I'm pretty sure I'm one of the oldest people who started, age 66 when I first picked up a guitar to keep my brain active. I'm going slowly through your lessons and still having an absolute blast 3 years later, about 3/4 through the apprentice section. I truly believe it is keeping my hands supple. At each new lesson, I think it is a tough one but I get through it. Sometimes I go back to an older lesson that I thought was impossible and now I laugh when I realize how much I've learned. THIS IS A TRULY AMAZING JOURNEY. I'm actually jamming occasionally with a friend who plays bass.
My brother has ONE HAND and learned guitar in his early 50s. He made a prosthetic device to hold the pick on the end if his half arm. It had a pad for palm muting (with no palm), a piece of fabric to trigger pitch harmonics. He was driven and took two lessons a week and practiced his ass off. He learned to shred, better than me. I'm so proud of him. Others noticed too .. Phil Collin let him have a PC1 made at the custom shop. Anything us possible if you want it / work for it, no matter your situation. ❤❤❤
This video got you a new subscriber! I’m 71 and the issue that you covered regarding hand strength and flexibility is my main obstacle. I used to play a little when I was younger, but now my hands don’t seem to reach the chords as easily now that I’m picking up guitar again. I just did your hand yoga exercises and now I’m hooked! Thank you!
Started at 58 now 70. Start before you get ill. Everything is against you and health, pain, fatigue you name it including memory or lack of it will keep you from learning the fretboard and improving as quickly as you thought you could but don’t give up or lose your drive cause just strumming or picking each string and concentrating on technique pays off in the long run. Just slower. Keep playing.
I've never had a music lesson in my 35 years of playing guitar. When I grew up, the guitar was my PlayStation. . If the passion is in you, you will hear harmony, having never been taught it.
“Bustin my hump”. A classic! Leave It To Beaver, Happy Days. You really are 87. I was way off Mike, I only figured you for maybe 63. I remember walking by your house last June & you yelled at me & said “get off my lawn”!! Enjoy your channel, keep up the good work.
I am the same age as Mike and have being playing for as long as him. I am no way as good but as him but I don't care as I'm still having heaps of fun. So finally I've decided after 30 years to finally learn the piano. So far in 8 months I've gone from playing basic chords slowly to being able to play all of Evanescence's "My Immortal" including the solo at speed. It's a wild experience having to learn all of the chords I know on the guitar and transposing them over to the keyboard. It's also an exercise in finger stretching I wasn't quite ready for. Octave double stops are crazy coming from a guy who doesn't have big hands. It's never too late. Unless you've got chronic arthritis you'll just end regretting it. And regret is the last thing you want to be thinking about when you're knockin' on heavens door. pun intended.
35 years of turning wrenches has had an impact on my ability to play guitar. Not that I was ever good at guitar, but I still find ways to play even if the fingers don't move as well as they used to. I'm quite happy to be a low-rent version of Paul Stanley as long as I am still able to hammer out some chords and the occasional Albert King lick. Never too old to play.
Glad you did this video Mike. I should have all the excuses, but I practice five days a week. Play along with backing tracks here on YT and create some of my own riffs. I did start playing back in 1979 practicing, gigging, etc. until 1991 when I was married and new baby arrived. Flash forward to about eight years ago I picked it back up again. There are many challenges to get through. I have Parkinson's disease (left hand has the tremors), arthritis, muscle spasms and bursitis esp. in my elbows. At 57 I'm still a decent guitar player, I know I have limits, but I persevere every day. Your videos have been a great inspiration and source of entertainment for me. Thank you!
I’m 71 and I have been doing a classic rock solo show with backing tracks for 15 years! I have played in bands of all kinds since I was a teenager. All self taught! Back in the 60’s you listened to a record over and over and just had to figure it out! Then there were music books with illustrated chords, that’s how I learned the “open” chords and then a friend taught me barre chords, which was a revelation!
