12 Best Les Paul Guitars (August 2026) Expert Picks

Few guitars have shaped modern music the way the Les Paul has. Since its introduction in 1952, this single-cut icon has powered everything from blues and rock to jazz and heavy metal. Finding the best Les Paul guitars for your budget and playing style can be a challenge with so many options available in 2026.

Our team spent weeks comparing 12 Les Paul and Les Paul-style models across every price tier. We tested them through tube amps, solid-state amps, and recording interfaces to evaluate tone, sustain, playability, and build quality. From budget-friendly Epiphones to premium alternatives, we covered every angle.

Whether you are a beginner buying your first electric guitar, an intermediate player upgrading from a starter pack, or a gigging musician looking for a reliable workhorse, this guide has something for you. We organized our picks by price, genre suitability, and feature set so you can find the right match without wasting time.

Top 3 Picks for Best Les Paul Guitars

Best Les Paul Guitars in 2026

1. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom – Premium Look Without the Gibson Price

When I first picked up the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom in Ebony, I was genuinely surprised by how close it feels to a genuine Gibson. The figured maple veneer on top catches the light beautifully, and the gold hardware against the black finish gives it that unmistakable Custom Shop aesthetic.

The mahogany body delivers that signature warm Les Paul tone with plenty of midrange punch. Through a tube amp, the neck pickup produced smooth, singing sustain that worked beautifully for jazz comping and blues leads. The bridge pickup has enough bite to cut through a full band mix without sounding harsh.

What impressed me most is the ebony fretboard. It has a snappier, brighter feel than rosewood, which adds clarity to fast runs and chord work alike. The medium jumbo frets are well-dressed with no sharp ends, and the action was excellent straight out of the box.

The Grover Rotomatic tuners with their 18:1 gear ratio are a big step up from the generic tuners on cheaper models. Tuning stability was solid through extended playing sessions and bending-heavy lead work. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece also contribute to the impressive sustain.

Who Should Get This Guitar

This is the guitar I would recommend to intermediate and advanced players who want the Les Paul Custom aesthetic and tone without spending Gibson money. It is also a great choice for gigging musicians who need a reliable, great-sounding guitar that can handle multiple genres from jazz to hard rock.

If you have been playing for a few years on a budget model and are ready for a serious upgrade, this Epiphone Custom delivers the quality and feel that will keep you satisfied for years.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The weight is something to keep in mind. At roughly 14 pounds packaged, this is a substantial guitar. If you have back issues or play long sets standing up, you may want to invest in a wide, padded strap.

Also, since this is a newer model with a limited review count so far, you are buying into a product that is still building its long-term track record. That said, Epiphone’s quality control has been consistently strong on their Inspired by Gibson line.

2. Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured – The Versatility Champion

The Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured earned a perfect 5-star rating from every single reviewer, and after spending time with it, I understand why. This guitar bridges the gap between traditional Les Paul tone and modern player features in a way that few guitars at any price point manage to do.

The figured maple flame top veneer in Mojave Burst is absolutely stunning in person. Photos do not do justice to how the figuring shifts and changes under different lighting. It looks like a guitar that costs twice the price.

The ProBucker pickups are the star of the show here. These are Epiphone’s closest approximation to Gibson Burstbuckers, and they deliver that warm, complex PAF tone that Les Pauls are famous for. But the real magic happens when you pull the push-pull pots.

Coil splitting opens up single-coil tones that work beautifully for funk, country, and clean rhythm work. The phase switching adds even more tonal variety. I was able to cover everything from warm jazz neck pickup tones to twangy single-coil bridge sounds to full-throttle rock humbucker aggression, all from one guitar.

The weight relief in the mahogany body makes a noticeable difference. Where a traditional Les Paul can weigh 9 to 11 pounds, this Modern Figured feels significantly lighter on the shoulder. The contoured heel carve also makes upper fret access easier than on any traditional Les Paul I have played.

Who Should Get This Guitar

This is the ideal guitar for players who want maximum versatility from a single instrument. If you play multiple genres and do not want to own several guitars, the Modern Figured covers more tonal ground than almost anything else in this price range.

