May 15, 2019 by Klaus Crow
photo from Istockphoto
While I started playing guitar at an early age, I know many guitar players who started out in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or even in their 70’s. And yet these players do an amazing job.
Maybe when they were young it just wasn’t the right time. They probably couldn’t find the right teacher or were busy learning other life lessons.
You might think yourself while you read this : “I am probably too old to learn.” Well I think you’re never too old to learn, you grow old when you stop learning. Guitar playing is not about how old you are when you start out. Guitar playing is about passion, creating and having fun with it.
I am always inspired by the passion and motivation of guitar players. While you can achieve a lot with discipline, you achieve the most with passion and motivation. You need to find out why your passionate about guitar playing and how to motivate yourself in the progress. These are the two key elements in achieving your goal.
So let me convince you why you should still learn to play the guitar today and fulfill that long lasting dream of yours:
1. Easy start.
Guitar playing starts out quite easy. Within a couple of weeks you can already play a few songs. As you get better things get more challenging and more exciting.
2. The right motivation
While some children might pick up a guitar to impress others or want to learn just because a friend is playing too, adults tend to be more sincere in their motivation. A sincere motivation will last longer.
3. Reality check
Guitar playing is the best fun there is, but you do need to practice. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it, the more fun you will have.
4. Advantage of adulthood
As an adult you will have more life experience. You have become smarter, wiser and probably had some emotional baggage along the way. All these things will have impact on your playing and songwriting. You also realize that you can change your life by taking the next step, moving forward, (Making a path by walking) and so create new life opportunities. Children are not always aware of this.
5. Socializing
Guitar playing is a great way to interact and get to know different kinds of people. You can play with other musicians, meet fascinating personalities at workshops or guitar lessons. You can entertain your friends and family or a whole crowd and talk to people about music and guitar playing. A lot of people like music you know :-)
6. Music is emotion
A lot of famous guitar players are not that technical but are brilliant creators. So you don’t have to be an amazing guitar player to play beautiful music. While there is nothing wrong with being a good technical guitar player, in fact it is in your advantage to develop a good technique… in the end you have to move people with your music. You move people by playing the right notes, the right chords and the right melody
7. It’s not about competition
You play guitar because you love it. period. You can learn or be inspired by someone who is amazing but there is no reason you should compete or need to be as good as. Guitar playing and music is not about competition. Don’t let pride get in your way. Play what you love. Create your own style. That is what makes a real musician.
8. Consistency
Children tend to be fickle, because they like to explore and everything is still new to them. While exploring is a good quality, it’s also necessary to stick with something and explore that in order to improve. Adults have the advantage to be more consistent.
9. More reasons
Guitar playing will uplift your spirit. It relieves stress and tension. It’s an amazing feeling to play any song you like or create your own. Guitar playing is absolutely rewarding. You need more reasons? check out: 50 Reasons Why You Should Play Guitar
10. Why shouldn’t you learn to play guitar at any age?
There is no reason why you shouldn’t. This is your time. Set your own pace. Don’t compare yourself with others who started out earlier. What’s the rush. You have all the time you need. You’re never too late to learn.
“We have time, there’s no big rush” – Jimi Hendrix
I just found your site. It is wonderful. Nice work!
Hi Erin,
I’m really happy you like it.
You’re welcome any time !
Klaus Crow
Klaus, I bought myself a Martin for my 60th birthday because I was inspired by your site and some of the great blues instruction that is now available online. Good luck in your endeavors my friend!
I started on 29, and I have my whole life time to play guitar… Yes, nothing to rush ^^
Wow! this is great. very helpful to beginners.
this for me, is the best ever motivation I have received, in my love for playing the guitar. and i think many of my friends who come to me to learn will for ever also be grateful.
Hi,. I really enjoy listening to acoustic guitar. I have been given a guitar and would really love to learn to play it. The trouble is that I can\\\\\\\’t wait and want to learn to play as fast as possible. Any ideas about how to learn quickly?
Hi Jake,
I recommend to find yourself a decent guitar teacher and study as much as you can. That’s the fastest route.