I 100% agree with what you said. I’m 50 & decided aged 18 to dedicate myself to learning how to play. No cash, no TH-cam back then so lessons weren’t an option. I played everyday but got nowhere then a motorbike crash left me with a seriously damaged collarbone. Sold the heavy Aria electric & then picked up the nylon strung classical. Didn’t actually start to dedicate my time to playing until aged 25 when I got a custom built steel string smashed up guitar (not as damaged as Willy Nelson’s trigger) but only cost me £50 (still have it). Played everyday & did what you said in the vid, I still can’t read music but love tab & chord boxes. Had arthritis since childhood, work & life have made it harder to play but all I ever wanted to do when I was a little boy was play guitar like Elvis Guitar Man (Jerry Reed Hubbard) but on banjo because I fell in love with Earl Scruggs foggy mountain breakdown as a little boy. My partner bought me a banjo guitar a few years ago & I’d never been happier. However hands couldn’t play for as many hours as I would like, some days maybe half a song or just a little picking. I always leave a guitar somewhere so I have to walk past it everyday & even just touching the strings would be enough. To help solve the problem (do your research if you try this & at your own risk) I removed the steel strings from my banjo once the la Bella folk singer strings (good enough for Willy Nelson who I love) arrived from America (took 3x months for my guitar shop to get them due to UK customs) I removed the steel strings from the banjoguitar, modified (drilled off) the back plate & filled the bridge a little. The reduction in string tension & aged 50 finally using a pick (thumb pick only) I can once again enjoy long sessions like I was a boy. I’m still nothing special but I thank the little boy who was me for wanting that banjo sound, I cannot describe the joy it brings to the life now I’m falling to bits. You’re never too old to start anything, I was given an old bass guitar which I’m going to string up & add a bit of bass to my life, & if I make it to 70 I’ll spend my pension on drum lessons 😂 Sorry for the long message to those who can’t be arsed reading . Love the channel & TH-cam has made it so there are no excuses anymore, Watch & play along. All the best for the New Year, regards Marty.
I picked up my mandolin for the first time at 42. That was 7 years ago and I love every minute I play. It's a stress relief as well as a fun project to see how far I can go. But at my pace. Also your videos are great and I find them encouraging and helpful
I just turned 32 about 3 weeks ago. I started playing guitar a little over 3 months ago and so many cool things have happened since. I progressed way faster than I thought it would take. I was playing full songs 3 weeks in after I learned how many of them really truly do only use 3 to 5 chords. 2 months in I started to have fun learning guitar solos and playing them at 85% speed. It was right around 6 to 8 weeks that my ear started developing a little bit. It's still sporadic even at the moment, but when I'm learning a song, sometimes I can look at the tab for part of the song, play it, and then in my head can almost hear the next part and figure it out without referring back to the tab. It's such a cool phenomenon to experience. 3rd month in and Ive started messing around with bar chords and broken chords, harmonics, and my ability to move up and down my fretboard has gotten noticeably better. I'm way faster now than I was 3 months ago, and can play a lot of songs at full speed. Theres defintiely alot of stuff that happens thats frustrating. Sometimes Ill try something 200 times in a row, not quite get it, and get super pissed. But often times, Ill go to bed, wake up, and its like all the practice the night before marinated in my sleep, and Ill play it perfectly the next morning. its a very rewarding feeling. I definitely still play sloppy half the time, and have a ton to learn. Thats why I spend 75% of my time practicing guitar drills, rather than oearning songs. Its not as fun, but makes all the difference in the world. And cool things have happened on this journey, like meeting a 71 year old music man at my gym recently who got paid to play live music for many years before retiring. He told me to start singing while playing my guitar, and him and I are planning on hanging out twice a week to jam together and help tighten up my technique. A buddy of mine gave me his acoustic guitar for free to help out. Just have it to me. And I've all of sudden just started meeting so many musicians in my town and have tons of new acquaintances who want to get together and play some music together. I highly recommend learning to play. I'm a go with the flow kind of guy. If I find a way to make money playing guitar somewhere down the line, I'll go for it. But if I don't, I don't give a damn, I play my guitar 3 hours at the end of every day, and I love it. If I never make a dime playing it, I won't mind.
Please, prepare yourself already for the plateau you will hit. And that's when progress comes to a screeching halt. It can be quite depressing and make you question your abilities. Don't give up. There's more to come behind that plateau :)
Congrats on learning the coolest and hardest instrument. Totally fun. But, keep enjoying the practice cause that’s what will get you thru the plateau after plateau after plateau. Each one one will end and you’ll be a better player because of it. Be careful not to hurt your hands or fingers or fingertips by playing too much or pressing too hard as you are still learning. The least amount of pressure on the string to get a clean sound is what you want. That way you’ll be able to play lots, and eventually faster. Pressing hard can cause problems, slow you down and is just not good. Watch really great players and see how little they seem to touch the strings. One of their “secrets” too many beginners need to pay attention too. Keep playing and having fun.
@@missingremote4388Thanks for the suggestion! I'll take a look at it. I can play through songs like Drops of Jupiter and R U Mine by Arctic monkeys, relatively easily, and I like songs like that for that reason. Blitzkrieg bop, boulevard of broken dreams by green day, check my brain by newer Alice in chains, Plush by STP, etc.
