I am so excited about beginning guitar lessons as a 73-year-old young woman! It’s great to know that even at my age I can pursue my dreams to hear and feel my guitar come alive in my arms. I am so much more relaxed about this journey after having heard your message today. My boyfriend has been playing all his life and is thrilled that I’m beginning lessons. I was in college in the late 60’s and strongly connect with the folk song genre of that era. I look forward to becoming another woman folk!
I am 68 years old. But I am way young. One of my best decisions in my life was to decide to learn to play guitar at age 64. It is a great joy. I learn my favorite songs, and create my original stuff. And I learned scales etc of course. I enjoy practicing. This guitar stuff led me to learn, and create a recording studio. This recording studio stuff led to me owning eighteen amazing guitars. Who knows what next!!! Rock on!!!
I’m an older student. I’m 55. Started about a year ago. I worked hard all my life but my wife wanted a divorce after 30 years of marriage. I was crushed and lost. I knew I had to find something to focus on. I walked out of a guitar store with an Epiphone SG and an amp. I’ve only missed one day of practice with COVID. I love to learn new things. I’ll never be Angus but it sure is fun trying. It’s brought me out of a dark place. I learned many of my buddies also play and we all share different tips and experiences.
I played as a gigging musician till my late 20s - early 30s. Then I put it down for over 30 years. I went to pick it back up and became a student because my hands, wrists, and arms gave me grief. Yesterday, one of my physics students brought her guitar to class (I'll be a retiring high school physics teacher this school year). I got to play Boston's Peace of Mind (solo and all) for the class! Suddenly, I was a teenager again!
I'm 68 and picked up my first guitar 13 months ago, to keep my brain sharp (both parents had dementia). I also needed to create a new experience after my husband passed. It was the best thing I could have done. So glad to have stumbled across The Art of Guitar's first lesson. I repeated that first lesson for 2 months. I'm probably slower than most beginners but love every, single minute of practice. It's the highlight of my day. Finally finished the apprentice lessons and have moved onto the practitioner level. Who knew I could do this?! It has instilled confidence, made my hands more supple and my brain sharper. I love my beautiful blue Fender Strat. Good thing I live in a rural area because the power chords blasting out the windows can be, well, loud............. Mike, each point in this video is so accurate. I can see myself in each one. For a young man, you have a great understanding of people and motivation.
I got my first guitar in '75 and now, at 61, I'm finally at a point in my life where I don't have to sell a guitar to pay a bill. The last 2 years has been an exercise in progress. I'm learning Theory, ear training has grown almost exponentially. I'm finally able to attempt and master riffs, licks, and songs that have been languishing on my "Man, I want to be able to play that someday" list for decades. I have issues with depression, chronic insomnia, and PTSD, and being able to sit down and play music is my form of mental health medication. "The Guitar is my Xanax" has become my mantra. It's never too late to learn music. I've learned more in the past couple of years than in the nearly 5 decades before. To my fellow geezers, if you've been thinking about wanting to learn an instrument, you can, so just go for it. You won't be sorry.
I’m 61 and started playing eight years ago. Like many it was something I always wanted to do but raising a family and focusing on a career took precedence. Over the last seven years I’ve practiced pretty much every single day. I’m now in a band and was on stage a few times this past summer. I’m having so much fun. As time goes by difficult licks and songs become achievable. What I find really cool about music is development and goals are endless and growing never stops!
I'm 34. Started bass lessons with a professional bassist 3 months ago after an over 15 year break caused by life happening after high school. It's been the best decision of my life. Not only does practice allow me an excuse to just turn the constant chaos of the world off for a few hours, the lessons are greatly accelerating the speed at which I'm able to learn and they help me stay accountable to my own practice schedule because I don't want the teacher to feel like I'm wasting his time week after week. I was initially hesitant because I figured I was just too old to get started now when there's so many people who have years and years of experience ahead of me and there's no way I could ever keep up. Then I realized, why should I care? It's not a competition. It's art. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Millenials, Gen Xers, Boomers, go get your lessons. You deserve them.
I'm 58 and bought my first guitar last week. I really want to learn so I can play some of the music I love. It's fun to listen to and seems like it would be even more fun to play myself. I can't sing to save my life, but I sing along with the radio, records, and Spotify anyway. Whether it be CCR, Bukka White, Hank Williams, or Judas Priest, I just love music!