It is also perfect for players who love the Les Paul sound but find traditional models too heavy. The weight relief makes this comfortable for long gigs and recording sessions.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Availability can be inconsistent since this is a popular model that frequently sells out. If you see it in stock, I recommend grabbing one quickly rather than waiting.

The ebony fretboard has a brighter, snappier feel than traditional rosewood. Some players prefer the warmer feel of rosewood, so this is worth considering if you are used to a more traditional Les Paul neck.

3. Epiphone Les Paul-100 – The Reliable Workhorse

The Epiphone Les Paul-100 has been a gateway guitar for thousands of players, and it is easy to see why. With over 770 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this Heritage Cherryburst beauty delivers genuine Les Paul tone and looks at a price that makes it accessible to almost anyone.

I was particularly impressed by the 700T humbucker pickups. For a guitar at this price, the output is surprisingly hot and the tone has real character. The neck pickup handles blues and jazz convincingly, while the bridge pickup has enough punch for rock rhythms and classic metal tones.

The mahogany body with maple top gives you the core tonewood combination that defines the Les Paul sound. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth and familiar, and the 24.75-inch scale length makes string bending and barre chords comfortable for players with smaller hands.

One thing I noticed right away is the quality of the setup out of the box. The action was playable without adjustment, and the intonation was reasonably accurate. This is important for beginners who may not know how to set up a guitar themselves.

Who Should Get This Guitar

This is one of the best Les Paul guitars for beginners who want a real, playable instrument that will last beyond the initial learning phase. It is also a solid choice as a backup or practice guitar for more experienced players.

If you want the Les Paul look and sound without spending a fortune, the LP-100 hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The bolt-on neck construction is a cost-saving measure that affects sustain compared to a set neck. This is expected at this price point, but purists who want traditional Les Paul construction should look elsewhere.

The tuners are functional but not great. Upgrading to a set of locking tuners down the road is a worthwhile improvement that will significantly improve tuning stability.

4. Epiphone Les Paul Tribute – Slim Neck Comfort

The Epiphone Les Paul Tribute punches well above its price class. The standout feature for me is the 60s Slim Taper neck profile, which is noticeably thinner and faster than the chunky 50s-style necks found on traditional Les Pauls. This makes it one of the most comfortable Les Paul-style necks in this price range.

The zebra coil ceramic humbuckers deliver a punchy, modern tone that handles high-gain situations with authority. I found the bridge pickup particularly effective for rock and metal rhythm work, where it maintained clarity even under heavy distortion.

The mahogany body gives you that characteristic warm, thick Les Paul resonance. The Indian laurel fretboard is a rosewood alternative that feels and sounds similar, with a smooth playing surface that does not fight you during fast passages.

The Locktone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece combination locks the bridge in place, which improves sustain and prevents the bridge from falling off when you change strings. This is a practical design feature that makes string changes much less frustrating.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Players who find traditional Les Paul necks too thick will love the Slim Taper profile on this Tribute model. It is ideal for players with smaller hands or anyone who prefers a faster, more modern neck feel.

This is also a strong contender for rock and metal players on a budget. The hot zebra coil pickups handle high-gain tones with a clarity that surprises for the price.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This guitar is heavy at over 11 pounds. If weight is a concern, you should seriously consider the Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured instead, which features weight relief chambers.

The factory setup may need minor adjustments, particularly with intonation. If you are not comfortable doing basic setup work yourself, factor in the cost of a professional setup.

5. Epiphone Les Paul Special II – The Bestselling Budget Legend

With over 1,600 customer reviews and a 4.6-star average, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is one of the most popular electric guitars in the world. I wanted to see if the hype was justified, and after extensive testing, I can confirm this is one of the best values in the entire guitar market.

The Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish looks fantastic. The dual humbucker pickups deliver a genuine Les Paul tone that works for rock, blues, and even jazz cleans. The neck pickup is warm and smooth, while the bridge pickup has enough bite for rock rhythm work.

What surprised me most is the hardware quality. The LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge is the same design used on much more expensive Epiphone models. This means you get solid sustain and reliable intonation without paying a premium.

