Which Instruments Are Best To Compose Music On?

Are you someone who would like to start writing music, but are not quite sure which instrument you should learn to write on? If you desire to become a great songwriter more than you do an instrumentalist, is it possible to have one without the other?

Are you someone who would like to start writing music, but are not quite sure which instrument you should learn to write on? If you desire to become a great songwriter more than you do an instrumentalist, is it possible to have one without the other? I've heard many questions asked surrounding this subject. Is it possible to be a songwriter without first learning to play an instrument? Must you be an expert at that instrument to write great music? Which instruments write better tunes? Enough with the questions, lets get to some answers.

Do Songwriters Need To Know An Instrument?

Answers to this will vary depending on who you ask. Though is it possible to be a successful composer without playing an instrument? Well let's see what history says…

• Looking to the Baroque/Classical/Romantic period of the early 1700-1800's you would be hard-pressed to find a successful composer that didn't also have virtuoso playing skills. Just think where Beethoven, Bach, or Mozart might be without their instrument?
• You can find some exceptions, such as French composer Berlioz who was known for never actually learning how to play the piano (though he could play other instruments, such as the guitar)
• There are many modern musicians out there who are definitely not virtuoso players of an instrument. Though you will find that they likely have a passable understanding of how to play at least one instrument (I will tell you an exception to this one in my following video)

With this, it appears safe to say that you should indeed know how to play at least one instrument to compose music.

How Well Must You Play Your Instrument?

The previous points I made might have you believe that you can get by as a mediocre player. Though the truth is, that might not cut it. Imagine how far Hendrix or Paganini would have gotten if they were only okay at their instruments?

How well you should be able to play your instrument all depends on the kind of music you are hoping to create. If you are looking to wow people with your instrumental compositions, you are going to need to get very good at playing. If you aspire to head down a similar career path as The Beatles, then just getting by on your instrument is enough to do it.

The Best Instruments For Songwriting?

Learning the basics of any instrument is going to do you some good in the long run. Though if songwriting is your game, what instrumental tool is going to help you best achieve your goals? By learning only these three particular instruments, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how music works (and these is a good chance you already are familiar with one or two)

Which three instruments am I talking about? Learn about them in my following video and watch how quickly you can unlock your newfound songwriting abilities.

So did you already know some of these instruments? If not, it doesn't take too much time to grasp the basic understanding. With just a little practice, you will be surprised how much your composing will improve.

Don't forget to have fun, and also that NO you do not have to be a virtuoso to be a songwriter!