Klaus Crow
Thanks for this. Just what I wanted to hear and very motivating. Just started taking guitar lessons at 44 :)
HI Ian,
I’m teaching many students in their 40’s, 50’s or 60’s and they rock! All it takes is hard work, perseverance and passion and it will pay off.
Klaus Crow
Great article! I purchase an Alvarez guitar nine years ago with the intention of learning to play the guitar for the reasons you mentioned above. However, other life commitments and life changes kept me from doing so. I was in my early 30’s then. Now I am in my early 40’s, have a family, and feel a bit more settled in life. A few days ago, my 20 month-year-old son was attempting to play my guitar, not realizing that he was more likely to damage it than produce a melody. I did my best to explain to him (knowing that he would probably not understand) that it needed to stay on the guitar stand. I then looked at my guitar, picked it up, and stared playing chords and practicing a finger exercise along the guitar neck. My wife asked my son, “are you listening to papi play the guitar?” It suddenly felt like the right time to start practicing again.
Because of my renewed interest, I immediately began studying chords and reading about people who start playing the guitar later in life. This morning, I came across your web site and saw the article posted above. I am glad I read it! Very inspirational! Thanks!
Wow article. Thanks for sharing some information to your readers
It’s nice to feel the camaraderie of adult guitar students, on this site. I started at 50 and my favorite thing to do is perform on the guitar for friends and family.
I happened to pick up a small sized classical guitar at a friends house, and thought the sounds were so nice to hear. I started with my friends old guitar. I practice every day usually. After two years, playing the guitar is more enjoyable than ever. Mistakes, of course…improvement always. Callouses on the left finger tips…yes indeed.
Hi Klaus,
i’m 35, in medical field, however, i keep on dreaming of becoming musician and having my own band, perhaps a silly idea, but it doesn’t let me go! I have attempted to learn guitar in the past, but for various lifestyle/work/family related reasons never went all the way. Now, that my work schedule has set hours it might be easier to find time. Do you think it’s possible to learn to a level of playing in a band or just enough to entertain your friends and family?
thanks,
Ed
Hi Ed,
You definitely can.
With the help of a good guitar teacher and normal daily/weekly study you can learn a lot in a few years.. enough to play in a band as a rhythm guitar player.
The best thing is to find someone who can teach you to play rhythm guitar, playing songs with chords and then help you to sing along with those songs.
Depending on your drive and study time you could even learn to play some lead solos as well.
Klaus
Hi Klaus,
Its really motivating to go through your article. I’m going to be 25 this year and have been passionate about music since i got introduced to it in the early years..That happened through a close friend in school who also happened to play the guitar..it was quite special to see him playing the instrument with so much ease..The very thought of holding the guitar and playing it started to please me..Anyways, my Dad bought me an acoustic guitar when i was 14..I’m now mature enough to accept that I never tried too hard to learn the guitar even when i had one at an young age..But my love for music got more intense over the years and along with that experiences in life has made me stronger and determined..So finally after all these years i decided in this jan that there is no tommorow, got a friend’s guitar and started learning alone with a lot of help from the internet and I’m glad that finally i’ve satrted understanding the way guitar is played..I believe that I’m going to be playing really good in a years time…
Your article is very inspirations.I turned 62 this March, 2012. I feel the need to keep learning. I got my motorcycle license@53. Now, time to learn guitar. I never thought I was musically inclined but after years of seeing my husband’s southern rock band and admiring the guitar players make beautiful music, I felt it was my time. Granted I’ve only had 3 lessons by a very patient instructor, & I am not rushing myself for any particular goal date to be able to play out in front of others, I think it’s a good way to keep my mind and body supple. Having so many musician friends, I am though looking forward to jam sessions on the deck for years to come.
I started playing the acoustic at the age of 24, and recently i shifted for the electric (i’m 25 now, so yeah its been only one year). Do you think is still possible for me to become a musician? I practice everyday, about 2-3 hours per day. Havent really got a teacher yet, just studying from some books i bought… I consider sometimes to increase my daily studying hours, but for now that’s not possible :(
Thank you! I am now 50 years old and am very interested in learning and in writing songs. This is inspirational.
