Guide

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument - A Beginner's Guide

Learning to play a musical instrument is a rewarding journey that enhances creativity, improves cognitive function, and provides a lifelong skill. Whether you're drawn to the piano, guitar, or any other instrument, this guide helps you get started and stay motivated.

By DoItAgain Editorial Team

Published on October 18, 2025Last updated on October 18, 2025

Visual Introduction

Young woman learning guitar from laptop on bed — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Attractive african american teenager girl concentraing learning to play acoustic guitar using laptop computer sitting on bed at home

Grandfather teaching grandson to play guitar — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Caring grandfather is helping cute kid teaching guitar playing at home together enjoying domestic music lesson. People and musical education concept.

Man teaching woman to play guitar indoors — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Young happy and loving couple study to play acoustic guitar and having fun while sitting at table at home

Two girls learning guitar from a tablet — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Young woman playing guitar on bed with laptop. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Curly african american teenager girl concentraing learning to play acoustic guitar using laptop computer sitting on bed at home

Two young women learning to play guitar together — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Boy learns guitar with grandfather's help — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Elderly man grandfather is teaching grandson to play the guitar in apartment bonding enjoying home education. Musical instruments and childhood concept.

Grandfather teaching grandson to play guitar on couch. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
cheerful people grandson and grandfather playing the guitar at home, old man is teaching a boy to play. Musical instruments and lifestyle concept.

Two girls learning guitar together indoors. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Man with headphones plays acoustic guitar at home — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Cheerful student attractive guy is playing the guitar and listening to music in headphones in apartment, person is enjoying musical instrument in free time.

Two young women playing guitar and using tablet. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Woman playing guitar and using laptop on floor — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Portrait of pretty Afro-American girl playing the guitar and using laptop sitting on the floor at home enjoying leisure time activity. People and lifestyle concept.

Two young women learning guitar from tablet — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Mother and daughter learning guitar on tablet — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman sitting on stairs teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

Father teaching son to play guitar at home. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Young man is teaching little son play the guitar enjoying creative activity indoors in apartment. Happy choildhood, paternal love and music concept.

Woman teaches girl to play guitar using tablet. — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman sitting on stairs teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

two young women learning to play guitar together indoors — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Mixed race young woman with tablet computer sitting on bed teaching her teenage sister to play acoustic guitar

An Experience Story

Anticipation

I remember the mix of excitement and nervousness I felt when I first decided to learn the guitar. I had always been in awe of musicians and dreamed of jamming to my favorite tunes. I spent hours researching the best beginner guitars, watching tutorial videos, and imagining myself performing on stage. The thought of creating music with my own hands was exhilarating, but I couldn't help but wonder if I had what it takes to stick with it. I set up a small practice corner in my room, tuned the strings (or at least tried to), and took a deep breath. This was it—my first step into the world of music.

Immersion

The first few weeks were a rollercoaster of calloused fingertips and fumbling through chords. The instrument felt new and unfamiliar in my hands, and I was fascinated by the sounds I could create. There were moments of frustration when things didn't go as planned, but each small victory kept me motivated. As I practiced, I began to notice patterns and understand the music better. The more I played, the more I enjoyed the process of learning and improving.

Reflection

Looking back, learning to play the guitar has been a rewarding journey. It's not just about the music, but the personal growth that comes with it. The process has taught me valuable life skills like patience and perseverance. If you're considering learning to play, I encourage you to take the first step. The joy of creating music and the sense of accomplishment make it a worthwhile pursuit.

Why It's Important

Playing an instrument engages multiple areas of the brain, improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

Music has the power to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while providing an emotional outlet.

Learning an instrument develops coordination, discipline, and patience through dedicated practice.

Mastering an instrument takes time and dedication. The process teaches you the value of persistence and hard work.

Playing music allows you to experiment with sounds, rhythms, and melodies, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Music brings people together. Whether it's joining a band, playing with friends, or performing for others, it's a great way to connect with like-minded individuals.

Once you learn to play an instrument, it's a skill you can enjoy and develop throughout your entire life.

Playing an instrument requires simultaneous use of multiple brain areas, enhancing your ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

How to Start

Choose an instrument that excites you and fits your lifestyle. Consider factors like size, cost, and the type of music you want to play.
Choose an instrument that's appropriate for beginners and comfortable for you to play.
Find a good teacher or use online resources for interactive lessons tailored to beginners.
Set aside regular practice time. Consistent practice is important for making progress.
Start with the basics. Learn how to hold the instrument, proper posture, and basic notes or chords before moving on to more complex pieces.
Be patient with yourself. Progress may feel slow at first, but consistency is key.
Join a community or find a practice buddy. Sharing your journey with others can keep you motivated and make learning more enjoyable.
Record your progress to track improvement and stay motivated.

What You'll Need

A musical instrument of your choice (e.g., guitar, piano, violin)
A tuner
A comfortable, quiet space for practice
Basic understanding of musical notes (helpful but not required)
Patience and a positive attitude

Safety First

Learning to play a musical instrument is generally safe, but it's important to practice good posture to avoid strain. Take regular breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries, and ensure your instrument is properly set up to avoid unnecessary discomfort. For people with disabilities, adaptive instruments like modified guitars or electronic drum kits with adjustable sensitivity are available. If you experience persistent pain, consult a professional.

FAQ

The time varies by instrument, practice schedule, and goals. With consistent practice, many people can learn to play simple songs in a relatively short period.

It's never too late to start! People of all ages can learn with patience and practice.

While reading sheet music can be helpful, it's not always necessary. Many musicians learn to play by ear or using tablature. However, learning to read music can open up more opportunities and make it easier to learn new pieces.

Consistency is more important than the length of practice sessions. The appropriate practice duration varies based on your goals and experience level. Consistent, focused practice is more important than the length of each session.

Several instruments are often recommended for beginners due to their relatively simple learning curves. However, the best instrument is one that you're excited to play.

Set small, achievable goals, celebrate your progress, and remind yourself why you started. Listening to music you love and playing with others can also keep you inspired.

Yes, many people successfully teach themselves using online resources, books, and apps. However, a teacher can provide valuable feedback and help you avoid developing bad habits.

Focus on quality over quantity. Break down difficult pieces into smaller sections, practice slowly, and use a metronome to improve your timing. Regular, focused practice is more effective than long, unfocused sessions.

Consider what kind of music you enjoy, your budget, and the space you have available. It's also helpful to try out a few different instruments to see which one feels right for you.

Take a short break and come back to it later. Frustration is a normal part of learning. Remember why you started and focus on the progress you've made so far.

Mix up your routine, play songs you love, and set fun challenges for yourself. Recording your progress and looking back at how far you've come can also be very motivating.

Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Use a metronome to track your progress and practice scales and exercises to build finger strength and dexterity.

For younger children, smaller instruments that are easy to handle are great starter options. As they grow, they can transition to larger instruments.

If you're consistently struggling with playability issues, such as high action, buzzing strings, or poor sound quality, it might be time to upgrade. A well-maintained instrument that's properly set up will make learning much more enjoyable.

Absolutely! Playing an instrument can be a great way to unwind and reduce stress. The focus required can help take your mind off worries and provide a creative outlet for self-expression.