I am 71 years old, and picking up a guitar for the first time in decades. Your tips and enthusiasm have been valuable to me. I am relearning in order to play with my Grandchildren. Thank You so much.
MR I am also just picking it back up after about a 25+ year hiatus. The thing that sucks for me is that I cannot find anyone to play with. I can play most all of the standard chords and I am trying to get my fingers to limber up. I have the ends of my fingers pretty well calloused up but the years of construction has wreaked havoc on my hands and fingers. I play it everyday for about a week but then I stop picking it up. I have it leaning up against my main workbench so it is literally sitting 9" from me and I have to pick it up to get to the shop. Hang in there and give her hell brother!!!!! ...... I am finally starting to get my ears back and I am waiting to be able to catch my guitar going out of tune before it is painfully obvious. Peace
Me too! I'm 71 and starting anew after giving up on guitar in my 20s. I was so impatient then but surprisingly, I'm finding it all so much easier this time round! I'm loving it so far.
Thanks for the tips Tom. I'm a 68y.o. disabled vet with PTSD. I have a bad habit of impulse decisions, i.e. buying a Gretsch guitar and an amp several years ago with the intention of learning. The gear sat idle for two years until I sold it. So now, I'm on the road by myself, traveling in a Camper. Figured that I would try it one more time, so I ordered another guitar and amp. Maybe if I watch enough of your videos, I actually learn to play this time.
Great attitude. I'm a 70+ beginner for two years but keeping at it. Trust me it's harder to start something new in your seventh decade, but to your point, I'm not giving up.
Love your videos! Just started at 75 and taking classes. Determination and no-quit attitude are what got me through life, and I'm appling that to guitar and ukulelel.
Tom . . . . . you are one of only a few (literally . . few) who truly offers good advice without your own ego enmeshed in your offerings. Watching your tutorials, one can tell you have a great sense of humor and that you don't take yourself so seriously that you are insufferable to others. I will be incorporating many of your tips into my beginning lessons.
Thanks for the video! I’m 58 and dropped guitar 30 years ago after playing for 10. My son-in-law is also picking it up, so we’ll eventually be able to play together. I picked up an Alvarez D80 at an estate sale and have a stand next to my desk. I appreciate the first and second video. Main tip I’m taking to heart: play for 5 minutes and build from there.
73 years old and have always wanted to learn to play. Arthritic left wrist may be a hold back but jumped into it a bought an acoustic guitar. Your enthusiasm might just be what I am looking for. Thanks for the tips.
Another 70 year old, me! I played a bit in my teens but not since. Just bought myself a Baby Taylor (I'm a woman with small hands) and your energy and enthusiasm are just the encouragement I need!
I’m 62 and I’ve been dreaming of playing an electric guitar since I was 12yrs old! I’ve started and stopped so many times that it’s disappointing but I’m determined to learn my guitar by my 65 birthday! Thanks to you and everyone for your encouragement!
I stopped playing a couple decades ago, and still haven't forgotten all of my bad habits- just bought an acoustic and an electric. I'm old now. I appreciate the OLD in your title, because it's a certainty that I have lost some flexibility in my fingers. It's only been about a week since I got the first of the two axes. So I hope some will come back. If this might help anyone: The first day I found I only remembered about three cords, and not much else. But the notes and shapes have come flooding back ever more each day. I can actually play a few things, but want to take some lessons first. TH-cam didn't exist when I stopped playing, but now there are a few decent lessons here, and I found I'd actually been holding the pick wrong all those days of yesteryear. I held it between my thumb tip-and-index fingertip, not using the side of my bent index finger, which is the correct way. I keep reverting to the wrong way as I play, and I have to pay attention to that, and some other (fingering) issues I now know about. Best to take some lessons before getting into playing much.
Tom, you're the greatest, thank you for all that you do. As for your 7 tips, a quick mention for each.. #1 - Practice with a Metronome .. The most common tip I've heard. #2 - Play with Others... That's what it's all about! #3 - Get Your Guitar "Set-Up" .. Least heard of advice, most underrated, very important. #4 - Use a Capo to Push Down Strings .. To expand horizons. #5 - Listen to Music More Deeply .. Comes naturally with more experience as the ear develops. #6 - Get a Better Instrument My number one objective in life... #7 - Don't Give Up .. “Don't give up… Don't ever give up!” Jim Valvano...
At 88 have been very slowly progressin for nearly on year, sometimes not so bad, sometimes a bit Down, but I am slowly improving, Find it hard to get chord changes smoothly, not arthritis, just takes Time to get over the inability to do it without having to Look at the fretboard all the time. I Hope I Have Enough TIME. "Never Give Up".
I Go to two music jams a week . We sit in a circle with our music stands and books and takes turns going around the playing. It allows you to play with other people at all levels. You can learn from others as well they can learn by watching and playing with you also you get to meet new people.. Every community has them so find one you can go to but find one with a positive and welcoming attitude. I went to one that was very judgemental and never went back. The ones i attend now are supportive and the people are kind and thats very important. Its a great way to get playing time in .
I'm an older beginner, found your channel from Paul's video. The way you PLAY guitars and music amazed me! Thanks Paul highlighted your comment. I found your tips are super helpful! Hope your channel exploded even more so more people can get help and knowledge from you!
