us to express ourselves in a new way. It can challenge our minds and our bodies. It can help us connect to something greater than ourselves – to history, to culture, to people and places around the globe.

But what’s the best age to learn a musical instrument? It’s the age you are at right now, today.

No matter how many or few rotations of the sun you’ve seen, there are many benefits of learning an instrument¹ including:

1. Having fun
2. Getting social
3. Challenging your coordination
4. Engaging your brain
5. Relieving stress
6. Discovering new skills

So which musical instruments are the easiest to learn and which one is right for you? Here’s our pick of the top 11 easiest instruments to learn. We’ve also included the average costs of beginner-level instruments and the price of per-session-lessons for you to factor into your choice.

1. Ukulele: Easiest overall instrument to learn
These small guitars are a great choice for just about anyone. Ukuleles have four strings rather than a guitar’s six strings, making them less complicated. The strings are also softer, which is easier on your fingers than a guitar’s strings. Not to mention, they are a fraction of the cost of a guitar.

• Ukulele Cost: $50 - $150
• Lesson Cost: $30-$50
• Time to Learn: 3 to 6 months

• Harmonica Cost: $35-$95
• Lesson Cost: $30-$50
• Time to Learn: 3 to 6 months

• Acoustic Guitar Cost: $100-$500
• Lesson Cost: $40-$60
• Time to Learn: At least 6 months

• Piano Cost: $100-$500
• Lesson Cost: $40-$60
• Time to Learn: At least 4 months

• Saxophone Cost: $200-$500
• Lesson Cost: $55-$75
• Time to Learn: At least 6 months

• Drums Cost: $250-$1000
• Lesson Cost: $50-$55
• Time to Learn: At least 3 months

• Auxiliary Percussion Cost: Under $50
• Lesson Cost: Free (online tutorials and practice)
• Time to Learn: As much as you need

• Recorder Cost: Under $50
• Lesson Cost: $5-$35
• Time to Learn: At least 3 months

• Kalimba Cost: $20-$100
• Lesson Cost: Free (online tutorials and practice)
• Time to Learn: A few weeks

• Bongos Cost: $50-$100
• Lesson Cost: $40-$75
• Time to Learn: At least 2 months

• Lap Harp Cost: $40-$65
• Lesson Cost: Free (online tutorials and practice)
• Time to Learn: A few hours (with sheet inserts)

Play now, Pay Over Time

You may be ready for a jam session, but maybe your wallet isn’t. The good news is whether you’re interested in a piano, a drum kit, guitar, or saxophone, you don’t have to wait to play. With financing options from our partners, you can pay overtime with convenient monthly payments.

Learn more about your instrument financing offers with Synchrony partners and how you get playing today.

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