The best musical instrument for learning the instrument (2021): guitars, microphones and more

There are plenty of iconic guitar brands, but I still recommend a Fender as the first guitar. It’s not just because Hendrix, Clapton and Buddy Guy played in the Fenders; Because it’s a cheap Mexican Fender or Korean Fender Squier, it looks very good and holds its value. If you buy a used Fender and don’t take clothes off, you can probably sell it for what you paid for. These are the four most representative models Stratocaster ($ 230), Telecaster, Low precision ($ 480), and Jazz Bass ($ 230).

These are the first devices and gadgets you want to have.

Metronome

Practicing with a metronome (the neat things you can notice on your grandmother’s piano) helps you develop muscle memory and be consistent through your musical rhythm. Mechanical Metronomes ($ 17) work well and therefore do it for free smartphone apps, but it’s my favorite Soundbrenner Core ($ 229). You tie a buzzer in your arms or legs in training. Instead of hearing the beat, you feel it! It also has a built-in tuner and a decibel meter to alert you when things are too loud.

Tuner

You can use the phone app, but many people prefer the reliability of the actual tuner. For string instruments, I like it Snark Super Tight ($ 14), which is the industry standard for clip-on tuners. For wind instruments, I like it KLIQ MetroPitch ($ 28), also has an integrated metronome.

Music Stand / iPad Stand

You can use a table or any other flat surface while you are practicing the instruments, but when you learn to read music well, you need a music stand to read while you play. I like this Shine ($ 26), with both arms loaded in the spring, to keep the books open or to keep your music stand on a windy day. Maybe you will too An iPad attachment ($ 32), if you are reading scores from an application.

Headphones

For starters, a couple of cheap headphones are fine, but it’s worth getting a pair of wireless headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT ($ 230) if you are serious about your melodies. They have great sound for listening, have a Bluetooth connection for modern phones, and are also great home recording studio headphones.

Practice the amplifier

You probably won’t tear up the stage anytime soon, so the best amplifier to buy your electric guitar, keyboard, or bass is one that won’t wake up your neighbors. There are cheaper options that I like, but I recommend them Roland Micro Cube ($ 165). It can be powered on the outside (it’s great for practicing around the yard), and if you start thinking about guitar pedals, it also has some built-in effects. If you’re a bass player or keyboardist, Roland Cube will also work until you decide you want something a little more.

Ear plugs

Don’t hurt your ears! The music can be very loud. Anything above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage. Make it in normal volumes or use a pair of plugs. There are many that cut all frequencies equally (so that your music sounds the same). None of them listen to the listener’s headphones without a plug, but my favorites do Earasers ($ 40), with small plastic drawers that are very easy to remove and a wallet for attaching keys.

Interested in playing music digitally? Here are some basic tools to start making and recording melodies.

Digital Recording Software

One of the longest-running nerdy discussions is which recording software is the best. The people in the studio will tell you Avid Pro Tools it’s best because it’s industry standard. Home growers will tell you Apple’s Logic Pro or Presonus in Studio One they are better because of the drag-and-drop interfaces. The Beatmakers will tell you Ableton Live is the only way. Really? These days you can’t go wrong. All the popular digital recording software is pretty wonderful. I recommend testing some of the brands listed above, all of which have free software samples so you can test the water before you buy.

Laptop or computer

You can use an iPad, smartphone, or other tablet to make and record electronic music, but most music production software is made for traditional computers. That’s because they’re a little more powerful, let them do even more with your sounds, and manage larger recording sessions. Here is the list our favorite laptops. I would suggest getting one with 16 gigabytes of RAM or more; the recording software eats up a lot of memory.

Audio interface

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($ 170) the initial interface is perfect if you are thinking of using real microphones to record at home. It has two inputs, controls and easy-to-use software, as well as download codes. They are available for digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite to find out what the recording software is. prefer to use it before spending large dollars.

iPad

My favorite tool for demos or other basic recordings is an iPad. There are many applications, and you can access external microphones and interfaces to capture high-quality audio. I also like that I can extract tables and notes digitally to help keep demos and practice sessions organized. Which one should you buy (us iPad guide), but I’m using it on iPad Air ($ 539) and I love it.

