Choosing An Instrument (Lesson 1.5)

Choosing an instrument is a subjective process, so my opinion (in this case) is irrelevant. Before you choose an instrument you should learn the major instrument groups and their characteristics.

Percussion instruments (sorry if I hurt someone's feelings) are some of the easiest instruments to begin learning. Although they are (arguably) the most physically demanding, they are initially very easy to play. Unfortunately for intermediate players, percussion instruments tend to lay multiple repertoire on top of each other, wich requires a degree of multitasking not found in the other instrument groups. There are other groups that require multitasking, but they manifest themselves in different ways. Percussion instruments also require a high level of physicality not found in other groups

Brass instruments are in the larger wind instrument category because sound is produced primarily by air. The reason why brass instruments are not grouped together with woodwinds is because they require (along with air) the use of "embouchure".

Embouchure is the shape of the lips while playing through the mouthpiece. While brass instruments are sometimes larger, this should not intimidate you because instruments tend to compensate in ways that are too numerous to list. Although the image above illustrates the trombone having a sliding thingy (unlike the others which have valves), it is possible to get a trombone with valves. The French Horn is also different because it requires you to stick your arm in the bell to change the tone. The Tuba also comes in a different shape called the Sousaphone. The Sousaphone is used in marching bands. 

The Tuba/Sousaphone is the instrument that I have the 2nd most experience in (guitar is the first). Unfortunately, I've not played the Tuba in 4 years so I'm practically inept. 

Woodwind instruments are different from Brass because while they do also require a mouthpiece, they do not require the use of embouchure. While Brass instruments tend to have only 3 or 4 valves, woodwinds usually have nearly a dozen (this is one way that instruments compensate). Woodwinds are less resistant when it comes to sound production (no embouchure). However, the difficulty is the intricate use of the many buttons/holes. Woodwinds also require a wooden Reed. 

String Instruments differ from Winds because they incorporate repertoire that uses independent hand techniques. As opposed to Winds which use handxbreathing techniques. Strings also require the development of Calist fingers, which can take months. 

Fortunately for those who plan to follow these lessons, I've had the most experience in the strings group. Unfortunately though, my experience is only with guitar. 

Aslo as a brief aside, the piano is not a string instrument. I know it has strings under the hood, but instrument groups are determined by how sound is produced. Percussion instruments are struck, Brass requires embouchure through a brass mouthpiece, woodwinds require wooden reeds, & strings are plucked/strumed. 

Regardless of which instrument you choose, this series of lessons will be primarily focused on "Music Theory". Which can be applied to any musical context (including voice).