I’m 23 but people make u feel so old for starting even in your 20’s as well 😭 I just don’t wanna die not being able play guitar. Your lessons are a game changer for me, love ur website, thank you Mike 💙
Same, I'm 21 and was reluctant because it feels like everyone that's good started at like 12 but I had the same thought as you, "I don't wanna die without ever trying this"
That's not at all true across the board. I had to buy all my own stuff as my parents knew if they just handed to me I'd lose interest after a few weeks. You only hear about the lazy kids and the terrible parents, but honestly speaking the kids who really want to learn are far more widespread than the ones who don't.
I'm an older student. Started at the pandemic at the age of 52. So it's been two years. Since then I've missed only 3 days when i have not practiced. I never wanted to learn guitar before but now I am addicted. I still suck but i love practicing. I don't even get bored doing scales and learning chords. I'm so grateful i started! My first guitar was a player strat, then a baja tele, then a classic vibe jazz bass and recently an epiphone Casino. My favorite pickups are definitely P90s, and my favorite style of music to play is blues but right now I'm learning to play green onions. My guitars are hanging in my bedroom and they are the last thing i see before sleeping and the first when i wake up! 😂
As 56 y old learner, that was very nice to listen to. I‘m in my third y now, progressing at a very slow rate. But despite still sucking I find it’s fun to practice. People around me are pretty generous in judging my abilities. But I’m playing just to have fun myself. Music helped me a lot over these last three years! Cheers from Austria! 👋
@@ReizokoRyu haha yeah I've been drooling over that guitar for a while! Got the olive green one on sale. Another inspiration to pick up the guitar every day! 🎉
@@dieteruff4569 sounds like we're on the same path! I keep beating myself up over the fact that I didn't start sooner but no point in that. Just glad circumstances lead me to pick it up finally. I'm even considering getting a little travel guitar so when I'm on holiday i can still get my hands on some strings 🤷🏻♂️
I started playing around 10 and I only learned how to mimic my instructors finger placement on the fretboard. Put the guitar down from about 16 to 29 now at 30 im picking it back up again with zoom lessons in a Facebook group and im progressing like crazy AND ive learned a ton of music theory so the "finger placement" is becoming intuitive.
I feel like this video was recorded just for me! I'm a 52 year old who picked up the guitar for the very first time last year. I found a wonderful guitar teacher who I meet with one hour per week. I practice some every single day. I feel like my guitar teacher would agree with everything you said. All of his students are kids besides me and one other "older" student. I absolutely resonate with all 8 points. Learning has been extremely challenging and VERY slow but I'm having a blast and loving every minute of it. One benefit of being an older student is being able to fully embrace G.A.S. I've managed to acquire a good number of guitars and it's been fun learning the differences between them. I just switched out the tuning pegs of my mother in laws 50+ year old classical guitar that no longer could be tuned this last weekend and put on new strings. It now plays beautifully and what a joy it was to give that old beauty a new life. Thank you for all your lessons. I really appreciate your style and have enjoyed your content this last year. Keep creating so we can keep learning!
Started playing at 12.. got a much better guitar at 14 and practiced a lot, got chords quickly etc.etc., and I never stopped playing. But it took me 30 years(!) to get my ear starting to work as I always wished. Now, nearly two decades added to that, I'm improving faster than before. Sometimes things take time.. it's fun though.
Love your work here , I’m 62 years old I’ve been a rock vocalist my whole adult life I always wanted to play the guitar I tried at 13 years old and my wrist would hurt I had no one to show me proper wrist position. that desire stuck with me all these years. I retired last year and at the start of this year I bought a new electric guitar I already had an acoustic guitar , I took lessons twice a week for a few months they got me rolling without any bad habits. Today 9 months later I’m killing it !!!!! I’m learning faster than I ever have I’m amazed. The key is yes I suck right now and that’s ok I’m supposed too suck in the beginning but what’s hard for me today is much easier tomorrow. Today I own 5 bad ass guitars lol
This is one "geezer" who appreciated this lesson. It really rang true. I'm 75 now (just learning bass) and have been playing guitar, and taking lessons since my late 60's. I can't tell you how glad I am that I finally started. It's the main reason I get up each day, and is my passion. The most fun I have had over the years, is jamming with friends whom I met thru my Craigslist ad . We can play together for hours, and it will seem like 10 minutes. I have never felt that way about anything before in my life. As a person who gets easily frustrated by things, for some reason, that is not so with learning music. I can play something over and over until I feel like I've got it. (Good thing I live alone). I'm always preaching to people I meetif the subject comes up, that they should start learning guitar (or piano, etc) now. I always remember the story of the woman who thought she was too old to start college. Her friend asked her: "how old will you be in four years, if you don't go?" Sorry for this rambling comment (but then again you're used to them). Thanks for all the great lessons.