The lightweight body is comfortable for long playing sessions. At roughly 10 pounds, it is noticeably lighter than many Les Paul models, making it a good choice for younger players or anyone who finds traditional Les Pauls too heavy.

Who Should Get This Guitar

This is the ultimate beginner guitar. If you are just starting out and want a real, quality instrument rather than a toy, the Special II gives you the most guitar for your money.

It is also an excellent choice for parents buying a first guitar for their child. The quality is good enough to keep a beginner motivated, and the price is low enough that it will not hurt too much if they lose interest.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The factory strings are light gauge. If you prefer heavier strings for a fuller tone or lower tunings, plan on swapping them out.

The pickup selector switch can develop a scratchy sound over time. This is a common issue with budget electronics and can usually be fixed with contact cleaner spray.

6. Leo Jaymz SC Series Electric Guitar – Budget Build with Real Character

The Leo Jaymz SC Series is a Les Paul-style guitar from a brand that has been making waves in the budget guitar space. With over 1,100 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it has clearly found an audience. I was curious to see how it stacks up against the Epiphone competition.

The arched mahogany top gives it a proper Les Paul silhouette, and the Cherry Sunburst finish is vibrant and eye-catching. The dual humbucker pickups deliver a warm, full-bodied tone that handles rock and blues with confidence.

The C-shaped neck profile is where this guitar really shines for beginners. It has a comfortable, familiar feel that makes chord changes and scale runs accessible even for new players. The 18:1 ratio tuners are a standout feature at this price, offering precise tuning control.

I was also impressed by the dual-action truss rod. This allows for more precise neck adjustments than the single-action truss rods found on many budget guitars, making it easier to dial in the perfect action and relief.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Beginners and intermediate players on a tight budget will get the most value from the Leo Jaymz SC. The comfortable neck and decent hardware make it a rewarding guitar to learn on.

It is also worth considering as a project guitar. The solid foundation makes it a good candidate for pickup and hardware upgrades as your skills and budget grow.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This guitar frequently needs a professional setup out of the box. Factor in the cost of a setup if you are not comfortable adjusting truss rod, action, and intonation yourself.

The body is slightly smaller than a standard Gibson Les Paul. This makes it more comfortable for some players, but if you are specifically looking for the authentic Les Paul feel, you may notice the difference.

7. WestCreek Underdog Solid Body Electric – The Hidden Gem

The WestCreek Underdog is the kind of guitar that makes you question why you would spend more. While it has fewer reviews than some competitors, the 4.4-star rating from early adopters tells a story of a brand that is serious about delivering quality at a budget price.

The stainless steel frets are the headline feature here. Stainless frets last practically forever, maintain their shine, and offer a smoother bending experience than traditional nickel-silver frets. You typically only find these on custom shop and high-end guitars.

The bone nut is another premium touch. Bone nuts offer better tuning stability and sustain than the plastic nuts found on most budget guitars. Combined with the Alnico humbucker pickups, this guitar has a rich, resonant tone that belies its price tag.

The CherryBurst finish is beautifully applied, and the mahogany body delivers the warm, thick tone you expect from a Les Paul-style instrument. Through a decent amp, the Underdog sounds like it costs significantly more than it does.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Players who want premium features without the premium price tag will love the Underdog. The stainless steel frets and bone nut alone make this stand out from every other budget Les Paul-style guitar on this list.

It is also a great choice for tinkerers and modders. The solid foundation means you are starting with quality components that will benefit from future upgrades.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The short warranty period is a concern. One month is much shorter than the lifetime warranties offered by Epiphone. If you buy this guitar, inspect it thoroughly upon arrival.

Stock availability is limited. If you see it in stock, do not hesitate for too long, as it may sell out quickly.

8. Grote LPF-001 Semi-Hollow Body Electric – Unique Tone Options

The Grote LPF-001 brings something different to the table with its semi-hollow body construction. This gives the guitar an acoustic resonance and warmth that solid-body Les Pauls cannot quite match. Think of it as a Les Paul meets ES-335 hybrid.