@@dan_kayThank you for the warning. I've heard all about the intermediate plateaus that come. I will be studying scales and the CAGED system etc to hopefully avoid hitting that. For now it seems everyday I wake up, I'm noticeably better at something on guitar and I'm living for it
Over 40 years ago I learned to play with one lesson from my brother and books…lots of books. I quit after a year. Now I’m in my 60’s and I’ve been playing steadily for over three years. Learning at 60 was actually easier than at 20, since I had the internet to answer every question. The fun thing is you can make this as easy or hard as you want, once you’re past the initial learning curve. I’m mostly a strummer, but sometimes I want to learn the solo. Some songs work better with fingerpicking. I somehow feel that all this is good for my brain, and it’s definitely satisfying to play and belt out your favorites. Oldsters, if you love music, and you have a little patience, I highly recommend learning guitar.
Oh I gotta say, even before watching the full video, what a special sight and audible experience it is to hear you on an acoustic! I’m all for electric, but for just about anything, especially with music, if you can have a bit of variation from time to time, it goes a long way. You seem really in tune with playing an acoustic as well! That’s a lovely one.
Being a guitar teacher myself, I find a lot of my adult students getting down on themselves even after they learn a chord or riff and are playing well. I have to keep reassuring them that they're learning fast and that they're on the right track. Kids tend to think they're playing better than they are, at first lol
I'm 60, and about to start learning via a Hal Leonard book, as I want to learn how to read music. Being a drummer for most of my life, playing by ear, I want to learn a second instrument. I have a severe lower back issue (L4 is almost halfway off L5, leading to constantly pinched nerves)...which limits my movement and doesn't allow me to play my drums often. So, an instrument which I can sit and play without a lot of twisting the lower back is something I need now. Thanks to you and a few other instructors here on the 'tube, you have all given me the incentive to pick up the guitar and learn.
I'm 49 and decided to pick up a guitar and give it a red hot go. I signed up to your website and it's been great so far, very easy to follow along with a nice, relaxed teaching technique. If I can play a Slayer or Bolt Thrower song (with tabs) in six months or so, I'll be a happy camper.
I always either took lessons or played guitar and now I was able to retire early and have started /continued to play more now that I have the time , its great.
Began at 52 and I am now 58 and love it. I practice about 5 to 6 times a week for on average about an hour. I have no real ambitions other than to become competent and maybe play a gig or two before I am six feet under. I really hope to get my grandchildren involved in a few years and maybe play with them too. Great point about open tunings. I only recently found out about open G and it's like half of The Rolling Stones discography available. I wish I'd have been shown that earlier.
I would absolutely LOVE a video [or a series] on creating 2nd guitar parts. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but it seems like there should be more to it than just arpeggios, and chord extensions.
I started at 52. I can play in front of friends. Also, relaxing and fun to play. Suggestion... learn open chords e, c, g, d chords. Lots of songs with them.
I started playing bass at 41. I learned with a game called Rocksmith, which is basically guitar hero with real instruments. 6 years later, still rockin'. anybody can do this
I often hear “my fingers are too short/hand is too small” or “I’ll never be able to play like John Petrucci (so I just won’t bother)”! Me, I just play for fun.
RE: "Practice every day." A few suggestions I've heard that helped me. 1. If you miss the odd day, even if you miss 1-2 a week, you'll still be OK. Just try to keep at it regularly. 2. Tell yourself you will pick up your guitar for at least 5 minutes a day. And even if that's all you do, it will help over time. But I GUARANTEE it'll be more than 5 minutes most of the time! 😉 3. Make sure you build some FUN stuff into your practice routine. Don't make it all drills. If it gives you kicks, trust me, you'll find time and space to play!😃
I started at 29, which seemed kinda old then 😂 Ended up playing in many bands, many live gigs, opened for national acts, played live on major commercial radio, recorded three records, wrote hundreds of songs. Helped teach my kid. Magical journey. To me at least, I “made it big.” Btw, that thing about guitar therapy is TRUTH. I always think of Hendrix: “That’s allright, I still got my guitar!” If you start later, practice more 😂
My standing advice to anyone considering playing an instrument: no matter what your age, do it now! Just start. It can be enormously rewarding on so many levels: intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, economically (if you go pro)...
My issue is that I couldn't seem to progress after playing for decades. The guitar went from a stress reliever to a source of more stress 😢 Being older and the joins of my thumbs starting to ache didn't help.
The iPad part is funny. You're right of course, vis a vis older learners not having to worry, but that whole situation is sad. Having sheet music or charts in front of you is normal and acceptable in a lot of classical and jazz settings, but when today's kids can't/won't even memorize a few rock songs, that's pretty sad. It just looks so dumb to have them standing still, reading yet another electronic device in front of the audience. So not rock and roll.