I'm right there with you. I've developed some anxiety during Covid but when I pick up the guitar, everything bad melts away. Hours pass calmly and happily.
I'm 52, and one of my best friends passed away last year. He left me his guitar and amp collection, and I felt that I owed it to him, and myself, to learn to play these beautiful instruments. I have played bass my entire life, and have enjoyed the transition over to guitar.
I appreciate this message. When Eddie Van Halen passed, it hit me hard. At 51, I told myself that I was going to learn to play some of his stuff. No matter how hard it was. I started with 316 and learned that. What a feeling of utter joy. I cannot begin to explain how learning various Eddie riffs just makes me happy. Now, I just bounce all over the place regarding songs by various artists. I learn parts of songs here on TH-cam and move on. I should probably start focusing more on getting complete songs down, but I’m having fun. Again, thank you for the message!
Gary- you are my twin!! I’m 54 and started with 316 as well. I’m all over the map- I play riffs from 100’s of songs but very few complete songs. Who cares?! So much fun to learn to Eddie and Randy Rhoads riffs!!!
@@markrogers7304 There is no shame in that. First off, it’s a heck of an accomplishment. Some people don’t get that far. Second, we all were there, which is to say it is natural to have a playing level where you don’t concentrate on the “whole song.” Finally, it is a point in development… you will naturally want to play the little fills & things as you go on.
I played guitar when I was a child and went to a music school. At that time, it was more forced. Now; when I picked the guitar back in March 2023, after a 20 year break from the instrument, it’s a totally different feeling
I started at 18, then stopped, started again at 30, then stopped, again at 40, but at 50 I broke through…for me at 63 it’s all about getting emotions out and engaging others.. really respected how you discussed older students with such grace well done
I am almost 60 and am an 80's metal head. I played back in my early 20's but never took lessons. I knew barr chords, harmonics, etc... but I never really understood even the basics of guitar. 2 years ago I picked up the guitar again (my kids are out of the house finally) and started with lessons and it's been awesome. I can now play dozens of the songs I grew up with and I'm constantly challenging myself with learning more. This video made me think of MY guitar teacher who is about 30 but loves 80's hard rock. He enjoys our time together because I keep bringing in songs to learn from the 80's and he's loving it. I was his only student who ever asked to learn Crue, Poison, Priest, Scorps, Michael Schenker, etc... And I think he's now an April Wine fan! And now HE knows those songs and can play them.
I started when I was 16 learning guitar. I'm in my 40's now. My motivations have changed. Now it's just a hobby. That but about not being distracted is true. I've been so busy lately I have to carve out time to play. Sometimes I just noodle for a bit or stumble across something cool. Other times it's less productive or I find myself distracted. That's ok too. Just like any new skill, it takes time. Yes the callouses hurt to build up, but it's worth it. I've even had people say I have a gift. I don't see it that way. I worked hard to learn chords and riffs. Now maybe I developed an altitude for music/guitar, but I still had to develop it. Anyways, great video. Don't get too bogged down. It's slow at first, but then you learn a new chord and now the door opens to so many new songs....it's new and exciting. Enjoy the journey...❤️
MIKE, I genuinely think you are one of the most natural tutors. I enjoy watching your own enjoyment when you teach. Of the countless TH-cam tutor channels, yours is one of the most sincere. For a young guy, you have a lot of understanding and consideration. I'm one of the old guitar hacks, still trying to play well! Thank you for not being an ageist... Recognising that beneath the wrinkles and under the greying hair, we still feel the music, with the parts of our heart that still beat young. Thanks for being a true inspiration and Gentleman.
Old dog here at 72. 😊 My Dad played guitar and mostly country, but I remember him playing some Segovia 78's back in the 50's and I never forgot Segovia's sound with his vibrato technique. As a teenager I gravitated to drums and played them off and on for a while. I recently bought a brand new Roland TD17 kit from Sweetwater. I've loved the electronic drums ever since I tried one out at the EMP in Seattle way back in 2003 or so. There's just so much to play with on this kit. I did take guitar lessons back around that same time (age 52) and decided to give classical a try. I was able to learn and play a lot of the short studies, but I knew that I was really never going to be able to advance past a certain point and eventually laid the guitar aside. Along with the Roland kit I now have a Squire Telecaster and mini-bass that I record through a Walrus Slo pedal and Focusrite interface. I like to piece together classical studies and post them on Freesounds. I just heard a classical guitar version of 'Arabian Dance' and it's beautiful. May give it a try myself. 😊
That is the most mature and humble compliment I have ever heard from the younger generation. Makes you a special person and happiness will follow you young man as long as you maintain that characteristic ingredient. God Bless!
