15 guides
Learn an instrument as an adult
Plain-English guides to learning music as an adult. We don't sell instruments or lessons, and no store pays us.
Getting started
Instrument, renting, lessons and tuning.
- Choose an instrument
The one you'll want to play.
- Rent or buy an instrument?
Try before you commit.
- Teacher, online or self-taught?
Mix and match.
- Tuning basics
Sound good from day one.
Practice
Routine, slow, metronome and recording.
- Build a practice routine
Little and often.
- Practice slowly
Slow is how you get fast.
- Use a metronome
A steady beat.
- Record yourself
Hear what others hear.
Reading and theory
Notes, rhythm and chords.
- Read music: the basics
Notes on the staff.
- Rhythm basics
Count it out loud.
- Chords basics
Three notes, many songs.
Playing and care
Others, care, hearing and comfort.
- Play with others
The best motivation.
- Care for your instrument
It'll sound better and last longer.
- Protect your hearing
Loud music adds up.
- Practice without pain
Posture and breaks.