I just want to say that this is a great post. I’m 19years old and i’ve been debating if i should invest in a $300 Recording King acoustic guitar as a beginner. i’m a big music guy so just sitting at home and strumming a guitar when i’m alone and making a nice tune is something i’ve always wanted to do. After a long debate and reading this i’m forsure gonna get it tomorrow. Thank you for the inspiring post!
I agree on all the things you said here.!!!!!!!!!! I bought a guitar last year, but i didn’t play it at all. till this year, I played for a week and I could played couple songs, i am amaze at this instrument. I’m trying harder to learn each day, even though, It is so hard…some times, but practise and patient is all you need :) Thank for writing this up, really helpful, very pursue and motivate… (sorry for bad english).
Hi Klaus,
I submitted my request to subscribe but, have not received an Chord Book Ebook as of yet. Please help, Thanks Cesar
Hi Cesar,
Check out your inbox. It has just arrived. :)
Best regards,
Klaus Crow
Hey Klaus,
I am a 16 year old girl stuck with my guitar.I mean I started learning a few months ago in this group learning place but I don’t like that place at all so I left.then eventually I got bored playing guitar(cuz I didnt know what to play).I am really interested in guitar and music but I dont know where should I start or what to do.I am very much confused.
thanks,
Stella
Brilliant read, i’m 23 and just purchased my first guitar, and can’t wait to start lessons after the new year, but messing around with it at the minute and i’m in love, always loved to learn and now that i’ve finished all my studying. I finally have the time to really get stuck in. Again great post!!!
Amazing… this article cleared my all worries about starting guitar lessons at the age of 35.
I’m 62 and been in love with the guitar from the age of 10 yet never thought I could play, I’ve been through every aspect from classical to rock and punk, it’s the most flexible and wonderful of instruments (actually I LOVE all instruments and the sounds they produce)
My son has taught himself classical guitar and plays some incredible pieces pretty damn well, having read your 10 Reasons Why…..I’ve resolved to start! Hopefully I will be able to return to this page in future and be able to recount my progress, no matter how small my achievements, thanks young man for rekindling my desire
I’m 58 and have been playing on a Strat less than a year. My instructor is half my age and a really good guitarist. However, he expects me to be able to reach the frets and play bar chords just as easily as he does. Some chords are just painful to play (arthritis?) and I don’t know if it’s just age or inexperience that’s the problem. Any thoughts?
Durk,
I am 62 with absolutely no musical background whatsoever. I have been taking electric guitar lessons for about 7 months. I also experience hand pain but the more you practice, the fingers start feeling less pain. I was having a lot of difficulty “getting it”. My instructor is close to my age. His philosophy is if one method doesn’t work, try different until you find 1 that does work. Another thing don’t attempt to try to learn fast; learn at your own speed. Don’t put pressure on yourself that you have to get it right away. If it takes a long time so what? That being said you’ll be more relaxed and you won’t be so tense and your hand pain may not be so severe.
Thank you for this. This really reminded me a lot that i should not be discouraged to learn and be good in guitar in my age. Thank you!
Hi Klaus:
At 45, I have my doubts but I DO WANT to learn to play the (electric) guitar. The most difficult part seems to be going to a instruments shop while being “so old” and so ignorant of anything. Will they want to take their time with me? Thanks for the advices.
Robert,
If you have a passion to learn to play, the desire should curb any doubts you have about going into a music store and asking a million questions. I started last year when I was 62 and although it’s slow going, it’s forward movement. Desire & drive should overcome doubts.
A friend who plays told me that the first year is the hardest–and it is. But then you start seeing incremental improvements. Others have said it’s a lot of work and it is. I have to force myself to practice but I’m still playing. I see a new amp in my future.
And today, after reading this site, I went to the shop for the first time.
Plenty of models and the staff was kind. They will wait for me to go back next Saturday to try some guitars with more time.
So far it’s a good start.
Robert
Good luck. I started at 44, eighteen months ago (you can see my comment at the time). Yes it is stressful but all you need to do is be honest and any decent shop will look after you. Sounds like you have found a friendly one.
Would strongly suggest finding a teacher if you can. It can make a lot of difference.
18 months on and I am having a blast with electric and acoustic guitar, bass and even a little piano. Good luck and stick with it.
Good luck!