Excellent video, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in February 2016 (I was 47 at the time), I practice every single day, I mostly play AC/DC covers (plus some other bands), bear in mind I’m only a rhythm player (lead guitar was too hard for me). On the metronome thing, I have to confess I don’t use one (me bad), but I’ve learned to play in time by listening to the other musicians, and the lead singer (depending on the song), and counting the beat.
I'm a (now) retired visual arts college professor and former FT pro musician (drummer). Learning guitar a bit now. THANK YOU..... great presentation. You are clearly a great teacher.
Love your Tips ! You have a wonderful ability to teach . Thanks Start with easy songs and the guitar Always in Reach , Sight and the 5 mins , I play for hours ! Cheers
Great tips! I am 63 years old and have been contemplating learning to play. I have been researching and just started to look at guitars. I fret over buying the right guitar. I have visited 2 guitar stores in my area but, they only showed me one guitar. Also, they seemed apprehensive to let you try different guitars. So glad I saw this post. I do have a friend that plays and he has offered to take me to look at guitars. He plays guitar as a professional and I felt intimidated but, now I see the benefit of having his experience to help me make the right choice. Tip number 7 is the best! I think that has also been holding me back from learning to play. Not sure that I need a more expensive guitar. I just want the right guitar for me.
Thanks Tom. Yet another great video to help all of us become better players. As an older beginner who's still young at heart, this second video in the series helps keep us striving for proficiency, while having fun. As well, your weekly live stream has been truly fabulous for the past two years. Here's to the 1Mil subscriber goal!
The best way to educate myself is to have fun at it. You nailed it... thank you for keeping it really fun 🌺 I am a new subscriber and plan to see you hit a million. I am so happy I found your channel 🎶 🎵 🎶
Absolutely brilliant. I have small hands for a 47 year old lady (😂) and your tip to use the capo and work your way back down the fret board... I especially have A LOT of trouble with the F bar chord... Grrr! Brilliant! Thank you! 😊 👍🏼 🎸
Loved the tip on the capo - I had an awful guitar and it barely played but I figured out the capo trick on my own. It then got water damage in a move and became even worse, but there was no $ so I persevered for about 10 years until I could afford something decent (a guitar I still have 34 years later!). Your tip of never giving up...I'd modify it a little - If you go to a point of frustration, you should stop for a day or 2, THEN pick it up again. If you try to power through you might make yourself miserable and quit for good. True story - I have a deep and long lasting friendship with someone because I was that guy who taught him B7. 😁
Gotta love that b7 . Game changer . If you only knew the same 3 or4 chords ? Who knew ? I'm 65 in June. After getting nowhere when I was young . I started three years ago and they have been undoubtedly the happiest three years of my life . This guy is such a great and imfluential teacher . Before learning scales or anything complicated (!) Try learning to play a few songs using the same 4 famous chords . Honestly it will really get your confidence up . None of the guitar teachers I saw at 18 or 20 ,say , ever mentioned this . Instead weeks would be spent learning Tab and loads of baffling scales , all out of context . Anyways , love from fabulous , rainy , old London Town .❤🎉❤😊
I need to thank you for a great tip. I generally keep good time, but I can’t seem to use a metronome for practice. I’m always chasing the 1. But I downloaded a drum app, teed up a beat and unbelievable! Played along effortlessly. I’m a 70 year advanced beginner to intermediate level player and please take it from me, this tip really works! And it’s great fun. Thx again!!!
All good tips and the one that resonates with me (as an older beginner) is to listen to music more deeply. I'm hearing the lead vs. rhythm guitar parts better now than ever as I've worked through the process of learning to play. I guess I never realized how the various parts of the music are layered and fit together to make a great song.
Just met Tom today, WAY too late in the game. I am now An Officially "Subscribed" Tom Strahle Believer, and looking forward to his endlessly upbeat approach to learning guitar.
Watching your original 7 Tips for older beginners today, all the tips were spot on. Thank you for that! I’ve been almost learning since 2016, and made little progress. This was my own failure, I was inconsistent in my work. Learning to play guitar is work, there no way around that. BUT, this work can be fun. I “almost “ learned two dozen songs, and that lead to surrendering for months at a time and not working on my skills. A good friend a few months ago suggested I stop working on multiple songs, and try to perfect just one, even a simple song. I have been doing that for a few months now, and made more progress in a few months than n a few years. I now can play a few songs, completely and true and this…..is very rewarding and inherently builds the desire to work more. Thanks for the good tips, especially the don’t give up! If you’re having fun, then go with it!
When I'm being dragged around ASDA (Walmart) I live in the UK,by my wife she walks away from me because I start saying base snare base snare tin hats to the piped music I'm 63 and have been playing about 2 years, Keep up the good advice you help thanks
Tom, discovered your channel and your 7x2 tips tonight...soooo interesting to hear you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🤩🤩🤩 tips are very helpful and interesting (the 5th one very interesting 😋). Cheers
The tip on getting a good guitar is very right on. It makes a lot of difference. I have 2 really good ones (a Goodall and a Martin Custom shop) and it makes me want to play. I just love picking them up.
Another good one Tom thanks! I don't remember if you said this in the first video it's been years since I've seen it but I think a lot of people get discouraged because they start on an acoustic guitar. Their fingers hurt so they stop playing for a while, then they start again and the same thing happens. They never get the calluses to stop the pain. I think because of this, starting off on an electric is best for some. You could get a decent electric guitar and a small practice amp for sometimes way less than even a mildly playable acoustic.
