What's the hardest instrument to play?

 There's no definitive answer to "the hardest instrument to play" as difficulty is subjective and depends on various factors:

Individual differences: Everyone learns and perceives difficulty differently. Someone might find playing the violin challenging due to finger placement, while another might struggle with the physical demands of the bagpipes.

Genre and technique: Difficulty also depends on the desired genre and technique. Mastering classical compositions on an instrument might be more challenging than playing simple melodies in another style.

Prior musical experience: Having prior musical background or experience with similar instruments can significantly ease the learning curve for a new instrument.

However, some instruments are widely considered particularly challenging due to their physical demands, complex techniques, and demanding musical traditions:

1. Violin: Requires precise finger placement, bow control, and coordination between both hands. Tuning and maintaining the instrument adds another layer of complexity.

2. French horn: Demanding embouchure (mouth position), complex fingering system, and large physical size (especially for beginners). Intonation and producing accurate tones can be challenging.

3. Oboe: Sensitive reed instrument requiring meticulous care and maintenance. Mastering the double reed is notoriously difficult, and producing a good sound takes significant practice.

4. Organ: A large and complex instrument with multiple keyboards, pedals, and stops. Playing chords, navigating different manuals, and coordinating feet and hands require advanced skills.

5. Accordion: Demanding physicality with bellows manipulation and key playing. Mastering melodies, chords, and bass lines simultaneously requires coordination and dexterity.

6. Bagpipes: Requires strong lung capacity and breath control to maintain airflow through the instrument. Playing melodies and drones simultaneously adds another layer of complexity.

Remember, every instrument presents its own unique set of challenges. Ultimately, the "hardest" instrument is the one that you find most difficult to learn and master, depending on your individual skills and preferences.

Instead of focusing on difficulty, the best approach is to choose an instrument you're passionate about and commit to regular practice. With dedication and perseverance, you can overcome any challenge and master any instrument.