Ian
Ian:
Thanks for your words. It’s always good to know that other people pass through the same.
They were friendly, I told them about the type of music and bands that I listen to and they showed me some models that should “satisfy me”, though who knows how long it will take for me to make a guitar sound decently! Now the problem seems to be choosing the right one!
Still struggling with quickly moving between chords! My wife owns an old classic guitar that I’m using for the first (online) lessons.
Cheers,
Robert
Hi everybody:
I am pleased to tell you that at 45 (just two months from turning 46), I have just bought my first (maybe the last?) electric guitar, a Cort M200, and a small 10w amp.
Now I have to make this thing sound decently. It refuses to play alone!
Regards
I’m 19 and bought an electric fender guitar without an amp. I also bought rocksmith the Xbox game to teach me. But I feel like there is only so much I can learn from that alone. Things such as barre chords and knowing the name given to each chord is just far too hard. Using the game is the only way I can hear the sound of my guitar until I get an amp. But I also can’t read music either. I want to take the guitar seriously and make a living out of it but I feel like I have already reached my limit. And when I get a job things are only gonna get worse when I only get a few hours a day to learn it. I honestly have no idea what to do. My strings also sound kinda funny but I don’t know if anything is wrong with them and they’re also kinda loose. And another thing, my parents are stupid and think life is about getting a job and then dying. I know better than that and this Is why I’m taking guitar seriously, coz I want to actually be someone rather than have a job and being a no one like everyone else. Or maybe I’m just dreaming too much?
Shaun,
You are young and need to find your direction in life. In order to sustain yourself, you will need a job. If you are truly committed to learning the guitar, you really should find an instructor. I started learning at 62 years old and it’s been a year and I have to admit it’s a slow go. I don’t want to learn to read music, I am learning by tabs. My instructor tries various methods with his students; and tabs work for me. Don’t put pressure on yourself to learn by a certain time. After a year I am still waiting for my “AH HA” moment. Your goal is admirable, but balance is more important. Good luck.
I’m 36 years old and just bought my first guitar. I’ve been playing drums since I was 14 and have been gigging up to about a year ago. Myself along with my guitarist just got burnt out. I’ve have had this strong desire to learn guitar for the past 2 years. Along with learning for personal enjoyment and music creativeness I would like to get to a point where I can be in a cover band playing out for fun and to support my music habit like I have been as a drummer. Is this a far fetched goal starting guitar at my age??
I started when I was 42 (a bit more than one year ago), and the progress has been awesome!. I always wanted to learn to play electric guitar and, however weird, one day I decided it was ‘the time’. 12 months went by without a single day playing, provided that I had my guitar at hand (I travel quite often). My 10 year old daughter decided to join me and we play together in a band. I take lessons with an instructor, and being more 20 years older than the average makes no other thing than to encourage me.
One of the most rewarding experiences I had in my life. And definitively no, it’s never too late to learn!
“There is no reason why you shouldn’t learn to play guitar. This is your time.” SO TRUE! I started playing seriously at age 36 and although I’ve got a long ways to go, I am committed to becoming the guitarist I’ve always wanted to be. This is a great post, and I’m inspired by all the comments. I’ve also started documenting my journey online and hope to meet others who have forged a path for older beginners to pursue their dreams.
Hello Klaus: Coming across your article more or less by chance, I was very much struck by how unusually well you covered the 10 reasons you laid down about why it was never too late to learn, despite the fact you by contrast started very early. It seemed to be written by someone who really had a good grasp of life in a real way. Then I had to find out who ‘Klaus’ was, so I checked out the ‘About’ page. Aha! There is it was! Your guitar lifestyle (and, indeed, probably also the rest of yourself) “is influenced by zen, taoism, simplicity, efficiency and effectiveness.” Which is why how you put things sounded so familiar. As for myself, for my mid-life crisis changes, I got into some difficult movements arts under a teacher, without ever feeling I was too old. Same for astrology a few years later, which was simply following a natural urge to explore the esoterics of something I’d only read about much earlier. Then heading into my 60s came the computer, kind of out of necessity. Last two efforts were DIY. And now in my 70s, am about to start on guitar and music theory, also in DIY mode. This time, however, there’s some uncertainty due to natural deterioration of the body. Undaunted, have prepared the way, with only a hitch about something physical with the guitar to work out with the people who sold it to me. Once the basics are down, will probably be back to look at the offerings on your site. May you continue to prosper, and to help others accomplish same!