30+ years ago I bought an Ovation Celebrity, shallow back, cut away. I've hardly played it in the 10-12 years and I've never had a lesson. I've recently retired and started playing again. It sounds very bright (plastic shallow back, cutaway) and I'm stuck doing the same things I was doing when I put it away... Boring, Boring, Boring!... So, I'm going to get some lessons and I'm looking hard at the Taylor GTe Mahogany. It is a smaller scale guitar and fits my short little beat up fingers a lot better. I've looked at the GS mini as well, fits me even better, but now we're going back into a bright sound, but not all the way. it to is Mahogany. I've watched both vids. Nice job, you are spot on, 100% correct.
I was hoping to see a follow up video. Awesome. Metronome with a drum beat is a great idea. Thanks I like your style of teaching. You seem like a mellow dude
I had just found your channel and watched the first video of these you made, and now this one, and I gotta say thank you. My youngest daughter (9) wanted to learn the guitar so I bought her a Fender acoustic and I got a Fender Strat (both used) so I could play with her but I'm about 40 and I don't even know any notes but I had to get strings for the Strat so I got those Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings I don't know if they're right or wrong for a Strat but at least it has strings right , but anyway thanks for the 2 videos and 14 tips now I gotta practice cuz my left hand don't move like that, and I got a lot to learn 🤙
I used to tune in every week for your instruction videos and they were always sooo much fun!!! I still love to play, and I'm SLOWLY getting better but this old guy is just doing it for fun, and that's enough for me :-) Thanks Tom for all your help and inspiration proving that, yes indeed... You CAN teach an old dog new tricks ;-) God Bless you Tom!!!
Wow that Gibson sounds so beautiful.... I have a 195_ (Fifty) something that is my stepdads until he passes. He bought it years ago with the dream that most all of us have but reality sets in pretty quick when you learn that it sure looks easy to play. Guitar takes complete commitment if you want to do more than pick it up and play 12 chords and put it down for another 3 months, Did you know that when all the men went off to WWII they plant was about 98% female workforce and they say that those instruments are some of the sweetest instruments produced at the Kalamazoo plant. Also, right up until they moved I think they still produced strings here in Kalamazoo also. You could see them working away making strings through the windows as you sat at the traffic light. Supposedly they are going to remodel the factory and create a museum, restaurant, hotel and a casino. I will believe it when I see it. I drove by the old plant and it looked like the plant is basically the same as the last 30+ years. There were some of the old Gibson guys building the Heritage guitars at the old plant but I am not sure anymore. One of my buddies wants to borrow my electric. I told him he could use my Palmer acoustic to learn chords on and he said no, I want to play the electric so I can rip off some Metallica and maybe some VanHalen....After I caught my breath from the laughing. I asked him if he realized just how much time it is going to take for him to learn to do anything except just look at it. He thinks that it should only take him a couple-three weeks and he would have it down..... I told him he was crazy and I have played for over 30 years and never played much on my electric. I bought a First Act because it was unique about 3 years ago. For $50 it was a steal. So I basically told him he was so full of shit his eyes were brown and he better buy some big boy panties and get ready to get his ass handed to him. I showed him a couple of videos of Lisa the guitar playing savonte' and he couldn't put 2 and 2 together. I kept telling him to watch her right hand and watch her play the strings. So he says to me "I got this bro....... I am serious, i will be jammin in no time" I laughed at him. What a dick he is...... "oh I got that bro" WHATEVER!!!!, Brother!! Peace
You are spot on with #6. I am fortunate enough that I could afford a beautiful custom Morgan from Vancouver and it completed re-inspired to pick it up and practice MUCH more. Still struggling with the basics, but its much harder to walk away from a piece of art that I marvel at than a piece of junk that I should not have bought. Really enjoying your channel (which I JUST stumbled upon).
I just got finished watching your early 6 tips video where you were playing the upside down guitar. I'm new at this, and the upside down guitar was confusing to me. Anyway today you are playing a guitar that is right side up. I feel better now! I am an older player, and I have a Baritone Ukulele which has more space on the fret board, that even I should be able to tackle. However I'm trying to play a song that requires a B7 Cord, and I just can't hit that E string properly. My thumb is in the correct place, and I've tried different angles. Hopefully I can figure this out before I quit like one of your students.
One thing not mentioned could be described as "Don't forget your thumb". Even if you don't want to pursue finger style it's quite useful to be able to just pick out bass notes - of course you can do it with a pick as well.
Thank you so much for all the tips (both videos)! I am 60 years old, and picked up classical guitar about a year ago. A few months ago, on my 60th birthday, I got myself a guitar that is way better than the one I had, and that was a real turning point for me. Not because of the guilt - quite the opposite! The reason is that I enjoy practicing a lot more than I used to. A good instrument just gives you so much more satisfaction. Another big help is a proper foot rest, a music stand and a guitar stand. I used to think I didn't need them, but being comfortable when you play is really important, especially when you are older than 20 ;-) Btw, beautiful playing at the end of the video - what was that?
