Most Popular Music Instruments to Learn in the US
Learn about the top musical instruments in the U.S., emphasizing their cultural significance and historical context, making them the top choices.
“Without passion, there’s no genius.”
by Marc Bishop of Wytlabs
Albert Einstein – the genius we all know and worship – was a musical prodigy. He learned to play the violin at the age of six and remained faithful to the instrument for the rest of his life. While he went on to make groundbreaking discoveries in the field of science, his love for music helped him unwind and brainstorm new ideas.
If your passion for music led you here, to discover your choice of instrument, you are in the right place. Ronald Sachs Violin gathered some interesting insights into the most searched music instruments online. While the guitar is the most popular choice, you will discover other amazing instruments to learn as you go further down the list.
Let’s dive in.
Guitar: The Undisputed Champion 246K
The guitar reigns as the most sought-after instrument, with 246,000 enthusiasts scouring for it. A famous name with a short career but a huge impact – Jimi Hendrix, a self-taught guitarist, played at the Monetary Pop Festival in 1967. His song “Purple Haze” became the guitar anthem in the same year. He made history by performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock. No doubt, people have been obsessing over the guitar since then.
Piano: The Classical Contender, 246K
The piano, an evergreen classical instrument, has a huge fan base of 2,46,000 in the US. The piano is not only known for its timeless melodies but also for the impact this instrument has on mental well-being. No jokes, but the piano can make you smart by boosting your cognitive and intellectual abilities. The “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most known compositions that has captivated generations with its emotional depth. It was composed in 1801. You really cannot move when this composition is playing.
Saxophone: The Jazz Icon 110K
This single-reed woodwind instrument has a conical body, is made of brass, was patented in 1846, and plays a significant role in music. The US has a long history, with the saxophone being one of the famous instruments during World War I adopted by dance bands. Charlie Parker, the top saxophonist, is also referred to simply as the bird. This Kansas City altoist was one of the principal architects of the post-war jazz revolution known as bebop. Parker’s ornate style and prodigious technique, combined with melodic fluency, chromatics, and harmonic ingenuity, proved profoundly influential.
Ukelele: The Portable Pleasure (110K)
Grabbing the attention of 1,10,000 people, Ukelele made its place in the list of most searched instruments. The ukulele, also called a uke, is a member of the lute family of instruments of Portuguese origin and is popularized in Hawaii. One of the recognized names is Arthur Godfrey. He was a radio and television broadcaster and entertainer who has been credited with popularizing the ukulele in the 1950s in the USA. The Ukulele Hall of Fame states: “It is likely that no other single person has been directly responsible for the sale of as many ukuleles as Arthur Godfrey.”
Violin: The String Sensation (110K)
The classical violin, with a long history, has made it to the list. Interestingly, the most expensive violin for sale – The Messiah Antonio Stradivari – was sold for $20 million. It was played by many famous artists, including Nathan Milstein and Joseph Joachim.
The Arabian rabab and the rebec, which came from the Orient in the Middle Ages and were played widely in Spain and France in the fifteenth century, are said to be the ancestors of the violin. Near the end of the Middle Ages, a bowed stringed instrument called a fiddle appeared in Europe. Niccolò Paganini, often dubbed the “Devil’s Violinist,” is one of the most renowned performers in history. Born in Genoa, Italy, in 1782, Paganini’s prodigious talent was evident from a very young age. His performances were so astounding that some believed he had made a pact with the devil to attain his unparalleled virtuosity.
Trumpet: The Brass Favorite (90.5K)
The trumpet made its way to the list with 90,000 searches. This wind instrument is way older than you think. The earliest trumpets date back to 2000 BC or earlier. The bronze and silver Tutankhamun’s trumpets from his grave in Egypt, bronze lurs from Scandinavia, and metal trumpets from China date back to this period. Louis Armstrong, from New Orleans, is one of the best trumpet players in the world. He rose to fame in King Oliver’s Chicago-based band in the early 20s. Armstrong’s unparalleled gift for embroidering melodies led him to reinvent the nascent genre as a vehicle for solo extemporization.
Harp: The Ethereal Choice (74K)
We can’t leave the harp behind. Can we?
The harp is a musical instrument with strings that are plucked to produce different pitches. Many ancient civilizations developed harps from existing tools and materials, such as the hunter’s bow, animal intestines, and hair. Evidence of harps can be dated to at least 3000 BCE in the ancient Mediterranean and the Middle East. Nicanor Zabaleta, a Spanish harpist, is revered as one of the most influential figures in the history of harp playing. Renowned for his virtuosic technique, expressive interpretation, and profound musicality, Zabaleta captivated audiences worldwide with his enchanting performances.
Flute: The Woodwind Wonder (60.5K)
It is not surprising to see this beautiful instrument on the list. A playable bone flute discovered in China is dated to about 9,000 years ago. The Americans also had an ancient flute culture, with instruments found in Caral, Peru, dating back 5,000 years, and in Labrador dating back about 7,500 years. When we think about the Amerindian music of North America, the instrument that most often comes to mind is the flute. James Galway is an Irish flutist known for his ability to bridge and blend classical, folk, and other musical traditions. He is also known for his showmanship, stage presence, and golden flute. He began playing the flute at a young age and obtained most of his training through his father and grandfather performing with local bands. He won all three solos in Ireland’s National Flute Championships at ten years old.
Accordion: The Folk Favorite: 60.5K
Due to its popularity, similar to the flute, the accordion made it to the list. The accordion is a member of the wind musical instrument family. It was invented in Germany by Friedrich Buschmann in 1822. The accordion is one of the major instruments in many different music genres, including European Polka, the Latino Polka from Mexico, the Argentinian Tango, and the American Cajun Zydeco. The legendary Lawrence Welk was an American accordionist, bandleader, and television impresario who hosted The Lawrence Welk Show from 1951 to 1982. His style came to be known as “champagne music” to his radio, television, and live-performance audiences.
Drums: The Rhythm of Search (40.5K)
Last but not least, drums have to be on this list. Today, you can’t imagine a band or a performance without a drummer. Drum kits became a central part of jazz, alongside the bass instrument, especially in Dixieland. The modern drum kit was developed in the vaudeville era, during the 1920s in New Orleans. It has roots in stage and theatrical productions dating back as early as the late 1840s. Dee Dee Chandler discovered a way to play all these parts together, making him “the first drummer in the city to play a set of drums.” John Bonham is undoubtedly one of the best rock ‘n roll drummers of all time. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin was known for his instincts and feel of the groove, which shined through his love of speed, fast kick drumming, and hard-hitting power.
Each instrument, from the strumming guitar to the soulful saxophone, carries a unique story that resonates with both the aspiring musician and the seasoned virtuoso. As we celebrate these instruments, we recognize them as more than mere tools for melody—they are vessels of creativity, gateways to cultural exploration, and instruments of profound emotional impact.