Guys don’t get dissapointed easily. I am thirty years old from from crisis-hit Greece and its a year that I started playing guitar. As I can’t afford a lot of fun out there, I can ensure you that I feel so lucky I discovered guitar and music event at that age as it is a rewarding way to get rid of the stress and worries and feel that you grow and move on. The things mentioned at this post are nothing but absolutely true. I honestly have spent only 60 euros for the instrument and doing all the lessons through the internet. It is the single thing that pleasures me at this period of my life and all the time I am looking forward to grab my guitar and learn new songs. If you found your way to this post, don’t hesitate to go to the guitar store and buy one. Your life will be enriched.
Thanks for this very important article. I’m 22 years old and have felt held back by the idea that if you don’t start playing (or anything else in life) when you’re young, then it’s simply too late. I’m inspired to start playing guitar again.
Thank you.
hi klaus ,
this article gives me clear view to practice it is a very good article.it gives me the feeling that i can learn even now at this 25.
Thanks for your article and I concur with every word. I have always loved music but was always too busy working and raising a family to pursue any study or tuition. However after retirement and at 65 I purchased a Maton guitar and commenced lessons from young men in their 20’s.
That was six years ago and I am so pleased with my progress and continued passion for playing each day.
My son is a talented guitarist and teacher and has inspired me to learn guitar although he doesn’t live close to allow me to have lessons from him. I now have an interest that will remain forever.
I am 72. I first owned a guitar while in the Service in 60’s and signed up for correspondence course…it had me practicing Yankee Doodle Dandy, I wanted to play Malaguena. I quit. Now I wish I could play Yankee doodle dandy.
Jimmy Hendricks was wrong, but don’t believe me…wait till its too late. (We lost him way too early, just imagine what we have missed!)
Oh. your writing just inspired me :) I’m 30 and I just started playing Guitar. I was thinking isn’t it to late for me to learn and all of a sudden I saw your website. Thanks :)
Excellent way of describing, and nice article to obtain data
concerning my presentation focus, which i am going to deliver
in institution of higher education.
Yes. I’m 42 and have been having private lessons for the last 6 months. Its been wonderful and I see music in a new perspective. Although I may be slow, I still think of a stage gig in the future and it motivates me. More than anything, the pleasure of making music with your favorite instrument is irreplaceable. Thumbs Up to your article.
Good post however , I was wondering if you could write a
litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if
you could elaborate a little bit more. Thank
you!
Great post! And it’s so, so, so valuable post! This is the first time I have found your blog and I am glad I did. I recently have found that the path I was on may have been what a lot of others though were great; however I was not excited about it. Really It’s never too late. I was scared for a Long time that people would think I was dumb, or naive for giving it up.
Two years ago I bought an acoustic Fender with every intention of learning how to play. It had been staring at me all this time until 2 months ago when I found a VERY patient and easygoing teacher just 2 blocks away. But more importantly, he makes it FUN! I wish I started a long time ago, but I wasn’t ready. I’m 61 years old, and I’m a medical laboratory technologist. When I come home and practice and listen to the brilliant sound of my new Da’darrio strings, the stress of the day washes off of me like a refreshing soul shower (gee…just amazed myself thinking up that analogy!).
I can’t believe how much joy the guitar has brought me and my husband…he loves to hear me practice. Sour notes and all.
I would appreciate the advice/experience of others about how they found their teachers.
I thought the guitar was for 18 years olds. I strongly want to learn it so dam badly. I’m 28 years old, I’m not that bad but I could get better at it. I just want to know am I to old to be in a band.
I am 43 and will be staring lessons this summer. I am excited about learning.
This is a great article. Very inspirational.
I’m an indie music producer 0ver 40 and my beautiful lady friend is the proud owner of an acoustic guitar that she never really learning how to play. She know proper positioning and even notes but she never got the chance to finish taking lessons be4cause of work schedule, home life, etc.