Hey Tom, I have wanted to learn the guitar for many years now, but have ultimately failed. Recently, I bought a classical guitar, yet, could not find anyone to teach me finger style. After seeing your older beginner videos, along with the finger style tips I have been practicing for about six months and progressing well. Your methodology and enthusiasm is infectious, and I practice diligently. I even developed the confidence to buy a new Sire Marcus Miller V7 bass, and I know that i will learn that as well. TH-cam is great, however, it has been YOU that has made ALL the difference in my success. My heartfelt thanks. FYI, I recently turned 61.
I use to play the clarinet back in junior high but gave it up because it seemed extremely boring. Unfortunately nobody at the time introduced me to the great players like Bennie Goodman and Artie Shaw, and many others. Otherwise I don't think I would have found it as droll as it seemed. How many times can you actually play twinkle twinkle little star lol. My first experience with the guitar was also a disaster a I was a small kid and my parents borrowed my cousins acoustic dreadnought. Now the dreadnought fits. Some great advice here. Thanks. Interesting about the fingers. My right fingers have a slight roll to them, which would be great for the neck if I was a left handed player. I believe it came from the steering wheel of my cars. Still working on training the left ones though.
Re. your point about 'buy a better guitar'. My take on this for people who (like me) don't have much cash to spare is this; if you can't afford a better instrument that sounds as good as you'd like, find one that is *easy to play.* So if you only have X amount of pounds / dollars to spend on a guitar, keep some back to spend on taking your cheaper guitar to a repair shop so they can set up the action and neck to make it as easy as possible to play. To me, that makes more sense than spending all your money on a guitar with a better sound, but which is right pig to play, and not being able to afford to get it properly set up.
I hear a lot of people talk about playing to a metronome however if you are a true beginner who is still trying to figure out basic finger placement the metronome is simply going to stress you out. In the very beginning there are bigger challenges to overcome first: finger placement, dexterity, learning how far apart the strings are without looking at them, learning to read a little sheet music or tabs, etc etc
One extra tip from a fellow oldie, controversial perhaps but I suggest you find a place where you are not going to disturb anyone and get your guitar and really let rip, bash out the chords as aggressively as you can. It will certainly sound terrible but if you can do it for a short time each day it will really help you to become familiar with your instrument and help you to relax when you are playing especially when are doing more sensible practicing.
I’m going on 72, a beginner and dyslexic. I have a scratch built electric T-style guitar (I built) I want to learn to play just for my own amusement. I’ve tried off and on through the years to learn music notation. It’s just an incomprehensible illogical jumble to me. Equally insane is that notes repeat in octaves. Why can’t every note be it’s own? Guitar tablature looks backwards. The fact that a guitar’s higher 2 strings are shifted from the rest seems equally nuts. It might as well all be Klingon to me. I’ve tried several times to learn but can’t seem to get enough traction to continue. Any suggestions? Should I figure out my own system? Give up?
I am 71 years old, and picking up a guitar for the first time in decades. Your tips and enthusiasm have been valuable to me. I am relearning in order to play with my Grandchildren. Thank You so much.
Awesome.
Same here! M 74 and starting over after 30 years. Babe in the woods now but determined. 🤗
MR I am also just picking it back up after about a 25+ year hiatus. The thing that sucks for me is that I cannot find anyone to play with. I can play most all of the standard chords and I am trying to get my fingers to limber up. I have the ends of my fingers pretty well calloused up but the years of construction has wreaked havoc on my hands and fingers. I play it everyday for about a week but then I stop picking it up. I have it leaning up against my main workbench so it is literally sitting 9" from me and I have to pick it up to get to the shop.
Hang in there and give her hell brother!!!!! ...... I am finally starting to get my ears back and I am waiting to be able to catch my guitar going out of tune before it is painfully obvious.
Peace
Me too! I'm 71 and starting anew after giving up on guitar in my 20s. I was so impatient then but surprisingly, I'm finding it all so much easier this time round! I'm loving it so far.
Great.
Thanks for the tips Tom. I'm a 68y.o. disabled vet with PTSD. I have a bad habit of impulse decisions, i.e. buying a Gretsch guitar and an amp several years ago with the intention of learning. The gear sat idle for two years until I sold it. So now, I'm on the road by myself, traveling in a Camper. Figured that I would try it one more time, so I ordered another guitar and amp. Maybe if I watch enough of your videos, I actually learn to play this time.
Great attitude. I'm a 70+ beginner for two years but keeping at it. Trust me it's harder to start something new in your seventh decade, but to your point, I'm not giving up.
74 beginner here! 🤗
Love your videos! Just started at 75 and taking classes. Determination and no-quit attitude are what got me through life, and I'm appling that to guitar and ukulelel.
I am 70 years old and just started learning guitar! I like your sense of humor! And hopefully I won’t seek counseling! LOL
Tom . . . . . you are one of only a few (literally . . few) who truly offers good advice without your own ego enmeshed in your offerings. Watching your tutorials, one can tell you have a great sense of humor and that you don't take yourself so seriously that you are insufferable to others. I will be incorporating many of your tips into my beginning lessons.
I appreciate that!
Thanks for the video! I’m 58 and dropped guitar 30 years ago after playing for 10. My son-in-law is also picking it up, so we’ll eventually be able to play together. I picked up an Alvarez D80 at an estate sale and have a stand next to my desk. I appreciate the first and second video. Main tip I’m taking to heart: play for 5 minutes and build from there.
Your tip to use garageband's drummer tracks as a metronome was priceless...I don't know why I never thought of that...thank you!
