Learning a new instrument is one of the most exciting life skills on the planet. You get all the benefits and satisfaction of enjoying music with the reward of knowing that you’re creating something magical.
And for one reason or another, brass instruments resonate with you (but not the saxophone– Sorry, that’s a wind instrument!). And, it’s not easy to decide what brass instrument is the best to learn for beginners because there are so many variables.
This guide aims to help you choose the easiest instrument with a list of the most popular and often recommended options so that you can make an educated decision.
Types of Brass Instruments
There are many different instruments within the brass instrument family. Each type of instrument is generally categorized by the size of its tubings, such as trumpet, cornet, trombone, or mellophone.
The tubing size affects the key of the instrument as well as the pitch. First, let’s take a look at the main instruments and how they differ.
Tuba
Tubas are the largest and lowest instruments and are generally only played by those with a very wide range of lung capacity.
Sousaphone
This type of brass instrument is akin to a large tuba. In a marching band setting, it is common to see them on the ground rather than strapped onto someone’s back (which would be expected in a symphony orchestra). They can also be used as a double-reeded instrument when they are fitted with valves.
Euphonium
This is a smaller tuba-style instrument used in concert orchestras or wind ensembles. They have a very rich sound, and you can often hear it when sousaphone players switch instruments, as they are quite a lot easier to carry around.
Cornet
These are a very popular choice of brass instruments in bands. They are most used in jazz, marches, and brass band music.
Trumpet
This is the most popular brass instrument. It’s popular in concert bands, orchestras, and jazz bands. They are easier to carry around than the tuba instruments and produce a higher pitch. Trumpets often need a greater lung capacity than other instruments as well.
Trombone
Trombones are also quite common and need a more intricate technique. This is because they have a slide that controls the pitch.
Flugel
The smallest instrument of the group is the flugelhorn, with a conical tube. Jazz bands often use them.
HornHorns are another well-known instrument, and they are quite popular in the brass band as well. They also have a conical tube, but they also have a rotary valve to produce different pitches.
Which Instrument Is Easiest?
Now that we know what the different instruments are, we can look at the differences between them and decide which one is the easiest to learn. Let’s focus on a few aspects of each instrument that will give us an idea of which one would be best for beginners or children.
Size
The size of the instrument is one of the first things you think about when looking at brass instruments. While they are all quite large, some of them are quite cumbersome for a beginner to wear.
Trumpets and cornets fit easier around your neck, whereas some trombones or sousaphones may be too big to carry in a comfortable fashion.
Size is more important when it comes to younger children. It may be possible for a tall child to carry around a trombone, but not so easy for one with an average height and build.
Materials
Brass instruments are generally made from brass of some kind, but each instrument is different. This is because they have different malleable bodies that are easier or harder to learn.
Some instruments are more pliable than others, making it easier to get started with the instrument. Trombones and euphoniums, for example, are made from brass tubes that are easy to shape into different shapes. So, cornets and trumpets can have harder metal bodies.
If you’re trying to decide which one of these two to get, it may be best to go up the size of the instrument, depending on your build.
Cost and Availability of Instruments
Brass instruments can vary quite a lot in cost. The cost of one instrument may depend on whether it’s used or new. In addition, many of them need more maintenance than others.
Trombones can have a slide that needs cleaning often, trumpets need keeping in place with valves that need maintaining, and the list goes on.
A lot of people choose a new instrument because they feel that it will last longer. Yet, if you are not careful with your instrument, it could be a problem in the not too distant future.
And, of course, you’ll need to remember to budget for brass lessons!
Musicality and Context
One final thing to consider is the musicality and context of an instrument.
It may be difficult to find a band that needs a trumpet player if you’re a beginner, for example, and you can’t always rely on being picked from an orchestra. These reasons are why other instruments are more common in schools or at home.
Trombones and euphoniums occur in both situations, but they may be harder to carry around with you if you’re looking for a new instrument to learn.
What Is the Easiest Brass Instrument to Learn?
The best brass instrument to learn is the one that feels most comfortable and brings the most joy to your day.
Yet, there are some reasons why one instrument might be better than the others. If this is something you’re still unsure about, it may be a good idea to try out a few instruments in your local music store or even ask your friends which one they use.
While some of these instruments may be quite hard to get used to, many people love them and become exceptional players as time goes on.
Keep reading for more articles that are music to your ears!