As a teenager in a band I agree. I also play flute, and have played in ensembles with sheet music, I had a solo piece I memorised but then still used the sheet music so I wouldn't mess up. It's also harder, more complex music in jazz or classical. I'd never play live with an ipad or anything with my band where I play lead guitar, also that would mean there would be no stage presence either. That being said, it's also easier to improvise in rock music compared to classical, you don't expect note for note versions in rock as you would classical music and jazz standards.
Now, in my 40's, I have a 10m rule where I pick my guitar at least 10m a day. Some days the 10m are just that but I find that most day the 10m becomes an hour or 2 depending on my available time.
Mike I’d be interested to see a short video on why it would be helpful to learn to read simple notation in the open position, as you briefly mentioned here. I’ve not heard anyone suggest that before. Usually it’s just “don’t worry you don’t need it at all”.
Ok... I have to respond. Thank you for this video. So happy I'm not the only one who has drooled on the frets. I'm a girl and somehow I'm now 57! Yikes! Feel 30 something. Anyway....Always wanted to play guitar and have tried off and on over the years. never could get it. Thank you for this video and ur beginner video. I'm still trying to learn guitar and relieved to know it's not hopeless. I've used several apps, watched video after video and while all that helped, I made more progress after watching ur beginner video and practicing than all the previous stuff put together. Not to mention I had a couple "ah ha" moments and was able to clearly play something. So many thanks. BTW What do I do next?
I think the only way someone can't learn is if they have diabetic neuropathy in their hands (numbness and tingling). My husband has that, unfortunately, cannot learn basics of guitar because his hands are too far gone.
Im 34 and the shit i learned when i was a teen i can still play without thinking it. Its like breathing. Stuff i learn now seems to take an age to get down like that. Anyone else have that?
I'm not sure exactly how old you are but I think you're around my age, started playing in 1991. I did a whole lot of drooling on my guitar back in the day as well. That made me laugh.
I started a few years ago when I turned 40. My only metric for success is enjoyment and on that scale it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Except for my wallet.
I am 50, playing guitar for more than 5 years. I can't complain about my guitar skills, but to this day, I wasn't able to create anything musical. I just don't hear anything when I listen into my brain. There is nothing that says "play me on the guitar". I think I have zero understanding for music. And then, it doesn't really matter that I can play every scale in every position. All I ever wanted was to create music like Chuck Berry, but I just don't have it me . 😕
Any thoughts on acoustic vs electric for beginners, of any age? I've seen people become frustrated with the acoustic strings and the finger pressure that seems easier on electric.
Too old.. probably not. But too late?... Absolutely can happen. I was already an adult and had been playing guitar for years. My dad, at 52, wanted me to give him lessons. I did, and we had a great time.. for a couple months. He was then diagnosed with ALS. Lost all control of himself very shortly, and passed on a year later. Just.. don't wait if you really want to play. It's always too late...
Saying "I don't know how to read musc, so there's no way I could learn guitar" Is literally the same as saying, "I don't know how to read french, so there's no way I could speak french."
i am 63 and started playing at age 60. Play for me my grandkids etc. Love it and love guitars. Never owned a guitar before age 60. Played Clarinet in High School in the 70's. I have a youtube channel where I now post some of my playing around in the garage etc. www.youtube.com/@wwp-reacts. I now need a mic setup to play my acoustic like I see you are using in this video to you mind sharing a link where I can find Similar. Thanks Bill
I'm pretty sure I'm one of the oldest people who started, age 66 when I first picked up a guitar to keep my brain active. I'm going slowly through your lessons and still having an absolute blast 3 years later, about 3/4 through the apprentice section. I truly believe it is keeping my hands supple. At each new lesson, I think it is a tough one but I get through it. Sometimes I go back to an older lesson that I thought was impossible and now I laugh when I realize how much I've learned. THIS IS A TRULY AMAZING JOURNEY. I'm actually jamming occasionally with a friend who plays bass.
My brother has ONE HAND and learned guitar in his early 50s. He made a prosthetic device to hold the pick on the end if his half arm. It had a pad for palm muting (with no palm), a piece of fabric to trigger pitch harmonics. He was driven and took two lessons a week and practiced his ass off. He learned to shred, better than me. I'm so proud of him. Others noticed too .. Phil Collin let him have a PC1 made at the custom shop. Anything us possible if you want it / work for it, no matter your situation. ❤❤❤
I've seen a couple of people with only one arm who have perfect pinch harmonics and it amazes me because I have two arms and no pinch harmonics.
This video got you a new subscriber! I’m 71 and the issue that you covered regarding hand strength and flexibility is my main obstacle. I used to play a little when I was younger, but now my hands don’t seem to reach the chords as easily now that I’m picking up guitar again. I just did your hand yoga exercises and now I’m hooked! Thank you!