I just came from the 5 years ago video!! You have only changed a little and the advice is just as good today. Bless you.75 years young noob.
73 years old and have always wanted to learn to play. Arthritic left wrist may be a hold back but jumped into it a bought an acoustic guitar. Your enthusiasm might just be what I am looking for. Thanks for the tips.
“There is a reward for the tenacious.” Tom Strahle
Well said Tom!
Another 70 year old, me! I played a bit in my teens but not since. Just bought myself a Baby Taylor (I'm a woman with small hands) and your energy and enthusiasm are just the encouragement I need!
Invaluable information……I’m 71 years old and just picked a guitar up again after 50+ years so is is like starting again.
Great video, thank you
I’m 62 and I’ve been dreaming of playing an electric guitar since I was 12yrs old! I’ve started and stopped so many times that it’s disappointing but I’m determined to learn my guitar by my 65 birthday! Thanks to you and everyone for your encouragement!
My first guitar was a fiber board Roy Rogers guitar. It was exquisite!
I was 4...
I stopped playing a couple decades ago, and still haven't forgotten all of my bad habits- just bought an acoustic and an electric. I'm old now. I appreciate the OLD in your title, because it's a certainty that I have lost some flexibility in my fingers. It's only been about a week since I got the first of the two axes. So I hope some will come back.
If this might help anyone: The first day I found I only remembered about three cords, and not much else. But the notes and shapes have come flooding back ever more each day. I can actually play a few things, but want to take some lessons first. TH-cam didn't exist when I stopped playing, but now there are a few decent lessons here, and I found I'd actually been holding the pick wrong all those days of yesteryear. I held it between my thumb tip-and-index fingertip, not using the side of my bent index finger, which is the correct way. I keep reverting to the wrong way as I play, and I have to pay attention to that, and some other (fingering) issues I now know about. Best to take some lessons before getting into playing much.
Tom, you're the greatest, thank you for all that you do. As for your 7 tips, a quick mention for each..
#1 - Practice with a Metronome .. The most common tip I've heard.
#2 - Play with Others... That's what it's all about!
#3 - Get Your Guitar "Set-Up" .. Least heard of advice, most underrated, very important.
#4 - Use a Capo to Push Down Strings .. To expand horizons.
#5 - Listen to Music More Deeply .. Comes naturally with more experience as the ear develops.
#6 - Get a Better Instrument My number one objective in life...
#7 - Don't Give Up .. “Don't give up… Don't ever give up!” Jim Valvano...
I find playing has made me much more appreciative of how much effort it took for great players to get where they are.
At 88 have been very slowly progressin for nearly on year, sometimes not so bad, sometimes a bit Down, but I am slowly improving,
Find it hard to get chord changes smoothly, not arthritis, just takes Time to get over the inability to do it without having to Look at the fretboard all the time. I Hope I Have Enough TIME. "Never Give Up".
I Go to two music jams a week . We sit in a circle with our music stands and books and takes turns going around the playing. It allows you to play with other people at all levels. You can learn from others as well they can learn by watching and playing with you also you get to meet new people.. Every community has them so find one you can go to but find one with a positive and welcoming attitude. I went to one that was very judgemental and never went back. The ones i attend now are supportive and the people are kind and thats very important. Its a great way to get playing time in .
I'm an older beginner, found your channel from Paul's video. The way you PLAY guitars and music amazed me! Thanks Paul highlighted your comment. I found your tips are super helpful! Hope your channel exploded even more so more people can get help and knowledge from you!
Thank you Tom. You warned us but I don't think anyone was ready for it. WoW!
Getting a tech to set up the guitar to be more playable and try a shape smaller than dreadnaught I think will help a lot.
Great suggestion. Thanks.
Excellent video, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in February 2016 (I was 47 at the time), I practice every single day, I mostly play AC/DC covers (plus some other bands), bear in mind I’m only a rhythm player (lead guitar was too hard for me).
On the metronome thing, I have to confess I don’t use one (me bad), but I’ve learned to play in time by listening to the other musicians, and the lead singer (depending on the song), and counting the beat.
I'm a (now) retired visual arts college professor and former FT pro musician (drummer). Learning guitar a bit now. THANK YOU..... great presentation. You are clearly a great teacher.
Many thanks for this. We “old” folks need all the help we can get.
Love your Tips !
You have a wonderful ability to teach .
Thanks
Start with easy songs and the guitar Always in Reach , Sight and the 5 mins , I play for hours !
Cheers
Thank you for this videos. I’m 54 for and I recently begin to learn. It’s helping me a lot.
Buying your favorite guitar that little pricey is a good idea. It made me more committed to it. 💯💯💯
Thank you for your support and that means alot your awesome teacher
Great tips! I am 63 years old and have been contemplating learning to play. I have been researching and just started to look at guitars. I fret over buying the right guitar. I have visited 2 guitar stores in my area but, they only showed me one guitar. Also, they seemed apprehensive to let you try different guitars. So glad I saw this post. I do have a friend that plays and he has offered to take me to look at guitars. He plays guitar as a professional and I felt intimidated but, now I see the benefit of having his experience to help me make the right choice. Tip number 7 is the best! I think that has also been holding me back from learning to play. Not sure that I need a more expensive guitar. I just want the right guitar for me.
