By the Order Music Gear Team on December 18th, 2025
Beginner’s guide to setting up, learning, and enjoying your new musical instrument
Congratulations 🎉
Whether you bought an instrument for yourself or for someone you care about, you’ve taken the first step into making music and that’s a big deal. But once the box is opened and the excitement settles, a common question pops up:
“So… what do I do next?”
If you’re new to this (or buying for a beginner), you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do after buying a musical instrument in a clear, friendly, and non overwhelming way.
1. Prepare Your New Instrument for Success
Before lessons or practice begin, setting up your instrument properly can make a huge difference, especially for beginners.
Get a Professional Setup (Yes, Even if It’s Brand New)
Many new instruments, especially guitars, basses, violins, and band instruments benefit from a professional setup. A quick visit to a local music shop or technician can:
- Improve playability and comfort
- Help the instrument stay in tune
- Prevent frustration caused by stiff strings or poor adjustment
A proper setup is one of the best investments you can make early on.
Clean It & Learn Basic Instrument Care
Remove any protective films, stickers, or packaging materials. Then get familiar with simple care habits:
- Wipe strings, keys, or mouthpieces after playing
- Store the instrument in its case when not in use
- Avoid extreme heat, cold, or humidity
Basic care helps your instrument sound better and last longer.
Don’t Forget the Essential Accessories
Accessories aren’t extras. They’re part of the learning experience. Depending on the instrument, beginners often need:
- Guitar & Bass: picks, strap, clip-on tuner, cable, amplifier
- Band & Orchestral: reeds, valve oil, cleaning kits
- Keyboards: stand, sustain pedal, headphones
- Everyone: a reliable tuner (physical or app-based)
➡️ The right accessories remove friction and make practicing easier—especially in the early stages.
2. Start Learning the Right Way
Strong fundamentals early on make everything else easier.
Find a Teacher (Highly Recommended for Beginners)
A great teacher helps beginners:
- Learn proper posture and hand position
- Develop good tone from the start
- Avoid bad habits that are hard to unlearn later
Lessons can be in-person or online, weekly or bi-weekly. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Use Online Learning Tools to Supplement
In addition to lessons, online resources are incredibly helpful:
- Video platforms: beginner lesson series for nearly every instrument
- Learning apps: interactive feedback and guided practice
- Websites: chord charts, sheet music, and play-along tracks
These tools keep learning flexible and motivating.
Focus on the Basics First
Before chasing speed or advanced techniques, beginners should focus on:
- Holding the instrument comfortably
- Tuning correctly
- Producing a clean, controlled sound
Mastering the basics builds confidence and prevents frustration.
3. Practice Smart & Stay Motivated (Consistency is key)
Practice doesn’t have to be long to be effective. It just needs to be consistent.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Instead of vague goals like “get better,” try:
- Learn one new chord or scale
- Play part of a song cleanly
- Practice 10 minutes a day this week
Small wins build momentum.
Play Often (Short Sessions Work Best)
Ten focused minutes a day is often better than one long session a week. Consistency helps your hands, ears, and brain grow together.
Pro tip: keep your instrument easily accessible so it’s simple to pick up and play.
Listen to Great Players
Listening to musicians who inspire you helps you:
- Understand what your instrument can do
- Develop musical taste
- Stay excited about learning
Most Important Rule: Have Fun Making Music
You didn’t buy an instrument to be perfect.
You bought it to create, learn, and enjoy the process.
Some days will feel amazing. Other days will feel awkward. That’s normal—and part of every musician’s journey.
🎶 Every great player started exactly where you are now.
Beginner Gear Checklist (Quick Reference)
Use this checklist to make sure you’re set up for success:
- Instrument properly tuned
- Clip-on or app-based tuner
- Picks / reeds / sticks (extras!)
- Strap or stand
- Cleaning supplies
- Case or gig bag
- Amp, cable, or headphones (if needed)
Trusted Beginner Resources
- Tuner Apps: Fender Tune, Pano Tuner, TonalEnergy
- Learning Apps: Fender Play, Yousician, Simply Piano, Flowkey
- Sheet Music & Tabs: MusicNotes, MuseScore, IMSLP
- Practice Tracks: YouTube play-alongs, Spotify backing tracks
Need a Few Essentials to Get Started?
At Order Music Gear, we believe beginners thrive when they have the right tools from day one.
If you’re missing an accessory or not sure what you need, we make it easy to find beginner approved gear that actually helps. No pressure. Just the essentials that make learning smoother and more enjoyable.
👉 Explore our beginner accessories and start playing with confidence.