Kudos to any older students out there! As a "younger" student, but still not incredibly young, I feel a lot of the pressures of people who say "well I started when I was 3" or "you should've started when your brain wasn't as developed to get better," so I can't imagine what it must feel like for some of you older students to have doubts about your abilities. I just want to say that, even though I don't know you personally, I'm proud of you and you'll make it far! I get so happy whenever I'm at my guitar lessons at my local guitar center and an older person comes in for their lesson with such joy and life in their eyes
I bought a cheaper electric guitar because I have always wanted to learn. I'm 56 yrs old and I love music. I sometimes think maybe I'm foolish and too old. Right now I'm trying to learn on my own. Thank you for this video it gave me more hope that maybe I can learn this.
Thank you for this video. As someone at 63 who just picked up a guitar for the first time six months ago, it was great to hear some of the positives of being an older student. As a matter of fact, my teacher (who is at least 20 years younger than me) has told me that he looks forward to me coming. He calls me his seasoned student! Music for me has been a jealous mistress. I sang in church when I was young, took vocal lessons at 28 (and stopped) and now music has returned and I can't afford to ignore her anymore. It's time to go all in!!
In the 60s, I started playing chords because I like folk music. Eventually, I stopped as I got a bit older. Sixty years later (now) I found my old 60s music books. Being retired and unable to work, I figured "why not get back into playing". So I bought a guitar. For 7 months I refreshed myself regarding chords, strumming, finger picking but I couldn't seem to progress past that level. Today I started my first actual in-person guitar lesson. I'm 75, my instructor is maybe 23. He references bands, performers I have no idea who they are! 😊 But he's personable and we get along. Both of us like to talk though and next week we'll need to work more on the lesson! He's starting me on scales (ugh), no surprise there. He also started me on tabs. I really don't see the need for learning tabs when I know most of the chords I use. Fingers crossed 🤞 that I'll actually learn what I'm aiming for. 😉
nice one to all us oldies. I started at 56 for first time ever. its been 2.5 years. I have so much pleasure and achievement like i never had before. I have a guitar teacher and i realise im slow but ive never loved something just for its own sake. i have gone crazy and got 8 guitars and also this very minute just got a DAW and interface delivered. I love doing scales so much and now im learning to hear things and started jamming. i love it. i love learning.
Love your channel. I’m a case study, I started four years ago at 55, I practice daily, play weekly at Church, and started a TH-cam channel for newer players. I’m deeply grateful for all of this.
I didn't expect to see a video about older students - thanks for this! I'm 67. Here's another long story for you. I started with piano at 10 and continued until high school where I took trumpet all the way through. That ended with university days. I tried to learn guitar on my own when I was in my teens but it was too difficult. I found it so much harder than piano. Then life, like building careers and family. So at 50 my head was getting above water. I had my chance, I wanted to learn guitar. I can't say why, I just wanted to. It was difficult at first and almost gave up but eventually it started to make sense. I took lessons for 10 years and now I just practice and learn on my own. I still find it difficult at times but that's the learning process. An important part of the learning process is learning how to practice efficiently. I'm glad I never gave up. I have these ah-ha moments and sometimes I learn a song that works beautifully. It's these few moments of ah-has and playing a tune that gives me such pleasure that it makes all the hard work so worth it. Getting older sucks. I've just recovered from tennis elbow (thanks to doubling my practice time). My message is, I wanted to continue when I retired to give my brain a work out. Also I can tell everyone you're never too old to learn. Music is like another language but it's not impossible. Guitar is another skill but it's not impossible. It's not rocket science, if I can do it anyone can. Just learn how to practice, it'll save you time and grief. Anyone at any age can learn it enough to get by to the point of your ambitions.