A very encouraging post for we oldies 😊😊😊🎸🎸🎸
Old, or gold, hmmn???
Started at 58 now 70. Start before you get ill. Everything is against you and health, pain, fatigue you name it including memory or lack of it will keep you from learning the fretboard and improving as quickly as you thought you could but don’t give up or lose your drive cause just strumming or picking each string and concentrating on technique pays off in the long run. Just slower. Keep playing.
I remember back in the 80's - 90's we had the Hot Licks Production guitar instruction videos on VHS 🤘🤘(so much rewinding lol)
I've never had a music lesson in my 35 years of playing guitar. When I grew up, the guitar was my PlayStation. . If the passion is in you, you will hear harmony, having never been taught it.
“Bustin my hump”. A classic! Leave It To Beaver, Happy Days. You really are 87. I was way off Mike, I only figured you for maybe 63. I remember walking by your house last June & you yelled at me & said “get off my lawn”!! Enjoy your channel, keep up the good work.
I am the same age as Mike and have being playing for as long as him. I am no way as good but as him but I don't care as I'm still having heaps of fun.
So finally I've decided after 30 years to finally learn the piano. So far in 8 months I've gone from playing basic chords slowly to being able to play all of Evanescence's "My Immortal" including the solo at speed.
It's a wild experience having to learn all of the chords I know on the guitar and transposing them over to the keyboard. It's also an exercise in finger stretching I wasn't quite ready for. Octave double stops are crazy coming from a guy who doesn't have big hands.
It's never too late. Unless you've got chronic arthritis you'll just end regretting it.
And regret is the last thing you want to be thinking about when you're knockin' on heavens door. pun intended.
35 years of turning wrenches has had an impact on my ability to play guitar. Not that I was ever good at guitar, but I still find ways to play even if the fingers don't move as well as they used to. I'm quite happy to be a low-rent version of Paul Stanley as long as I am still able to hammer out some chords and the occasional Albert King lick. Never too old to play.
Glad you did this video Mike. I should have all the excuses, but I practice five days a week. Play along with backing tracks here on YT and create some of my own riffs. I did start playing back in 1979 practicing, gigging, etc. until 1991 when I was married and new baby arrived. Flash forward to about eight years ago I picked it back up again.
There are many challenges to get through. I have Parkinson's disease (left hand has the tremors), arthritis, muscle spasms and bursitis esp. in my elbows. At 57 I'm still a decent guitar player, I know I have limits, but I persevere every day. Your videos have been a great inspiration and source of entertainment for me. Thank you!
I’m 71 and I have been doing a classic rock solo show with backing tracks for 15 years! I have played in bands of all kinds since I was a teenager. All self taught! Back in the 60’s you listened to a record over and over and just had to figure it out! Then there were music books with illustrated chords, that’s how I learned the “open” chords and then a friend taught me barre chords, which was a revelation!
I 100% agree with what you said. I’m 50 & decided aged 18 to dedicate myself to learning how to play. No cash, no TH-cam back then so lessons weren’t an option. I played everyday but got nowhere then a motorbike crash left me with a seriously damaged collarbone. Sold the heavy Aria electric & then picked up the nylon strung classical. Didn’t actually start to dedicate my time to playing until aged 25 when I got a custom built steel string smashed up guitar (not as damaged as Willy Nelson’s trigger) but only cost me £50 (still have it). Played everyday & did what you said in the vid, I still can’t read music but love tab & chord boxes. Had arthritis since childhood, work & life have made it harder to play but all I ever wanted to do when I was a little boy was play guitar like Elvis Guitar Man (Jerry Reed Hubbard) but on banjo because I fell in love with Earl Scruggs foggy mountain breakdown as a little boy. My partner bought me a banjo guitar a few years ago & I’d never been happier. However hands couldn’t play for as many hours as I would like, some days maybe half a song or just a little picking. I always leave a guitar somewhere so I have to walk past it everyday & even just touching the strings would be enough. To help solve the problem (do your research if you try this & at your own risk) I removed the steel strings from my banjo once the la Bella folk singer strings (good enough for Willy Nelson who I love) arrived from America (took 3x months for my guitar shop to get them due to UK customs) I removed the steel strings from the banjoguitar, modified (drilled off) the back plate & filled the bridge a little. The reduction in string tension & aged 50 finally using a pick (thumb pick only) I can once again enjoy long sessions like I was a boy. I’m still nothing special but I thank the little boy who was me for wanting that banjo sound, I cannot describe the joy it brings to the life now I’m falling to bits. You’re never too old to start anything, I was given an old bass guitar which I’m going to string up & add a bit of bass to my life, & if I make it to 70 I’ll spend my pension on drum lessons 😂
Sorry for the long message to those who can’t be arsed reading . Love the channel & TH-cam has made it so there are no excuses anymore, Watch & play along. All the best for the New Year, regards Marty.
