What is an easy instrument for a 9 year old girl to learn?

Question

She has has 2 years piano & a very brief stint with the Cello but both were quite hard for her. She has some learning problems. She loves rock music & is keen to learn something "for a band".

Answer 1

She might give keyboard another go - I'm not a wonderful pianist, but I can do alright on keyboard bass for jazz. It's worlds easier when you've only got one line to follow.

You didn't say exactly why the instruments were difficult for her, but often with a child having the right size instrument can make a huge difference. Smaller fingers = smaller reach. So if she does go for something like electric bass, then I would recommend checking into half-size instruments. Electric keyboards often have smaller keys, as well, which makes it easier, and still have the advantage of being able to plug headphones in for practice without bothering others.

Mandolin is a nice size, but I don't think too many rock bands use them nowadays, though in the 70s they were almost standard, and the double strings can be a little frustrating to tune.

Drums are actually pretty complicated, and tend to get expensive for the parent as heads break, sticks get lost, etcetera. I'd stay away from guitar, as well, it's beautiful but frustrating.

Maybe the best thing to do would be to take her down to a large music store and try various instruments till she finds one she likes.

Was the difficulty physical or with concentrating long enough to progress? If you can give some more information it might help narrow down options.

Good on you for encouraging her interest in music, though! Keep it up!

Answer 2

Guitar, provided you get her one that is her size. Recorder is easy.The best is to take her to a music store or to a band and let her view instruments and tell you if she is interested in any she sees. Tell her is she could pick any 3 instruments to play what would it be. Then pick the easier of the 3. Interest in something has something to do with the will to learn. But if she has bad learning problems it may do just as well to get something less expensive like recorder. If you rented an instrument , she could try different ones til she finds what she likes best.

Answer 3

I agree with the above answer, the drums.

If she has had piano and cello lessons she should have some rhythm. The drums are pretty easy to learn and perfect if she wants to join a band.

Answer 4

I'd say... maybe bass, beginner though. Pretty straight forward with only 4 strings.... drums, she would enjoy them probably. Guitar may be complex. Instead of piano try keyboard? Wait- test her singing ability. It could take her far.
HOPE I HELPED!

Answer 5

Bass guitar. It's simple, it's "for a band" like she wants, and there's not nearly enough female bass players out there. :)

Answer 6

Drums.