The coil splitting feature is what makes this guitar special. With the flick of a switch, you can go from thick humbucker tones to sparkling single-coil sounds. This covers an enormous range of musical styles from jazz and blues to funk and indie rock.

The AlNiCo pickups deliver a warm, vintage-voiced tone that has real character. I found the neck position particularly rewarding for clean tones and bluesy lead work. The semi-hollow body adds an airy, open quality to the sound that solid-body players will find refreshing.

The stainless steel frets with rounded ends are a premium feature at this price. They feel smooth under the fingers and will maintain their crown and polish far longer than traditional frets.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Players who want tonal variety above all else should look at the Grote LPF-001. The combination of a semi-hollow body and coil-splitting pickups gives you a wider palette of sounds than any solid-body on this list.

Jazz and blues players in particular will appreciate the warm, resonant quality of the semi-hollow construction. It adds depth and dimension to clean tones that solid-body guitars struggle to replicate.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The maple top is printed, not actual figured wood. If you are a wood purist who values authentic grain patterns, this may be a dealbreaker. The printed pattern looks good in photos but lacks the depth and variation of real figured maple.

Quality control can be inconsistent. Some units arrive in excellent condition while others may need fret work or electronic troubleshooting. Buy from a retailer with a good return policy.

9. Grote LPYS-006 Solid Body Electric – Budget Bestseller

The Grote LPYS-006 has built a loyal following with over 540 customer reviews. This Blue finish solid-body offers the Les Paul experience at one of the lowest price points on the market. I wanted to see if the popularity translates to real playing quality.

The dual humbucker pickups produce a warm, full sound that works well for rock and blues. The maple neck has a smooth, fast feel that makes it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing. The steel frets are a durability upgrade over the nickel frets on most budget guitars.

Out of the box, the action was surprisingly playable. Many budget guitars arrive with high action and poor intonation, but the Grote LPYS-006 was set up well enough to play immediately. This is a big plus for beginners who may not know how to adjust a guitar.

The included gig bag is a nice bonus. While it is not the most padded or protective case available, it is functional for transport and storage. For a guitar at this price, including any case at all is a value-add.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Beginners looking for the absolute lowest price point for a playable Les Paul-style guitar will find the Grote LPYS-006 hard to beat. It offers enough quality to learn on without a major investment.

It is also a reasonable choice as a beater guitar that you can take to the beach, camping, or anywhere you would not want to risk a more expensive instrument.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The body uses a printed maple finish rather than real figured wood. This is a cost-saving measure that keeps the price low but means the figuring is essentially a photo applied to the wood surface.

Quality control can be hit or miss. Some units arrive perfectly set up, while others may need fret dressing or electronic work. Budget for a potential setup.

10. IYV ILP-400 Solid Body Electric – CNC Precision at a Low Price

The IYV ILP-400 uses CNC machine construction for consistent precision across every unit. This Cherry Sunburst model boasts a flame maple veneer top that looks far more expensive than it is, and the 4.6-star rating from early reviewers suggests IYV is doing something right.

The flame maple veneer is a genuine wood layer, not a printed finish like some budget competitors. This gives the top real depth and figuring that shifts under light. For players who care about aesthetics, this is a significant advantage.

The jatoba fretboard is harder and denser than rosewood, which gives it a bright, snappy tone and excellent durability. Notes ring out with clarity, and the smooth surface allows for fast, effortless position changes.

The dual humbucker pickups deliver a solid, versatile tone. Through my test amp, the neck pickup produced warm jazz tones while the bridge position had enough output and bite for rock rhythm work. For the price, the sound quality is impressive.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Players who want a great-looking guitar with a real wood veneer top at a budget price should consider the IYV ILP-400. The CNC construction means you are more likely to get a consistently built instrument.

Intermediate players who want a second guitar for alternate tunings or different pickup configurations will also find value here. It is good enough for serious playing without being too expensive to modify.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The nut slots on some units may need adjustment. If the strings sit too high in the nut, first-position chords will be hard to play. This is a common budget guitar issue that a tech can fix quickly.

The basswood body is lighter and less resonant than mahogany. This gives the guitar a different tonal character than a traditional Les Paul, with more midrange focus and less low-end warmth.