Way to go! Keep playing. Just turned 70. Started late. Oh yeah.
Started at 53. Love it. Doing fine, because I’m enjoying the process.
I picked up my mandolin for the first time at 42. That was 7 years ago and I love every minute I play. It's a stress relief as well as a fun project to see how far I can go. But at my pace.
Also your videos are great and I find them encouraging and helpful
I just turned 32 about 3 weeks ago. I started playing guitar a little over 3 months ago and so many cool things have happened since. I progressed way faster than I thought it would take. I was playing full songs 3 weeks in after I learned how many of them really truly do only use 3 to 5 chords. 2 months in I started to have fun learning guitar solos and playing them at 85% speed. It was right around 6 to 8 weeks that my ear started developing a little bit. It's still sporadic even at the moment, but when I'm learning a song, sometimes I can look at the tab for part of the song, play it, and then in my head can almost hear the next part and figure it out without referring back to the tab. It's such a cool phenomenon to experience. 3rd month in and Ive started messing around with bar chords and broken chords, harmonics, and my ability to move up and down my fretboard has gotten noticeably better. I'm way faster now than I was 3 months ago, and can play a lot of songs at full speed. Theres defintiely alot of stuff that happens thats frustrating. Sometimes Ill try something 200 times in a row, not quite get it, and get super pissed. But often times, Ill go to bed, wake up, and its like all the practice the night before marinated in my sleep, and Ill play it perfectly the next morning. its a very rewarding feeling.
I definitely still play sloppy half the time, and have a ton to learn. Thats why I spend 75% of my time practicing guitar drills, rather than oearning songs. Its not as fun, but makes all the difference in the world.
And cool things have happened on this journey, like meeting a 71 year old music man at my gym recently who got paid to play live music for many years before retiring. He told me to start singing while playing my guitar, and him and I are planning on hanging out twice a week to jam together and help tighten up my technique. A buddy of mine gave me his acoustic guitar for free to help out. Just have it to me. And I've all of sudden just started meeting so many musicians in my town and have tons of new acquaintances who want to get together and play some music together. I highly recommend learning to play.
I'm a go with the flow kind of guy. If I find a way to make money playing guitar somewhere down the line, I'll go for it. But if I don't, I don't give a damn, I play my guitar 3 hours at the end of every day, and I love it. If I never make a dime playing it, I won't mind.
A fun guitar song to learn is pinball wizard. Helps if you listen to it 1000 times
Please, prepare yourself already for the plateau you will hit. And that's when progress comes to a screeching halt. It can be quite depressing and make you question your abilities. Don't give up. There's more to come behind that plateau :)
Congrats on learning the coolest and hardest instrument. Totally fun. But, keep enjoying the practice cause that’s what will get you thru the plateau after plateau after plateau. Each one one will end and you’ll be a better player because of it. Be careful not to hurt your hands or fingers or fingertips by playing too much or pressing too hard as you are still learning. The least amount of pressure on the string to get a clean sound is what you want. That way you’ll be able to play lots, and eventually faster. Pressing hard can cause problems, slow you down and is just not good. Watch really great players and see how little they seem to touch the strings. One of their “secrets” too many beginners need to pay attention too. Keep playing and having fun.
@@missingremote4388Thanks for the suggestion! I'll take a look at it. I can play through songs like Drops of Jupiter and R U Mine by Arctic monkeys, relatively easily, and I like songs like that for that reason. Blitzkrieg bop, boulevard of broken dreams by green day, check my brain by newer Alice in chains, Plush by STP, etc.
@@dan_kayThank you for the warning. I've heard all about the intermediate plateaus that come. I will be studying scales and the CAGED system etc to hopefully avoid hitting that. For now it seems everyday I wake up, I'm noticeably better at something on guitar and I'm living for it
Over 40 years ago I learned to play with one lesson from my brother and books…lots of books. I quit after a year. Now I’m in my 60’s and I’ve been playing steadily for over three years. Learning at 60 was actually easier than at 20, since I had the internet to answer every question. The fun thing is you can make this as easy or hard as you want, once you’re past the initial learning curve. I’m mostly a strummer, but sometimes I want to learn the solo. Some songs work better with fingerpicking. I somehow feel that all this is good for my brain, and it’s definitely satisfying to play and belt out your favorites. Oldsters, if you love music, and you have a little patience, I highly recommend learning guitar.
Oh I gotta say, even before watching the full video, what a special sight and audible experience it is to hear you on an acoustic!