Great video Mike! I’m 73.5, female, played first instrument (the Cello) at 68. Stopped formal lessons during Covid. Remembered how bass young female player (at church no less) jammed. Now that we are “free to move around” I decided why not return to group music. After watching so many videos of guitarist, as young as Ellen Plays Bass and Helen Ibe music, I Enlisted a guitar teacher before buying my Bass, have now met another guitarist, one year younger who is interested in playing together, and can now play “Under Pressure” in very slow mode. Oh the joys of TH-cam and Sr-hood! 😊
Hi Im 63 I start learning guitar two years ago. I had an old nylon string guitar and I thought if I practice everyday I get my self a new guitar. I started watching TH-cam and I got a guitar app. Guitar app taught me how to fingerpicking, tabs scales, barre chords. Channel like yours showed me how to apply the things I was learning. I brought a cort acoustic and electric guitar I have trouble with flick offs and bends I watch one of your shows you talk about using a tuner to see the notes when you bending. That helped me so much. I can’t fine guitar teacher where I live and I was thinking about doing online but my wifi keeps dropping out. I really love the way you teach and your stories I could listen to you for hours which I do. Thank you for you content and your words of encouragement. Oh yea you talk about buying heaps of gear and guitars I was going through that stage thinking I sound better. You made me realise you need to stick with the one instrument to learn techniques. Thank you again. .
First off, congrats on 769k Subscribers! I always wanted to learn to play something as a kid. I even found an old school report, I must've been abut 12, where I had actually written something like "I want to learn to play guitar, it'd be cool to be in a band". Alas I never got the chance, my school had barely any time dedicated to music lessons and my family were never well off enough to afford to get me lessons of any kind. Music and my love for it has always been with me, for as long as I can remember I've heard it and I've carried it with me, I had my CD on my paper route which I did 6 days out of 7 and I had the radio and music video channels on the TV, my parents also gave me a pretty awesome musical education with artists like Elvis, T.Rex, Bowie to name just a few. I finally decided to stop waiting and go for it after seeing Def Leppard in concert for the first time. I looked up at the guys playing on stage and thought, screw it, i'm done waiting, what am I even waiting for, yeah i'm an older learner (and that has had its up and downs) but i'm gonna start learning, one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only am I learning to play, but the people I've met, gotten to know and have become friends with along the way are just incredible, I'm so glad they're part of my life. I have definitely had some physical setbacks, in the beginning I almost stopped learning several times as I got frustrated my hands weren't stretching a lot, but I didn't stop and I kept going. I knew it was gonna be different for me as an older learner so I just accepted that and looked for ways to adapt and keep going. Recently I had a couple weeks where I was getting severe wrist pain, thought I was getting carpal tunnel, I rested it and it seems to be okay now, thank goodness! I do still have a little fear of failure, but I know that to learn I will have to fail, in fact I want to fail so that I have the opportunity to learn from it, it's gonna happen so I might as well embrace it and use it in my journey. I'm very much in the camp of wanting to learn attainable music, I mean it'd be insanely cool for me if I could learn some cool Vai or Satriani type stuff but I'm so happy just to learn some Clapton, Led Zeppelin or AC/DC songs for example and learn them well, like that's enough for me, just as long as I can play. Play songs I heard growing up and that bring my mind back to perhaps simpler and better times, just good memories ya know. I have started writing down the odd thing lately with the view that they could become a song eventually, maybe even perform them someday even if it's just for close friends and family. When I talk to some people I often say that I want to find my voice and to do it with the guitar, sometimes I find it difficult to talk about things and I would love to be able to express myself, if I can't find the words, with the guitar instead and talk through the instrument. I also want to help a friend achieve a goal of being able to play a song at her Uncle's graveside, she regrets not learning it while he was still with us and she's been my friend for a long time, since school and it would make me heart so full to help her do that. I loved the lessons I was taking when I eventually got to taking some, a few in person from a friend and the others online. I hope to get back to them as soon as I can. but in the mean time i'm just gonna keep chipping away at it and never stop learning ♥
44 year old here. Started playing when my kid wanted guitar lessons at school 3 years ago. I actually found my original passion for wanting to play guitar myself. Unfortunately my kid moved on and I'm still loving learning and playing guitar. I find the time each day to play for at least an hour and to learn basic theory. TH-cam is a blessing and your channel has helped me play so many things I never thought I ever could within 3 years!
Or endlessly scrolling on your phone (I am guilty of this.) I really want to pick the guitar back up and take lessons again after 2 years because of rotating shifts.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Chinese proverb. I'm 58, still learning and still enjoy working hard on my guitar. And thank you young Jedi! Rock on! 🤟
I'm 67 now and although I had a guitar (Gibson ES 125) at age 15, I really didn't start to learn until 1984 when I bought an '84 Gibson SG Special. I decided to play drums instead for a few years. I had quit playing guitar for over 10 years and sold my collection of various vintage and new guitars, amps and effects. But a few years back, I had an Ischemic stroke (minor stroke) and decided to start to play again because I felt that it would be some beneficial therapy for my brain. In short, you're never too old to play guitar unless you're thinking of becoming a rock star or whatever. It's strictly just for fun with me.