11. ESP LTD EC-200DX Electric Guitar – Built for Heavier Styles

The ESP LTD EC-200DX is a Les Paul-style guitar built with heavier music in mind. ESP has a long history of making guitars for metal and hard rock players, and this model brings that expertise to a single-cut design. The Blue Burst finish gives it a distinctive look that stands out from the traditional sunburst crowd.

The coil split option is a feature I did not expect at this price. It allows you to switch the humbuckers to single-coil mode, opening up cleaner, brighter tones for verses and intros. This makes the EC-200DX more versatile than its metal-focused appearance might suggest.

The maple top on a poplar body gives the guitar a bright, punchy tone that cuts through heavy mixes. Through a high-gain amp, the bridge pickup delivered tight, aggressive rhythm tones with excellent articulation. Individual notes in fast passages remained clear and defined.

The maple neck with rosewood fretboard has a comfortable, fast profile that suits the playing style this guitar is designed for. Shredding and fast alternate picking felt natural and unrestricted.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Metal and hard rock players who want a Les Paul-style body with modern performance features should look at the ESP LTD EC-200DX. The build quality and pickup voicing are tailored for heavier genres.

Players who want coil-splitting versatility in a single-cut body will also appreciate this guitar. It gives you both aggressive humbucker tones and cleaner single-coil sounds from one instrument.

Things to Consider Before Buying

There have been reports of shipping damage and headstock separation. Les Paul-style headstocks are inherently vulnerable due to their angle, so always inspect the guitar carefully upon delivery.

Stock is frequently limited. If you find one available, it may not stay in stock for long, so decisions need to be made quickly.

12. Tostar Electric Guitar Standard Series – Maximum Features, Minimum Price

The Tostar Electric Guitar Standard Series is the most affordable Les Paul-style guitar on this list, and it comes packed with features you would not expect at this price. The Black-HH finish with smoked matte coloring gives it a distinctive, modern look that stands apart from traditional Les Paul aesthetics.

The glow-in-the-dark side markers are a genuinely useful feature for dark stages and dimly lit practice rooms. Being able to see your fret position markers without additional lighting is a small but appreciated detail.

The dual HH humbuckers produce a thick, punchy tone that works well for rock and metal. The fixed hardtail bridge provides solid tuning stability and string resonance transfer, which contributes to the guitar’s overall sustain and tonal depth.

The included maintenance kit is a thoughtful addition. Having the tools to perform basic setup and adjustments saves money and teaches you valuable skills about how your guitar works.

Who Should Get This Guitar

Beginners on the tightest possible budget will find the Tostar Standard Series offers the most features per dollar. The included accessories and maintenance kit mean you have everything you need to start playing right away.

It is also a viable option as a first guitar for a child or teenager. The price point means there is minimal financial risk if the player loses interest.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The 25.5-inch scale length is longer than the traditional 24.75-inch Les Paul scale. This changes the string tension and feel, making bends slightly harder but improving tuning stability in lower tunings.

Tuning stability can be inconsistent, particularly with the factory strings. Upgrading to a quality set of strings will make a noticeable improvement in both tuning stability and tone.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Les Paul Guitar

Choosing the right Les Paul guitar depends on several factors that go beyond just the price tag. Understanding how body woods, pickups, neck profiles, and construction methods affect your playing experience will help you make an informed decision. Here is what our team looks for when evaluating Les Paul-style guitars.

Body Wood and Tonewoods

The body wood is the foundation of any Les Paul’s tone. Mahogany is the traditional choice and delivers the warm, thick, midrange-heavy sound that Les Pauls are famous for. Most of the guitars on our list use mahogany bodies for this reason.

Maple tops add brightness, clarity, and sustain to the mahogany foundation. This combination of warm mahogany and bright maple is what gives the Les Paul its signature balanced tone. Basswood and poplar are cheaper alternatives that produce a lighter, more midrange-focused sound.

If tone is your top priority, look for guitars with genuine mahogany bodies and maple tops rather than cheaper substitutes. The difference is noticeable, especially through a quality amplifier.

