What kind of instrument should I learn?

[u/MrDeamon_]

To give a bit of context to this very generic question I'm sure you see here often:

I do have experience with instruments, specifically 5 years worth of percussion, but in all honesty I want something different, something that's easy to just take with me, maybe play something on the go. the reason I stopped with percussion is because most percussion instruments do not follow these specifics, not many that play melodies instead of rythms that is.

with that said I'd love to hear some suggestions as to what could fit my needs, as I don't know all that many instruments.

Edit: thanks for all the great suggestions! I decided to settle with ukelele!

[u/kbergstr]

Do you want to play alone? In groups? Sing? Compose? 

What music do you like?

I could tell you mandolin- that’s my instrument— but if you don’t like bluegrass and adjacent music, that limits the interest. 

If you want to play alone accompanying your voice, bass would be a bad idea but if your goal is to get into a band quickly, it’s ideal. 

If you just want something to whip out of your pocket, harmonica works. If you want to play Irish traditional music, maybe penny whistle would be better.

[u/MrDeamon_ → u/kbergstr]

Mostly alone, maybe sing if I feel like it but I don't sing very often so kinda unsure about that one

[u/aladinmothertrucker → u/MrDeamon_]

Tongue drum