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A Beginner’s guide to choosing the right instrument

A beginner’s guide to choosing the right instrument is emphasizing on what really your soul wants to play. Whether you’re daydreaming about serenading crowds, jamming with friends, or just impressing your peers, picking the right instrument can feel like choosing your love between parents, family or even friends.

Fear not, fellow beginners, here’s a whimsical guide to help you find your musical soulmate.

v  The Guitar: For “The Cool Vibes”

If you’ve ever watched a music video and thought, “I could totally pull off that power stance,” then the guitar might be your ticket to cool-town. It’s portable, versatile, and has this magical ability to make you look awesome. Can be played at bonfires to impress strangers or in your bedroom.

v  The Piano: For “The Classically Dramatic”

Maybe you have a flair for the dramatic. You can already picture yourself in a dimly lit room, fingers flying across the keys as your friends look on, wondering about your intensity. The piano is for those who want to make big statements. Instantly makes you seem more sophisticated and cultured. It’s also great for showing off when you nail a difficult piece.

PS: Good luck carrying this to your friend's house for jam sessions.

v  The Drums: For “The Energetic and Slightly Chaotic Souls”

If your motto is “Go big or go home,” the drums are calling your name. Want to smash things (musically) and have everyone appreciate it? Drumming lets you unleash your inner animal (maybe cardio).

Pro: You’re the heartbeat of the band and every jam session. Plus, let’s be honest: it’s fun to hit things.

v  Tanpura: “The Silent Hero of Melody”

At first glance, the tanpura (or thambura) might seem like a humble, unassuming instrument. It doesn’t play the complex melodies or rhythms of Indian classical music. Instead, it’s the backbone—the instrument that holds everything together, creating a continuous drone that provides the sonic foundation for other instruments to shine.

Fun Fact: Despite not being a lead instrument, a good tanpura player is essential for setting the mood and keeping the entire performance in harmony.

v  Sitar: For “The Icon of Indian Classical Music”

The sitar is perhaps the most well-known Indian instrument globally, thanks in part to maestros like Ravi Shankar. It’s a stringed instrument with a distinctive, pear-shaped body, and it often steals the show with its intricate, mesmerizing melodies.

PS: The sitar’s distinct sound and versatility have made it popular in not only Indian classical music but also in Western music. Remember The Beatles’ song Norwegian Wood? That’s the sitar!!!

v  The Violin: For “The Soulful Artist”

The violin has this magical quality that makes every note sound like it’s part of a beautiful, tragic story. If you have a sensitive, artistic soul (or just want to play something that looks elegant), the violin might be your match. Because nothing says “sophistication” like whipping out a violin at a party.

v  Tabla: “The Rhythmic Pulse”

If the tanpura provides the melodic foundation and the sitar delivers intricate melodies, the tabla adds the pulse—the heartbeat of Indian music. It is a pair of drums, played with both hands. The right drum, called the dayan, is smaller and made of wood, producing high-pitched tones. The left drum, or bayan, is larger and made of metal or clay, producing deep bass sounds.

Fun Fact: Playing the tabla is almost like learning a new language. Each stroke on the drum has its own name, like “dha,” “tin,” or “na,” and tabla players practice these syllables like vocal exercises.

v  Flute: “The Enchanter of Melodies*

The flute, or bansuri in Indian music, is one of the most ancient and soulful instruments. Unlike the Western concert flute, the bansuri is a simple bamboo flute, often without any keys. It’s associated with the god Krishna, who is famously depicted playing the flute, charming all who hear it.

v  Veena: “The Regal Stringed Instrument”

The veena is one of the oldest and most revered instruments in Indian classical music, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. It’s a large, plucked string instrument with a long neck and multiple frets, resembling a lute or a sitar but with a deeper, more resonant tone. The veena is often associated with Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and music.

PS: The veena is considered one of the most difficult Indian instruments to master, requiring years of dedicated practice to achieve fluency in both melody and rhythm.

In the end, the right instrument is less about what you think you should play and more about what makes you feel excited, curious, and a little bit like a rockstar, even if you’re still learning the ropes. Try a few out, see what feels right, and remember: no matter what you pick, you’re bound to have fun and make some noise along the way. For further assistance and detail, checkout our website, www.shivamusicals.com, moreover to make a purchase, go to the shopping section of the mentioned website.