Thanks Tom. Yet another great video to help all of us become better players. As an older beginner who's still young at heart, this second video in the series helps keep us striving for proficiency, while having fun. As well, your weekly live stream has been truly fabulous for the past two years. Here's to the 1Mil subscriber goal!
"There is a reward for being tenacious..." Thank God. Really enjoying and practicing these tips
I think as long as you do something you enjoy, you have not failed. At least that's what I aim for myself :)
The best way to educate myself is to have fun at it. You nailed it... thank you for keeping it really fun 🌺
I am a new subscriber and plan to see you hit a million.
I am so happy I found your channel 🎶 🎵 🎶
Absolutely brilliant. I have small hands for a 47 year old lady (😂) and your tip to use the capo and work your way back down the fret board... I especially have A LOT of trouble with the F bar chord... Grrr! Brilliant! Thank you! 😊 👍🏼 🎸
Yay, this makes me happy, also check out the video I did about those with smaller hands - th-cam.com/video/f89kuc9zamQ/w-d-xo.html
Loved the tip on the capo - I had an awful guitar and it barely played but I figured out the capo trick on my own. It then got water damage in a move and became even worse, but there was no $ so I persevered for about 10 years until I could afford something decent (a guitar I still have 34 years later!).
Your tip of never giving up...I'd modify it a little - If you go to a point of frustration, you should stop for a day or 2, THEN pick it up again. If you try to power through you might make yourself miserable and quit for good.
True story - I have a deep and long lasting friendship with someone because I was that guy who taught him B7. 😁
Gotta love that b7 .
Game changer . If you only knew the same 3 or4 chords ?
Who knew ?
I'm 65 in June.
After getting nowhere when I was young .
I started three years ago and they have been undoubtedly the happiest three years of my life .
This guy is such a great and imfluential teacher .
Before learning scales or anything complicated (!)
Try learning to play a few songs using the same 4 famous chords .
Honestly it will really get your confidence up .
None of the guitar teachers I saw at 18 or 20 ,say , ever mentioned this .
Instead weeks would be spent learning Tab and loads of baffling scales , all out of context .
Anyways , love from fabulous , rainy , old London Town .❤🎉❤😊
I need to thank you for a great tip. I generally keep good time, but I can’t seem to use a metronome for practice. I’m always chasing the 1. But I downloaded a drum app, teed up a beat and unbelievable! Played along effortlessly. I’m a 70 year advanced beginner to intermediate level player and please take it from me, this tip really works! And it’s great fun. Thx again!!!
The first band I was in when I was 15 years old, I was a bass player.
All good tips and the one that resonates with me (as an older beginner) is to listen to music more deeply. I'm hearing the lead vs. rhythm guitar parts better now than ever as I've worked through the process of learning to play. I guess I never realized how the various parts of the music are layered and fit together to make a great song.
Just met Tom today, WAY too late in the game. I am now An Officially "Subscribed" Tom Strahle Believer, and looking forward to his endlessly upbeat approach to learning guitar.
Really like and enjoy your lessons.
This one had perfect timing to never give up and not compare yourself with other players.
Thanks again!
God bless you and thanks for sharing
You are such an inspiring person! I am picking up my guitar from gurage after many years just because I watched this video and listened to you!
Watching your original 7 Tips for older beginners today, all the tips were spot on. Thank you for that! I’ve been almost learning since 2016, and made little progress. This was my own failure, I was inconsistent in my work. Learning to play guitar is work, there no way around that. BUT, this work can be fun. I “almost “ learned two dozen songs, and that lead to surrendering for months at a time and not working on my skills. A good friend a few months ago suggested I stop working on multiple songs, and try to perfect just one, even a simple song. I have been doing that for a few months now, and made more progress in a few months than n a few years. I now can play a few songs, completely and true and this…..is very rewarding and inherently builds the desire to work more.
Thanks for the good tips, especially the don’t give up! If you’re having fun, then go with it!
When I'm being dragged around ASDA (Walmart) I live in the UK,by my wife she walks away from me because I start saying base snare base snare tin hats to the piped music I'm 63 and have been playing about 2 years, Keep up the good advice you help thanks
Haha. I love this.
OMG!!! Tip number 1 got me so pump to keep learning!!! The drum machine really help and i am having way to much fun!!! Thank You so much!!!
Tom, discovered your channel and your 7x2 tips tonight...soooo interesting to hear you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🤩🤩🤩 tips are very helpful and interesting (the 5th one very interesting 😋).
Cheers
The tip on getting a good guitar is very right on. It makes a lot of difference. I have 2 really good ones (a Goodall and a Martin Custom shop) and it makes me want to play. I just love picking them up.
Pro Metronome is a great free metronome. Of course you can get the paid version if you want.
MetroTimer free version for iOS has all you need, including blinking your camera’s flash if you have to see the beat.
6 is true. Never got big into playing with my cheap guitars. Got a Gretsch and play all the time.
Very helpful just starting and have finally found someone to teach me. I will consider everything you said
yes... 7 more fantastic tips Tom... thanks !
and....for sure... I don't give up !
Great Advice. Showed One Guitar Students this Today!
Another good one Tom thanks! I don't remember if you said this in the first video it's been years since I've seen it but I think a lot of people get discouraged because they start on an acoustic guitar. Their fingers hurt so they stop playing for a while, then they start again and the same thing happens. They never get the calluses to stop the pain. I think because of this, starting off on an electric is best for some. You could get a decent electric guitar and a small practice amp for sometimes way less than even a mildly playable acoustic.
