5 Easiest Instruments to Learn for Adults and Retirees

In this article, we will take a look at 5 easiest instruments to learn for adults and retirees. If you want to check out the detailed analysis, head over to 11 Easiest Instruments to Learn for Adults and Retirees. 

5. Drums

Insider Monkey Score: 4

Another member of the percussion musical instruments family, drums, are a basic instrument with a head or skin stretched over a shell. Retirees who want to revive their inner rock star can do so by playing the drums.

To produce some solid beats, it’s best to start with a teacher or a learned instructor. While the drums aren’t difficult, getting some good beats will take a few months of practice. The best thing about active drumming is that it’s a great physical exercise for seniors.

Adults and retirees can choose to buy an electronic drum kit too. They are slightly easier as compared to acoustic drums and come with a headphone. After practicing simple beats, users can transition to the more complex ones.

4. Guitar

Insider Monkey Score: 4

One of the most beautiful instruments to play is the guitar. While learning to strike some chords can take as little as a day, creating your songs or playing songs can take quite a while. Regardless, learning to play the guitar can be a great pastime for adults and retirees.

There are many different types of guitars to choose from, ranging from acoustic to electric, bass to classical, and much more. Basic chords can be learned fairly easily on these instruments. In order to learn and practice more, various free courses are available on YouTube as well.

Music lessons can also be taken in a group which is a fun way to learn this musical instrument and also offers a chance to socialize. Most of all, having learned the guitar will give retirees the freedom to play all sorts of different genres.

3. Piano

Insider Monkey Score: 4

One of the favorite musical instruments of retirees and adults is the piano. While the instrument can take some time to learn, most seniors would take less time since most of them grew up with one. Basic piano knowledge can greatly help individuals fare better when learning this instrument but the thing about piano is that its very easy for basics but can be one of the hardest instruments to learn at more advanced levels.

The best way to learn a piano is from a teacher in your locality. However, if that option isn’t available, the internet is full of useful resources as well. While the piano is usually read with piano sheets, using YouTube is easier as they teach songs by sight by showing which keys to press.

Learning the piano isn’t just a fun pastime for retirees. It is also a way to improve hand coordination and strengthen memory. A study from Harvard has also shown that playing the piano helps dementia patients relieve their symptoms to some extent.

2. Ukulele

Insider Monkey Score: 5

Ukulele, also called Uke, is a simpler guitar version with four nylon strings. Retirees having a hard time playing the guitar can try this instead. The ukulele makes some friendly notes, and seniors and adults can easily play it whenever they want.

Ukuleles come in different sizes, with larger models ideal for fingerpicking techniques. Starters can begin with a soprano, which is the smallest model. Once you have mastered the ukulele, it becomes easier to play the guitar too.

Not only is a ukulele easy and lightweight, but it also takes only a few weeks to start playing some chords. Retirees and adults can have a fun time playing the ukulele on their own.

1. Harmonica

Insider Monkey Score: 6

Affordable, portable, and easy to pick up, the harmonica is one of the easiest instruments to learn for adults and retirees. It is a small, rectangular metal-shaped instrument with two rows of air holes that produce sound when blown into them.

To play, all that needs to be done is blow into any of the holes to produce distinctive sounds. The key lies in adjusting the amount of air being blown through the movement of the lips and mouth on the reed holes. Once you get a basic idea, it will be pretty easy to produce different genres of sound.

The best thing about a harmonica is that no one can sound bad when playing it; it’ll always produce sounds in key, putting it among the easiest instruments to learn for adults and retirees. It also gives seniors some good breathing exercises and lung capacity. All in all, it’s a win-win.

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