I’m all for electric, but for just about anything, especially with music, if you can have a bit of variation from time to time, it goes a long way. You seem really in tune with playing an acoustic as well! That’s a lovely one.
I started in my 50s. I just enjoy playing riffs mostly and the easy solos. Latest discovery is Dead Sara's Weatherman: totally rifftastic.
Being a guitar teacher myself, I find a lot of my adult students getting down on themselves even after they learn a chord or riff and are playing well. I have to keep reassuring them that they're learning fast and that they're on the right track. Kids tend to think they're playing better than they are, at first lol
I'm 60, and about to start learning via a Hal Leonard book, as I want to learn how to read music. Being a drummer for most of my life, playing by ear, I want to learn a second instrument. I have a severe lower back issue (L4 is almost halfway off L5, leading to constantly pinched nerves)...which limits my movement and doesn't allow me to play my drums often. So, an instrument which I can sit and play without a lot of twisting the lower back is something I need now.
Thanks to you and a few other instructors here on the 'tube, you have all given me the incentive to pick up the guitar and learn.
I'm 49 and decided to pick up a guitar and give it a red hot go. I signed up to your website and it's been great so far, very easy to follow along with a nice, relaxed teaching technique. If I can play a Slayer or Bolt Thrower song (with tabs) in six months or so, I'll be a happy camper.
I always either took lessons or played guitar and now I was able to retire early and have started /continued to play more now that I have the time , its great.
Began at 52 and I am now 58 and love it. I practice about 5 to 6 times a week for on average about an hour. I have no real ambitions other than to become competent and maybe play a gig or two before I am six feet under. I really hope to get my grandchildren involved in a few years and maybe play with them too. Great point about open tunings. I only recently found out about open G and it's like half of The Rolling Stones discography available. I wish I'd have been shown that earlier.
Thanks for that video! It really inspired me in a way 😉
I would absolutely LOVE a video [or a series] on creating 2nd guitar parts. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but it seems like there should be more to it than just arpeggios, and chord extensions.
I'm using Stuart Clifford's version of Wasted Years as the song I want played at my funeral. I love his version!!
I started at 52. I can play in front of friends. Also, relaxing and fun to play. Suggestion... learn open chords e, c, g, d chords. Lots of songs with them.
I started playing bass at 41. I learned with a game called Rocksmith, which is basically guitar hero with real instruments. 6 years later, still rockin'. anybody can do this
I often hear “my fingers are too short/hand is too small” or “I’ll never be able to play like John Petrucci (so I just won’t bother)”! Me, I just play for fun.
I was at the same Metallica concert as you in Minnesota not too long ago and I wish I saw you
RE: "Practice every day." A few suggestions I've heard that helped me.
1. If you miss the odd day, even if you miss 1-2 a week, you'll still be OK. Just try to keep at it regularly.
2. Tell yourself you will pick up your guitar for at least 5 minutes a day. And even if that's all you do, it will help over time. But I GUARANTEE it'll be more than 5 minutes most of the time! 😉
3. Make sure you build some FUN stuff into your practice routine. Don't make it all drills. If it gives you kicks, trust me, you'll find time and space to play!😃
I started at 29, which seemed kinda old then 😂 Ended up playing in many bands, many live gigs, opened for national acts, played live on major commercial radio, recorded three records, wrote hundreds of songs. Helped teach my kid. Magical journey. To me at least, I “made it big.”
Btw, that thing about guitar therapy is TRUTH. I always think of Hendrix: “That’s allright, I still got my guitar!”
If you start later, practice more 😂
My standing advice to anyone considering playing an instrument: no matter what your age, do it now! Just start. It can be enormously rewarding on so many levels: intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially, economically (if you go pro)...
My issue is that I couldn't seem to progress after playing for decades. The guitar went from a stress reliever to a source of more stress 😢 Being older and the joins of my thumbs starting to ache didn't help.
The iPad part is funny. You're right of course, vis a vis older learners not having to worry, but that whole situation is sad. Having sheet music or charts in front of you is normal and acceptable in a lot of classical and jazz settings, but when today's kids can't/won't even memorize a few rock songs, that's pretty sad. It just looks so dumb to have them standing still, reading yet another electronic device in front of the audience. So not rock and roll.
As a teenager in a band I agree. I also play flute, and have played in ensembles with sheet music, I had a solo piece I memorised but then still used the sheet music so I wouldn't mess up. It's also harder, more complex music in jazz or classical. I'd never play live with an ipad or anything with my band where I play lead guitar, also that would mean there would be no stage presence either. That being said, it's also easier to improvise in rock music compared to classical, you don't expect note for note versions in rock as you would classical music and jazz standards.