Novation Launchpad

The Novation Launchpad ($ 200) they allow you to start playing melodies with duet recording software and do everything you can to influence the samples, making it the main tool in the arsenal of many electronic musicians. It connects to the computer via USB and at that point you can assign a variety of pressure-sensitive pads to control everything you want, from individual rhythms and sounds to music arrangements.

Micro Mk3 Machine

The Machine Micro ($ 269) sampling is a compact controller that pairs with fantastic software to provide the equivalent of the drum machines that classical hip hop producers began using in the early 1990s. You can shrink your samples or use any of a vault that collects 1.6 gigabytes of sound. You can use Maschine as a plugin with its software or popular recording software. There is no excuse for not having your skills. this is the same tool used by your favorite hip-hop producers.

Smartphone microphone

Whether you’re looking for better quality demos or a high-fidelity Instagram stream, get a decent phone microphone like Shure Mv88 or MV88 +. MV88 ($ 135) works great if you have an iOS device (it’s only Lightning), but MV88 + ($ 215) it’s become my favorite lately because it works with tripod support and USB-C cables for Android devices like the Google Pixel (although the MV88 + isn’t compatible with all Android devices).

Recorder

If you don’t want to confuse it with a smartphone or audio interface, portable recording is great H2N Zoom ($ 170). It’s a simple portable recorder that offers fairly outstanding fidelity, especially for recording lessons, live performances, or later critical rehearsals.

Shure SM57

Studio and stage icon Shure SM57 ($ 99) it works well with vocals, instruments and most importantly anything you want to capture. This dynamic microphone is the main studio for guitars and hole drums, but you’ve probably heard it in almost every instrument on the recordings. They’re pretty cheap, they take a beating and they’ll last forever. Make your first “real” microphone SM57; you will not regret it.

Microphone

Buy a micro bean and it will last you a couple of months. Buy it decent, it will last a lifetime. My favorite starting post tripod microphone from On-Stage ($ 38). It’s well made and comes with a telescopic arm, which means you can position the microphone where it needs to go to make it easier to play the guitar.

As you develop as a music student, you will quickly learn that things break down. There are also smaller items to supply just in case.

Stick

The drums are very personal and come in many shapes and sizes, but it’s good to start with an old standard: 5A. These are as close to a “support” as there is in the world of drums; you will find professionals who play in all genres. I am partial Father ($ 8) and Vic Firth ($ 10) brand, but you can’t go wrong. Take a couple pairs to make available; they tend to disappear when you need them.

Sokak

If you have an old guitar rat, it can use new strings. I like to buy strings in bulk because it’s the only part of the guitar that needs regular maintenance. If you’ve just picked up a new guitar (or if you still have cabinet labels), check which one came with the string and keep using them – that’s probably the one that’s ready to use. Otherwise, it’s good to start with medium-width strings. I like it these D’Addario strings for electric guitars ($ 8) and These Ernie Ball Acoustic Strings ($ 6), but there are plenty of other great options. Worried what string to use? Review like this guide By the Sweetwater music store.

Options

If you are learning a string tool, you want a lot of options. What is the best way to find the ones you like? Get this Fender fun package ($ 14). It comes in three sizes and color types. You’ll find your favorite and then you’ll have emergency options of other sizes around.

Words

For wind instruments, you will need reeds. Lots of them. We like it Vandoren Reeds. They’re a little expensive, but they’re the best. To get something cheaper to practice, you can go for it D’Addario Rico Reeds. Doing a rehearsal in the middle of a session is a buzzkill. If you have accessories available, you can easily change them.

Boss

Capos lets you play standard fingers on the guitar to make it easier to change keys. You will lose one so you can buy two to have a backup. I am a fan of options for regulating tension; Shubb C1 ($ 16) because it allows you to adjust how it connects your guitar finger to get the perfect sound without buzz.

Instrument cables

If you play a power tool, it’s a good idea to invest in good cables. These Kirlin Cables ($ 14) they are of excellent quality and have a limited lifetime warranty. Make sure you wrap your cables around the ground and pull them out of the ground as much as possible. The best way to perpetuate them is to abuse them.

Tools

It’s worth having the basic tools at hand to do the maintenance you need on your tool. This musical instrument by Ernie Ball ($ 40) it’s a good choice for all options, with all the tools you need to set up or fix a guitar or bass. Otherwise, it’s good to have hexagon keys, drum wrenches, and some screwdrivers at hand.

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