Though I own a Baby Taylor for traveling purposes, the Martin Nylon String Backpacker travel acoustic guitar is relatively inexpensive. Martin says it “can accompany you anywhere in the world—or beyond. You can easily stow the Backpacker in aircraft overhead bins, and play it in armchairs, cars, parachuting, on mountaintops, and/or canoes.” It’s also great for singalongs.
Percussion is probably the quickest way to get a group of people who have little or no musical experience to play together. You’d be amazed at what can emerge from just a few simple patterns, tastefully orchestrated. The djembe is my favorite instrument for this. It’s a hand drum and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices, making it a great addition to any instrument collection. (For more on hand drums see page 36.)
Harmonica + campfire. Need we say more? Harmonicas are available as diatonic or chromatic. A chromatic harmonica can be played in several different key signatures, whereas diatonic harmonicas are designed to be played in specific keys. Hohner, Lee Oskar, and Suzuki all make great, affordable harmonicas.
The ukulele—also in the guitar family—is small and relatively easy to learn, making it great for traveling, as well as solo and group accompaniment. Ohana, Luna, and Kala are popular manufacturers, offering inexpensive, quality ukes, starting at less than $100.
If you want to combine melody and rhythm, we suggest you check out the kalimba (or thumb piano). It’s a relative of the African mbira and offers the joy of being both melodious and percussive.
If you think the Martin Backpacker is cool, but don’t know how to play guitar, you’ll love the McNalley Strumstick. You’ll notice that the two instruments look quite similar and that’s no coincidence. Strumstick developer Bob McNalley also designed the Backpacker. Unlike a conventional guitar, the Strumstick plays in one key only (its construction is based on a single major scale—G, for example), making it perfect for the beginner or novice because you can’t play a “bad” note.
Maracas and egg shakers are great rhythmic additions to any jam. They’re small, portable, inexpensive, and extremely user-friendly.
Another wind option, the shakuhachi is a Japanese Zen bamboo flute. For an extra dose of enlightenment pick up Ray Brooks’ book, Blowing Zen, and follow the “sweet melodic intensity to the ends of the earth.”
The ocarina is an ancient flute-like wind instrument and can be purchased for as little as $9. It is often ceramic, but sometimes made of other materials. Wind instruments are great for solo travelers. Not only do the melodies soothe the soul, but the breathing that’s required to play them can be quite meditative.
For the truly adventurous, check out a melodica. This wonderfully theatrical sounding instrument is also called a “wind piano” because it combines elements of both wind and keyboard instruments. It sounds a bit like an accordion, but it’s more portable. Both Excalibur and Hohner make melodicas priced at less than $100.
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Each issue of Making Music offers inspiration, instruction, and information for the amateur musician. Read stories about music makers from all walks of life, learn about the latest medical research into the benefits of making music, discover tips to make you learn better and get the most out of your hobby, and much more.