Just a few days ago I was telling her about a gentleman that I ran across on YouTube who has agreed to play electric guitar on a track that I’m working on and she expressed to me her feelings about not having the time to learn to play her own guitar.
Although I try to console her as much as possible, I just can’t do enough to help her clean off her plate enough to free up more time to take those lessons. I know one day it will happen, but she gets frustrated about it with each passing year.
I’m going to share this article with her and I think it will help ease some of the frustrations she holds about not being able to play at this time. :-)
Thnx this was really inspirational, i’m 21 and only just started playing guitar this year,..Dont really have a music backround bt thnx again
Wonderful article.
Hello Klaus Crow,
First of all let me Congratulate you for the wonderful work you are doing.
I began following your blog around one month back and it gives me so much motivation and sense of eagerness to do something special and unique.
Thanks a lot.
Looking forward for your articles.
I’m so happy and encouraged to know that it’s not too late for me at 55.
I took a couple of lessons when I was in high school. I bought an acoustic when I was in my early 20s, but then came marriage, kids, work, now grandchildren. But I have never given up hope of learning how to really play.
Hey all I was just curious, Is it to late for a 28 year old to play the guitar. I have nothing else better to do. I mean I don’t have education. I know how to play some good solos. I was just curious Can I still be big can I still have fans at a show. Soon I”m thinking about forming a band soon. I was really thinking about it :) I love music I love rock and metal. I can’t help it I’m 28 and still love metal. Not korn tho they suck met the lead singer very immature so Now I still stick with limpbizkit and raige aganse the machine. System of a down and more. I like some of today’s music. Is there any hope left to be in a rock/metal band at my age.
I was first introduced to guitar by a friend almost 10 years ago, he would rant about the guitar all day and eventually I fell in love with the guitar but really could make out time to learn to play or better still I had the fear of failure. Over the years I became increasingly in love with the guitar and whenever I walked into a church, concert gig etc, the first thing I looked out for is the guitarist as I just love to admire them. Fast forward to today, precisely one month ago I finally decided that learning the guitar is something I have to accomplish in life so I bought myself an acoustic and found a teacher and I have been learning for one month now (I don’t want to look back and wished I had done it)
I am not looking to become like Eric Clapton just to be able to play quite well in my church choir is where I am trying to reach by the way I am turning 30 in 3 months time.
the only people that say it is easy to learn the guitar at age 70 are the ones that have something to gain by lying to people and they are full of bull . I am age 70 and you can learn however it is of the 20 times harder at an older age . They not tell the whole truth.
i’m 80 yrs old just starting guitar buddy said he would help me never happened. fingers are slow stiff don’t remember to good but have a lot of time to learn… there are a lot of slow songs out there for me to play besides music comes from inside of your heart ( emotions) ole hank
Williams asked in a song if you can make them cry well maybe not
but if you can enjoy yourself with the music and maybe a few others ( don’t make them cry) make them feel it . well i’m 80 and you ask if your to old to start playing guitar HELL NO listen to FRANCIS GOYA
many slow pieses you tube THE BEST TO ALL AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL
BOB
Hey Bob…you got me beat by 20 years. Starting guitar lessons back in April was the best thing I’ve done for myself. My teacher is the Best! He even helped me pick out a gorgeous red Joe Satriani Ibanez JS100 electric…I’m having more dam fun making the sounds I always wanted to make with that guitar.
You’re an inspiration…never stop learning.
I started learning to play the bass guitar when I was 50. When I was in my teens Ihad always wanted to play guitar but somehow never got around to it. In my 20’s I did manage to learn how to play harmonica but then left it alone until my late 30’s only playing occasionally. I was fortunate enough to fall in with some musicians who wanted to start a band but I really sucked bad for a few years. I made all the mistakes one could make but luckily wasn’t fired from the band and eventually became more competent at it. Yes it took lots and lots of practice but find now it has really improved and enriched my life in many ways. I love playing and although I wished I had started much earlier I am proud of how far I have come despite meeting many many good bass players who are much better than I am. I am also playing the harmonica more now and the two instruments although difficult to play together are a great source of pleasure for me.