I did say something like that. Also the don't try to learn a really difficult song first. Start slow and easy.
30+ years ago I bought an Ovation Celebrity, shallow back, cut away. I've hardly played it in the 10-12 years and I've never had a lesson. I've recently retired and started playing again. It sounds very bright (plastic shallow back, cutaway) and I'm stuck doing the same things I was doing when I put it away... Boring, Boring, Boring!...
So, I'm going to get some lessons and I'm looking hard at the Taylor GTe Mahogany. It is a smaller scale guitar and fits my short little beat up fingers a lot better. I've looked at the GS mini as well, fits me even better, but now we're going back into a bright sound, but not all the way. it to is Mahogany.
I've watched both vids. Nice job, you are spot on, 100% correct.
I had in mind NOT giving up but try harder...after listening to you I got even more encouragement to Go on. Thanks.
The best advice you gave was to not give up😊
And so many times I almost did.
I was hoping to see a follow up video. Awesome. Metronome with a drum beat is a great idea. Thanks I like your style of teaching. You seem like a mellow dude
and the prior set of tips, too! Thank you.
Great thoughts!!keep it coming
I had just found your channel and watched the first video of these you made, and now this one, and I gotta say thank you. My youngest daughter (9) wanted to learn the guitar so I bought her a Fender acoustic and I got a Fender Strat (both used) so I could play with her but I'm about 40 and I don't even know any notes but I had to get strings for the Strat so I got those Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings I don't know if they're right or wrong for a Strat but at least it has strings right , but anyway thanks for the 2 videos and 14 tips now I gotta practice cuz my left hand don't move like that, and I got a lot to learn 🤙
This is my second video by you and this one is just as good. Told you I would be back.
Great tips. Specially about the drum machine. Loved that!! Keep them coming. Am 51 and am starting to learn guitar now. Thanks for the tips
Hi i like what you said about John Denver. I felt the same when i was a kid.
I used to tune in every week for your instruction videos and they were always sooo much fun!!! I still love to play, and I'm SLOWLY getting better but this old guy is just doing it for fun, and that's enough for me :-) Thanks Tom for all your help and inspiration proving that, yes indeed... You CAN teach an old dog new tricks ;-) God Bless you Tom!!!
I love this guy!!!
Thanks Tom. Lots of great ideas for an oldie beginner like me.
Thanks Tom for all of your encouragement. Your videos are helping a beginner with some life experience. keep on strumming 👍😎🍀
Wow that Gibson sounds so beautiful.... I have a 195_ (Fifty) something that is my stepdads until he passes. He bought it years ago with the dream that most all of us have but reality sets in pretty quick when you learn that it sure looks easy to play. Guitar takes complete commitment if you want to do more than pick it up and play 12 chords and put it down for another 3 months, Did you know that when all the men went off to WWII they plant was about 98% female workforce and they say that those instruments are some of the sweetest instruments produced at the Kalamazoo plant. Also, right up until they moved I think they still produced strings here in Kalamazoo also. You could see them working away making strings through the windows as you sat at the traffic light. Supposedly they are going to remodel the factory and create a museum, restaurant, hotel and a casino. I will believe it when I see it. I drove by the old plant and it looked like the plant is basically the same as the last 30+ years. There were some of the old Gibson guys building the Heritage guitars at the old plant but I am not sure anymore.
One of my buddies wants to borrow my electric. I told him he could use my Palmer acoustic to learn chords on and he said no, I want to play the electric so I can rip off some Metallica and maybe some VanHalen....After I caught my breath from the laughing. I asked him if he realized just how much time it is going to take for him to learn to do anything except just look at it. He thinks that it should only take him a couple-three weeks and he would have it down..... I told him he was crazy and I have played for over 30 years and never played much on my electric. I bought a First Act because it was unique about 3 years ago. For $50 it was a steal. So I basically told him he was so full of shit his eyes were brown and he better buy some big boy panties and get ready to get his ass handed to him. I showed him a couple of videos of Lisa the guitar playing savonte' and he couldn't put 2 and 2 together. I kept telling him to watch her right hand and watch her play the strings. So he says to me "I got this bro....... I am serious, i will be jammin in no time" I laughed at him. What a dick he is...... "oh I got that bro" WHATEVER!!!!, Brother!!
Peace
Love love this! Thank you for the tips and all you do 😍😍😍you are the best !!!
You are spot on with #6. I am fortunate enough that I could afford a beautiful custom Morgan from Vancouver and it completed re-inspired to pick it up and practice MUCH more. Still struggling with the basics, but its much harder to walk away from a piece of art that I marvel at than a piece of junk that I should not have bought. Really enjoying your channel (which I JUST stumbled upon).
You are amazing!
I just got finished watching your early 6 tips video where you were playing the upside down guitar. I'm new at this, and the upside down guitar was confusing to me. Anyway today you are playing a guitar that is right side up. I feel better now! I am an older player, and I have a Baritone Ukulele which has more space on the fret board, that even I should be able to tackle. However I'm trying to play a song that requires a B7 Cord, and I just can't hit that E string properly. My thumb is in the correct place, and I've tried different angles. Hopefully I can figure this out before I quit like one of your students.
