What instrument should I learn?

[Ashleywonders]

I have always wanted to play music but never got around to it. What would be affordable and practical to pick up?

[artstatues]

I think piano would probably be the easiest to start with, although it is a tough cookie to master. The piano provides a visual reference to note positions that make it a lot easier to get to grips with. i. e... Learning how chords are built from 3+ notes... differences between major and minor... chord progressions... It's all easier when you have the visual reference of the black and white keys. You can learn guitar chords from a book, and memorize them, but I don't think it really helps with learning how music "works" or fits together. And the weighted keys help add expression to the notes you play, that is quite hard to achieve with a keyboard. Hope that helps

[Little_Bumblebee]

Consider what kind of music you like and want to play.
And maybe try a few.
Do you prefer to play with a string instrument, something with keys, or something else, something more rhythm-based like drums?
It's all things you should consider. And also think about if you want the instrument to be transportable, and what budget you have.

It's all a personal and subjective thing. I'm sure you can visit a music store and get some help.

[NamerOfStars]

The kazoo is probably the cheapest, if you don't count just singing. But it's not likely that practical; that's probably something in the recorder/whistle family. Or perhaps the harmonica. The triangle is probably the easiest. I'm told the theremin is the most difficult (though I'm not told why, so I don't know if that's true). The bagpipe will get you the most attention, though you may not want all of it.

[Wise4myage]

Try a few and see how you feel, or consider taking lessons. For me, its the drums, and I knew when I was like 7.

[Sonorous]

I'm biased but I say piano. More notes to play around with at a time, many many playing styles, etc.

Plus, if you get a keyboard, you can download software to make it sound way better. It's what I did. Now I have piano vst's that sound like professionally recorded.

[Sonorous]

Also I recommend a yamaha touch sensitive keyboard to start out on.

another bias

[Fireguy17]

Piano, you can pick up a nice electronic one for not a lot of cash.

[driven159]

Drums can take out your frustration on them but not too hard and break the skins

[20yearsolder]

You should definitely learn to play the symbol

[clemdenim]

Guitar may be most affordable

[clemdenim]

Or harmonica