Hi Klaus. I have just started, last June, or maybe just before, perhaps between April and May, on classical guitar. I have got to the point of being more efficient at barres. I have a very good teacher of 45 years experience, whom I found details of at a local music shop. I have tried before, but without lessons and had got into some bad playing habits.
But I am much better now, having played duets with my teacher. It has taken some months to start getting the barres though!
I would encourage anyone to work persistently at such things, as they do come eventually. I generally practise every day, in about 3 or so sessions.
Good technique is the hardest thing. I am 47 and thought I would never be able to play barres!
hi
I live in armenia.
I’m from yeravan.
I want to learn the harp.
I’m 26 years old.
pleas help me
I have just purchased my first guitar, I have always wanted to learn but lacked the patience, I am now 52 yrs old and motivated to learn!
Hello,
Do you have advice of the best beginner guitar to get and best way to get started. If it should be through a physical teacher or books/videos?
i am 21,so really thanks for your meaningful artical….so i m big fan of guiter..
@ Ashley
Absolutely best to get an actual teacher for weekly lessons. Im 28 and have been taking lessons for about a yr now and have made twice the progress as the previous 7. Of course I have been practicing much more the past year. Like he mentioned in the article the better you get the more fun it is! So very true. All I ever want to do is play guitar now. Literally. But I really wish I had started taking lessons when I first started playing because I developed quite a few bad habits that I’ve had to work through. No book or video will notice your holding the pick wrong or answer a direct question. I honestly think everyone should start taking lessons as soon as they start playing. Many people immediately get frustrated and give up, but that might not happen if you have someone to tell you what your doing wrong.
As for the type of guitar I say go for an electric assuming it fits the style of music you want to learn. They are WAY easier to play than an acoustic. I got an acoustic when I was 20, learned a few songs, then didn’t touch it for months. Then I’d pick it back up for a few months. Then it’d sit in a corner for months. Then I got my first electric when I was 26 and I was hooked. Instantly better just because the stings are so much easier to push down/ bend. I would love to be able to go back in time and A) start lessons immediately and B) got an electric. Im sure I would be 10 times the guitar player I am now if I had done both of those! Hopefully you can get it all right from the start and maximize success!
Sorry for such a long post but, this is info I feel very strongly about lol
Oh and as far model of guitar. Can’t go wrong with a fender stratocaster. Even a squier strat wouldn’t be bad if looking to spend less. Light and comfortable.
Awesome article, Klaus! Thank you! I am 50 and got my first guitar at 15, but never kept at it. I’ve recently become motivated to try to play my Strat more diligently due to the mounting desire to be able to get all of my creative musical ideas from out of my head and onto the instrument. Your article gives me hope that it’s never too late. Thank you!
Liked your article a lot. I wanted to learn to play music when I was in secondary school in Ireland but was put off by the teacher who laughed in my face when I told her. She said if I wanted to learn to play “proper” music I should have started when I was six years old not thirteen. It took me almost forty years to finally decide the **** with her and start to learn to play rather than just strumming at home
Nice Artikel… Thank You
I am 47 and have just started playing the guitar, Always had this passion tried it for 6 months when is was about 23 but had to let go to get life right. Not satisfied with some guitar teachers i have out here but trying to learn out of the internet… and it sure is great. I can relate to many of the posts out here….. barre chords are painful and some of them 7 chords too but then i guess it is all about persistence and practice eventually you get it. Anyway at this age you learn to play for your yourself and the passion/love for the instrument. Someday’s you just get it right some days not so good…. but not giving up so easily…. hoping i will be a decent player by the time i turn 50.
Hi, thankyou so much for your article. I have just srarted playing on a full size guitar at 62 but finding it a bit hard picking which is my preferred method after learning classical guitar for a while when i was 21. I am also teaching myself chords as well. Sore fingers and not get anywhere quickly and sometimes frustrated but I am really enjoying :)
Do you think I could be better off with a 3/4 size?
Trish
Wow, thank you so much for posting this. I’m sixteen and I’ve been playing the piano for almost a year and I love it–but I would LOVE to learn to play the guitar as well. Prior to reading this, I was worried I was “too old” and that I would never become as good as those who started out at like five. But reading this has really inspired me to do it! I want to start taking lessons this summer :) Thanks so much!
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Good luck for the next!