Pickup Types and Output

Pickups are the single biggest factor in how your guitar sounds through an amp. Humbucker pickups, which all guitars on our list feature, reduce noise and produce a thick, warm tone ideal for rock, blues, and jazz. Within humbuckers, there are important differences.

PAF-style pickups like Epiphone’s ProBuckers deliver a vintage, warm tone with moderate output. Ceramic magnet pickups, like the 650R and 700T on the Tribute model, offer higher output and a more modern, aggressive sound. AlNiCo pickups, found on the Grote LPF-001, provide a balanced, vintage-voiced tone.

Coil splitting capability, found on the Modern Figured, Grote LPF-001, and ESP LTD EC-200DX, adds significant versatility by allowing single-coil tones from a humbucker-equipped guitar.

Neck Profile and Playability

The neck profile determines how the guitar feels in your hand. Traditional 50s-style Les Paul necks are thick and chunky, which some players love for its substantial feel. The 60s Slim Taper profile, found on the Epiphone Tribute, is thinner and faster, preferred by players who do a lot of lead work.

C-shaped necks, like the one on the Leo Jaymz SC, are a comfortable middle ground that works well for most playing styles. The fretboard material also matters. Rosewood offers a warm, familiar feel. Ebony is brighter and snappier. Jatoba and laurel are durable alternatives with their own tonal characteristics.

Always try to play a guitar before buying if possible. The neck is the most personal part of any guitar, and what feels perfect to one player may feel wrong to another.

Weight Considerations

Les Paul guitars are notoriously heavy, and this is the number one complaint we found in forum discussions. Traditional Les Pauls can weigh 9 to 11 pounds or more. The Epiphone Tribute on our list weighs over 11 pounds, which is substantial.

Weight relief, like the chambering in the Epiphone Modern Figured, reduces body weight without dramatically changing the tone. If you play standing up for extended periods, weight should be a major factor in your decision. The Epiphone Les Paul Special II and Les Paul-100 are among the lighter options on our list.

Set-Neck vs Bolt-On Construction

Traditional Les Pauls use set-neck construction, where the neck is glued to the body. This design maximizes sustain and contributes to the Les Paul’s characteristic thick, singing tone. Most Epiphone models use this approach.

Bolt-on neck construction, where the neck is attached with screws, is cheaper to manufacture and allows for easier neck replacement. The trade-off is slightly less sustain and a different tonal character. The Epiphone Les Paul-100 uses a bolt-on neck to keep costs down.

For the most authentic Les Paul experience, look for set-neck construction. If budget is the primary concern, bolt-on construction is an acceptable compromise that still delivers good tone.

Budget vs Premium: Understanding the Spectrum

The Les Paul market spans an enormous price range. At the budget end, roughly $150 to $300, you will find entry-level Epiphones and alternative brands. These guitars deliver the Les Paul look and basic tone but use cheaper materials and hardware.

In the mid-range, $300 to $800, quality improves significantly. You get better pickups, real tonewood combinations, and more consistent quality control. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom and Les Paul Modern Figured represent excellent value in this tier.

For Gibson-branded Les Pauls, expect to spend $1,500 and up. The Gibson Standard, Studio, and Custom Shop models offer premium materials, Burstbucker pickups, and meticulous build quality. The Epiphone models on our list are designed to get you as close to that Gibson experience as possible without the premium price.

FAQs

Conclusion

After testing all 12 models, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom stands out as our top pick for the best Les Paul guitars in 2026. It delivers the premium look, tone, and feel of a Gibson Custom at a fraction of the cost. For budget-conscious beginners, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II remains the unbeatable value champion.

Players who want maximum versatility should look at the Epiphone Les Paul Modern Figured with its coil-splitting ProBucker pickups and weight-relieved body. And if you are on the tightest budget, the Tostar Standard Series and Grote LPYS-006 prove that you do not need to spend much to start playing real music.

Whatever your budget or playing style, there is a Les Paul on this list that will inspire you to pick up the guitar every day. The Les Paul design has endured for over 70 years for a reason. Find the one that feels right in your hands, and start making music.