That drum track I would love to get it , will help my strumming and tempo. Great advise
REally well done. Thanks for your great content and more importantly an entertaining teaching style
Great stuff Tom. But if you need a Capo to help fret the Instrument . Your Nut needs to be recut. And yes lighter strings will help too.
Great lesson 👍🤓
Thanks! Inspiring video!
Thank you. I bought a guitar and have had it for awhile--haven't played yet--too scared to.😀
Can you please do a lesson on ear training on how to tune the guitar? Would really help.
@16:35 "I bought my first real six string, over at the five and dime."
One thing not mentioned could be described as "Don't forget your thumb". Even if you don't want to pursue finger style it's quite useful to be able to just pick out bass notes - of course you can do it with a pick as well.
Great tips. Working on tip 2 in the next week and I can’t wait.
Yeah, enjoy it!
HOLY COW!
I just tried the left vs right hand spread and my left is also wider at the pinky...maybe I have been practicing enough.
I never heard the hand thing? Lol, did make me check-Mine seem the same size
The stretch is definitely longer though
Good content as always.
Thanks! :)
God bless you Sir, my Church needs some music help T one of the campuses, I want to be that help, I barely know how to hold a guitar
Thank you so much for all the tips (both videos)! I am 60 years old, and picked up classical guitar about a year ago. A few months ago, on my 60th birthday, I got myself a guitar that is way better than the one I had, and that was a real turning point for me. Not because of the guilt - quite the opposite! The reason is that I enjoy practicing a lot more than I used to. A good instrument just gives you so much more satisfaction.
Another big help is a proper foot rest, a music stand and a guitar stand. I used to think I didn't need them, but being comfortable when you play is really important, especially when you are older than 20 ;-)
Btw, beautiful playing at the end of the video - what was that?
What a GREAT video! Awesome info and very helpful for me (an old guy).
Awesome David thanks!
Hi Thank you for sharing . May I ask what scale are you playing at 2:10 practice with metronome?
Hey Tom, I have wanted to learn the guitar for many years now, but have ultimately failed. Recently, I bought a classical guitar, yet, could not find anyone to teach me finger style. After seeing your older beginner videos, along with the finger style tips I have been practicing for about six months and progressing well. Your methodology and enthusiasm is infectious, and I practice diligently. I even developed the confidence to buy a new Sire Marcus Miller V7 bass, and I know that i will learn that as well. TH-cam is great, however, it has been YOU that has made ALL the difference in my success. My heartfelt thanks. FYI, I recently turned 61.
I use to play the clarinet back in junior high but gave it up because it seemed extremely boring. Unfortunately nobody at the time introduced me to the great players like Bennie Goodman and Artie Shaw, and many others. Otherwise I don't think I would have found it as droll as it seemed. How many times can you actually play twinkle twinkle little star lol. My first experience with the guitar was also a disaster a I was a small kid and my parents borrowed my cousins acoustic dreadnought. Now the dreadnought fits. Some great advice here. Thanks.
Interesting about the fingers. My right fingers have a slight roll to them, which would be great for the neck if I was a left handed player. I believe it came from the steering wheel of my cars. Still working on training the left ones though.
At some point I need to do a "My Favorite Guitarists" video - it will be largely obscure players but fun.
@@TomStrahle One of my all time favorites is Maury Muehleisen with Jim Croce. Just a wonderful player.
Re. your point about 'buy a better guitar'. My take on this for people who (like me) don't have much cash to spare is this; if you can't afford a better instrument that sounds as good as you'd like, find one that is *easy to play.*
So if you only have X amount of pounds / dollars to spend on a guitar, keep some back to spend on taking your cheaper guitar to a repair shop so they can set up the action and neck to make it as easy as possible to play. To me, that makes more sense than spending all your money on a guitar with a better sound, but which is right pig to play, and not being able to afford to get it properly set up.
I hear a lot of people talk about playing to a metronome however if you are a true beginner who is still trying to figure out basic finger placement the metronome is simply going to stress you out. In the very beginning there are bigger challenges to overcome first: finger placement, dexterity, learning how far apart the strings are without looking at them, learning to read a little sheet music or tabs, etc etc
51, haven't played in 2 decades now so, starting from the beginning...again. Hand practices etc I know but ah... Hey so, Paul Davids sent me!
I have a electric acoustic guitar I bought from a guy who said the electronics on the guitar didn't work but I found out that it works
One extra tip from a fellow oldie, controversial perhaps but I suggest you find a place where you are not going to disturb anyone and get your guitar and really let rip, bash out the chords as aggressively as you can. It will certainly sound terrible but if you can do it for a short time each day it will really help you to become familiar with your instrument and help you to relax when you are playing especially when are doing more sensible practicing.
I’m going on 72, a beginner and dyslexic. I have a scratch built electric T-style guitar (I built) I want to learn to play just for my own amusement. I’ve tried off and on through the years to learn music notation. It’s just an incomprehensible illogical jumble to me. Equally insane is that notes repeat in octaves. Why can’t every note be it’s own? Guitar tablature looks backwards. The fact that a guitar’s higher 2 strings are shifted from the rest seems equally nuts. It might as well all be Klingon to me. I’ve tried several times to learn but can’t seem to get enough traction to continue. Any suggestions? Should I figure out my own system? Give up?