Great episode 👌
Now, in my 40's, I have a 10m rule where I pick my guitar at least 10m a day. Some days the 10m are just that but I find that most day the 10m becomes an hour or 2 depending on my available time.
Mike I’d be interested to see a short video on why it would be helpful to learn to read simple notation in the open position, as you briefly mentioned here. I’ve not heard anyone suggest that before. Usually it’s just “don’t worry you don’t need it at all”.
Already in the works.
What made me quit my first and only band concert n 1983 was the singer saying “Hey, I got us a gig!” I’m still shaking from that. 😂😂😂
The lightest strings you can get away with are the way to go and consider electric guitar cause it is way easier than my acoustic.
Ok... I have to respond. Thank you for this video. So happy I'm not the only one who has drooled on the frets. I'm a girl and somehow I'm now 57! Yikes! Feel 30 something. Anyway....Always wanted to play guitar and have tried off and on over the years. never could get it. Thank you for this video and ur beginner video. I'm still trying to learn guitar and relieved to know it's not hopeless. I've used several apps, watched video after video and while all that helped, I made more progress after watching ur beginner video and practicing than all the previous stuff put together. Not to mention I had a couple "ah ha" moments and was able to clearly play something. So many thanks. BTW What do I do next?
A lot of pro musicians can’t read music I’ve been playing music for over 15 years and I don’t read music
The vast majority of pros don't read or write.
I don't read music and still write a ton. None of my bandmates sight read or write music.
Hey Mike almost a million subs 👍👍👍
I had the drool thing happen... DURING GUITAR CLASS, right in front of the teacher (who basically just confirmed what you said)
I think the only way someone can't learn is if they have diabetic neuropathy in their hands (numbness and tingling). My husband has that, unfortunately, cannot learn basics of guitar because his hands are too far gone.
Im 34 and the shit i learned when i was a teen i can still play without thinking it. Its like breathing. Stuff i learn now seems to take an age to get down like that. Anyone else have that?
I'm still plugging away!
I'm not sure exactly how old you are but I think you're around my age, started playing in 1991. I did a whole lot of drooling on my guitar back in the day as well. That made me laugh.
I pretend I make it big all the time when I play in my basement lol. My kids come down and I’m like your dad’s being a rockstar!
I started a few years ago when I turned 40. My only metric for success is enjoyment and on that scale it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Except for my wallet.
I started at 20; 40 now.
I am 50, playing guitar for more than 5 years. I can't complain about my guitar skills, but to this day, I wasn't able to create anything musical. I just don't hear anything when I listen into my brain. There is nothing that says "play me on the guitar". I think I have zero understanding for music. And then, it doesn't really matter that I can play every scale in every position.
All I ever wanted was to create music like Chuck Berry, but I just don't have it me . 😕
I'm about to do a video on opening the creative gateway in yourself.
Any thoughts on acoustic vs electric for beginners, of any age? I've seen people become frustrated with the acoustic strings and the finger pressure that seems easier on electric.
Too old.. probably not. But too late?... Absolutely can happen. I was already an adult and had been playing guitar for years. My dad, at 52, wanted me to give him lessons. I did, and we had a great time.. for a couple months. He was then diagnosed with ALS. Lost all control of himself very shortly, and passed on a year later. Just.. don't wait if you really want to play. It's always too late...
Saying "I don't know how to read musc, so there's no way I could learn guitar"
Is literally the same as saying, "I don't know how to read french, so there's no way I could speak french."
Send to my files 3:23
10:02 Wait what? How old are you? You like like maybe 40
That Gen X representation is a little too charitable. U fellas r grandma n grampa now 😎
Hey she does yoga and eats kale. 🤣🤣🤣
It’s not an Art of Guitar thumbnail until there’s a beautiful blonde holding a guitar.
Hey yo yall outta check out consistent yellow
87? I wouldn’t have put you a day past 73.😂
Yes your right I kicked my wife out and moved my guitars in.now I sleep with my 6 string babys.
TFW too young to learn guitar
first!!!
Anyone can learn guitar im gay and I even learned it
That's not allowed
I can feel the intelligence dripping from this one. (that's sarcasm if you're not smart enough to pick up on it)
@@phoenixzappa7366they need to turn their guitar in immediately…..lol😂
i am 63 and started playing at age 60. Play for me my grandkids etc. Love it and love guitars. Never owned a guitar before age 60. Played Clarinet in High School in the 70's. I have a youtube channel where I now post some of my playing around in the garage etc. www.youtube.com/@wwp-reacts. I now need a mic setup to play my acoustic like I see you are using in this video to you mind sharing a link where I can find Similar. Thanks Bill