Guitar vs. Piano: Which Is Easier to Learn?

The guitar and the piano are two of the most popular instruments around. Whether you’re strumming your favorite tune across a couple of cords or dancing across piano keys, both of these instruments can give you the ability to put on a stellar performance. 

If you’ve ever seen a piano or a guitar, you’ll know that while they’re both instruments, there’s a world of differences between the two. The differences don’t just end with how they look, but continue onto how you learn to play the instrument and what you can do with your knowledge.

Learning how to play either one of these instruments can be beneficial at any stage in life. Studies have shown that learning how to play the piano can come with a range of benefits for kids. These benefits don’t stop with kids though, as adults can reap the same rewards from dedicating some time to learning how to play.

How to Learn to Play Guitar

As the guitar is one of the most popular and accessible instruments in the world, it’s no wonder that it’s the first stop for any musician-to-be. The guitar can take you anywhere too, from just strumming along with your friends to rocking out to sold-out shows.

While other instruments may require a lot of setup or equipment, you can practice the guitar with nothing more than the guitar itself, giving the string instrument a level of versatility the piano doesn’t have. 

One of the best reasons to learn how to play the guitar as a beginner is how easy it is to create your own tune. By searching online, buying an instruction book, or studying under a music teacher, you can learn a few strumming patterns and chords and make your own song. This is very helpful when teaching someone who wants to see their hard work pay off sooner rather than later.

Not only can you just pick up a guitar and start strumming, but you can play music from just about any genre. The guitar is one of the only instruments that can play jazz, blues, rock, pop, and more all from one set of strings. There are many different types of guitars, each with their own specialties. If you decide to focus solely on your new jazz tunes, there’s a guitar out there for you.

Sure, anyone can pick up a guitar and play a tune, but only a real master can shred. That’s another great feature the guitar brings to the table — the incredibly high-skill ceiling. When you look at masters of the guitar like Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, or B.B. King, you’ll realize just how impressive this instrument can be. 

How to Learn to Play Piano

The piano is one of the most revered instruments in music. Its timeless elegance, coupled with its illustrious design, has drawn in crowds by the droves for hundreds of years. Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and more became experts in the piano and their names became synonymous with music itself. 

When you first take a look at a full-size piano, it can be intimidating. With 88 keys, you may get lost and overthink where to begin. But just like learning to play the guitar, the hardest part is the first step. Once you’ve begun your learning journey, picking up the piano will be a breeze.

It’s even possible to learn piano online, with a myriad of online piano learning apps that can make your journey even easier. Most people don’t want to learn how to play the piano because they think they’ll need to sit down in person with an expensive piano teacher for weekly lessons. That couldn’t be further from the truth with sites like Skoove, an all-in-one lesson plan with real-time AI feedback.

Turn your phone or tablet to its side and begin practicing the piano using these apps. While you’re playing, an advanced AI will track your playstyle and give you unique tips just like a teacher would. 

One of the most unique advantages of learning the piano is its emphasis on music theory itself. By learning how to play the piano, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of core musical concepts like harmony and rhythm. This can create a solid foundation you can use anytime you want to learn an instrument. 

With over 80 keys, pianos can give their players the ability to convey themselves in a way other instruments can’t. From deep, booming chords to delicate arpeggios, the piano has range. 

Differences Between Learning to Play Guitar or Piano

When it comes to choosing between learning how to play the piano or the guitar, hopeful musicians have a tough decision on their hands. 

The guitar shines through its versatility, allowing you to pick up and play anywhere you can bring it. While pianos might move a lot less than their guitar counterparts, the ability they can give you to convey your own emotions through each of their 88 keys is second to none. 

Playing Technique

Playing the guitar involves strumming chords using either your fingers or a guitar pick. Beginners may have an easy time learning basic chords and songs before moving on to more advanced techniques over time.
Playing the piano involves pressing down on keys to create melodies and harmonies. The piano’s linear layout can give you a better understanding of music theory as a whole as well. 

Cost and Accessibility 

Guitars come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags which can be great for a beginner who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. Guitar lessons can be pretty affordable too, giving you the option to learn in person with an instructor or by yourself online. 

Learning Curve

The guitar is one of the easiest instruments to just pick up and play. By learning a few simple chords and progressions, you can sound like you know what you’re doing after a couple of short lessons. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan can also show you what you can sound like if you truly master the guitar.

Learning how to play the piano can come with a much steeper learning curve. The linear layout and abundance of keys can confuse new pianists but don’t fret. Like learning the guitar, consistent practice and a little bit of outside help from an instructor or piano learning app can make all the difference in your learning experience. 

Learning to Play Guitar vs. Learning to Play Piano

Learning to play either the guitar or the piano would be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone. Studies have shown that children can gain a litany of cognitive enhancements from learning to play an instrument. 

The guitar is probably the most versatile instrument out there. You can bring it with you on the road, strum a couple of tunes, and put it away just as quickly. While the piano isn’t nearly as mobile, it’s one of the most grandiose instruments out there, captivating entire theaters with its melodies.

Guitars are also great for their ability to be played across almost any genre. Some of the best guitar players of all time played the blues, some played hard rock, and others made music somewhere in between.

With a full 88 keys, a good pianist can put on an impressive display of music all by themselves. Frederic Chopin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and modern master Mitsuko Uchida all show the staggering heights the piano can take you to.