Easiest string instrument?

Question

In your opinion, what is the easiest string instrument to learn? I play harp, flute, piccolo, and piano and I would like to learn to play some kind of stringed instrument other than harp.

Thanks!

To bcptm: Actually I have played piano for 7 years, and flute and piccolo for 4. I can play a lot more than scales.

Answer 1

Well, the next easiest strings after the harp would be the zither family. There's the plain zither (you can find them for peanuts at www.shopgoodwill.com), the lap or Appalachian dulcimer, the autoharp (ditto), and the variations on the hammered dulcimer.

Next you move into the lute family, and from easiest to hardest would be: ukelele, tenor guitar, mandolin family (same sizes and challenges as the violin family but less neck pain), guitar, electric bass, banjo (difficulty depends on style; plectrum or frayling will challenge less than bluegrass), and then the bowed strings.

You're already breaking your back when you move the harp, so I'd think something small like the mandolin (I'd say autoharp but you already play a harp and I suspect you'd like a unique tone).

I've performed on over 100 different instruments myself; once you get a moderate level of dexterity in one family, all of the members of that family are fairly easy to get under the fingers.

Answer 2

Easiest String Instrument To Play

Answer 3

Easiest String Instrument To Learn

Answer 4

I agree with most of what is said here. But would like to add that there are lots of ways to choose an instrument. You have to look at what kinds of music you want to play. You can play bluegrass with a fiddle, classical with a violin, but it's the same instrument. And then there's Irish jigs that sound completely different on the same instrument. Same with guitar. Lots of variety.

As for easy-ness... the violin, viola, and cello require that you learn how to use a bow and there are no frets like a guitar, so you have to use your ear and practice for a long time before you know when you are playing the correct note. However, the guitar sometimes requires that you learn chords but if you know chords from piano, that might work for you.

Except for the style of music, or if you are reading music, the clef or key, know that it's going to feel completely different and just go with it. Good luck.

Answer 5

Do you want a bowed stringed instrument or a plucked/strummed one?

Bowed instruments are tricky to learn - but do-able if you're determined. Consult the music department of your local university or community college for a good teacher (essential!)

Or you could consider the guitar, banjo or mandolin. All three are legitimate classical instruments (even the Banjo - see William Grant Still) List, Paganini and others wrote for the guitar. Vivaldi and Mozart wrote for the mandolin.

Anyway argument aside, the strummed instruments also have frets, which make finding your pitch a little easier. BUT you still have to practice!

Finally, if you're into really good ancient music, consider one of the Gambas or Viols or psaltries. These are also bowed but have frets - or individual strings (psaltries).

still, look for a good teacher and PRACTICE!!!

Good luck

Answer 6

What type of music would you like to play and to what level? Decades of popular and folk music would suggest that guitar fits the bill. It's not downright 'easy' but it's learner friendly: you pick it up and soon you can play a song. It's easier then violin where intonation would be your nightmare. Easier then upright, where the sheer physical challenge would be daunting. If you'd like to take on guitar seriously as in 'classical music guitar' then be ready for an instrument that is not as comfortable as piano. But it is a polyphonic instrument where you can play melody and harmony.

If you think of playing modern music you can consider electric bass guitar too. If you tend to listen to the bit of a song more then its melody, then a bass might be your cup of tea. Very friendly to beginners - used to be 'the guitar for those who can't play guitar' - it has become over the last two decades a very challenging and rich instrument. Have fun.

Answer 7

They're all relativly the same except for the clefs. Is there a clef you're already comfortable in? If you favor the treble clef, I would take up violin. If you favor the bass clef I would take up cello or bass. Though bass is slightly harder because you're usually standing up, and you have a longer stretch for your fingers. Cello also has a longer stretch, and you pretty much always have to sit down, the strings are harder to press down than a violin too. If you want to learn a new clef, I would take up the viola. They play in the alto clef, where the middle bar, is middle C. Kinda cool, huh? Violin is the smallest, and I personally find it more comfortable to hold than a viola is.

If you have any questions about them just shoot me an e-mail or message me on AIM - nhlgoalie9099. Hope you get one you're happy with!

Answer 8

They all play pretty much the same. The smallest one is the violin of course, but all of the strings have four strings and are played on the same principals. If you want an easy way to learn, try the Suzuki method which allows you to play pieces without knowing how to read music.

Answer 9

~The washtub base has only one string and no frets. What could be easier than that? But if you really play those other instruments, you don't do so very well or you wouldn't want "the easiest" string to play. Why not get past the scales and try to be proficient on one of the others? Or was I supposed to say WOW, you play all them and want to learn more? Sorry, but that's not the image you project.

Answer 10

ukulele perhaps.. in hawaii it is a serious musical instrument.. it comes in 8, 6, and 4 string varieties as well as bass, tenor, and soprano versions.. i know how to play chopsticks.. lol