Getting Started with a New Instrument: A Beginner’s Guide
Learning a new instrument is an exciting journey! Whether you’re picking up the guitar, piano, ukulele, or any other instrument, the first few weeks are crucial for building a strong foundation. With the right approach, you’ll set yourself up for success and enjoy the learning process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with confidence.
At Music Tree Academy, we offer personalized lessons for all ages and skill levels in Itä-Helsinki, Myllypuro, Viikki, Herttoniemi, Roihuvuori, and Vuosaari—as well as online lessons via Zoom. Here’s why taking lessons with us is the key to unlocking your musical potential.
1. Choose the Right Instrument
Before you start playing, make sure you have an instrument that suits your needs.
✅ Guitar: Acoustic for a warm, natural sound or electric for rock, blues, and jazz.
✅ Piano/Keyboard: A digital keyboard is great for beginners, while an acoustic piano offers a richer tone.
✅ Ukulele: A great choice for beginners due to its small size and easy-to-learn chords.
If you’re unsure what to buy, ask a music teacher or visit a music store to try out different options.
2. Learn How to Hold and Set Up Your Instrument
Proper posture and setup make playing more comfortable and help prevent bad habits.
🎸 Guitar & Ukulele: Hold the instrument close to your body, keep your wrist relaxed, and position your fingers over the frets.
🎹 Piano: Sit with good posture, keep your hands relaxed, and position your fingers lightly on the keys.
Before playing, tune your instrument (especially for string instruments). A tuner app or digital tuner can help you stay in tune from the start.
3. Master the Basics First
Rather than jumping into full songs, start with the fundamental skills:
🎵 For Guitar/Ukulele: Learn basic chords, strumming patterns, and finger placement. Start with simple open chords like C, G, D, and A minor.
🎵 For Piano: Learn hand positioning, simple scales, and basic chords. Try playing easy melodies with one hand before adding the other.
Tip: Practice slowly and focus on accuracy rather than speed. A solid foundation will help you progress faster!
4. Follow a Practice Routine
Consistency is key! Even 10–20 minutes a day will help you improve more than one long session per week.
🕒 Sample Beginner Practice Routine (20 minutes):
✅ 5 min – Warm-up (scales, finger exercises)
✅ 10 min – Learn new techniques (chords, rhythm, hand coordination)
✅ 5 min – Play a simple song or improvise for fun
A structured routine keeps you motivated and ensures steady progress.
5. Use Online Resources & Lessons
There are plenty of free and paid resources to help you learn:
🎥 Video tutorials – YouTube has countless beginner-friendly lessons.
📖 Online courses & apps – Websites like Simply Piano, Yousician, or Justin Guitar offer structured learning.
🎼 Music teachers – Private or group lessons provide personalized feedback and faster progress.
Combining different resources keeps learning fresh and engaging.
6. Be Patient and Enjoy the Process
It’s normal to struggle at first—every great musician was once a beginner! Don’t be discouraged by slow progress or mistakes. The key is to keep practicing, have fun, and celebrate small achievements along the way.
Learning an instrument is a journey, not a race. Stick with it, and soon you'll be playing your favorite songs with confidence! 🎶