I just happened to click on this and I'm glad I did. I'm 67 but actually started quite young. I haven't been playing continuously from 9 - 67. There was a span of 20 years that I didn't touch the guitar. During the years I did, it was all by ear and what is now called "Classic Rock". During those years I never learned music theory and I was also attracted to Jazz. Fast forward to about three years ago and I decided to start learning Jazz and theory. The theory came first, obviously, then the Jazz. I'm fortunate to have a great instructor plus all of the TH-cam videos. I really do feel like I'm just beginning since Jazz is a real deep rabbit hole. But it's something I look forward to every night even though it's incredibly frustrating. I was afraid I was too old to just now be getting into it but fortunately, people like yourself encouraged me to do it. I know I don't have any lofty ambitions of playing professionally and that takes all of the stress out of it. I'm just happy playing Misty by myself because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. People like myself have a rich history of the greatest live concerts ever so please ask them who they saw and when. My first was Led Zeppelin in 1972. I guess you can tell I'm an older guy by this long post! Complete sentences and no emojis!!! I think I'll be dropping in on you again!! Great to hear your perspective. Cheers - Scott
I played for a year back in 05 and then life happened. 17 years later I’m back at it again. It’s funny how caught up you can get and the years slip away. I’m taking lessons online and trying to make time to practice, mostly I get about a half hour in a day due to being a truck driver. Luckily weekends I can devote more time to it. Having fun with Jingle Bell Rock since it’s that time of year-Merry Christmas!
It really moved me to hear you articulating why you were having so much pleasure in teaching older students. Reading the comments, you’ve struck some strings with more of us.
My Grandmother never played music in her life. Bought an organ at 85 years old and took lessons. At her 90th birthday we had a family reunion and she sat dow and played 7 or 8 songs, and played them very well. Never too late, music is a wonderful gift that the universe gives us.
I tell people I'm not elderly, not a senior citizen--I'm old. I've owned a guitar for a week. It's the 6th instrument I've attempted to learn. After 3 surgeries on my neck I have little feeling in my hands, so this is going to be hard for me, but I call myself old because I've been blessed with a tough life. It showed me I can do great things. I'm a sax player and have done public and club gigs, and I can say this--the guitar player always gets the girls :) Srsly, they seem the most at one with god and everything else when they get in teh groove. I can do that with a saxophone, but everyone in ssenior housing is deaf until you start to have fun. I think I've found my online teacher tough. This guy is very intelligent and a good teacher. I have spent the last 7 years learning mandarin and getting my English degree to teach at a University in Taiwan. He's got the stuff, as my father used to say. Cheers and thank you for thinking of us dinosaurs.
I started 3 years ago at 28. Ive been learning by myself, still dont really understand much, if any theory, but I do play every single day. It doesnt feel like a chore, its something that I look forward to every time I wake up. I believe its called passion. Cant see myself ever stopping tbh
I have always wanted to learn the guitar, like they say, life got in the way. I am 66 years young and retired. I started taking lessons from my next door neighbor, who is a fantastic musician. It has been slow going, but I am having fun with it. I try to practice daily. There are days when my hands are stiff, but I fight through it. I am determined to get better and better. Thank you for your encouragement as well. 🤘
I'm 50 and just bought my first guitar 8 weeks ago with a book I'm working through. I'd like to be able to write songs in my 60s and 70s should I be blessed with that longevity. I've been inspired by a guy called The White Buffalo. His style is a bit dark at times, but I hear honesty, and pain, that comes through his music. I think it would be very therapeutic to be able to express feelings like that in songs. I was introduced to him on Jocko Willink's podcast, "The Jocko Podcast," and I love that he isn't controlled by the sway of major record labels, but writes his music, on his terms. I don't know if I'll ever get my fingers into some of those chord positions, but it's something I plan to work on for the rest of my time on earth, and maybe leave something behind that can help someone who's struggling. Thanks to The White Buffalo for sharing your pain.
Don't know the limit of a comment. I have just signed up with you (monthly) and am not sure of your name. I started to pass you by but began listening to the patient way you explained things. I am 80 but have always loved guitar music. I grew up in the NC mountains, listening to Hank Williams, Carter family and the Stanley Bros. I raised two rowdy boys, one of whom has passed away, and cared for my father until he was 101. I do have patience and don't like leaving a lesson until I feel I understand it. Now I live in Wilmington, NC, an apartment complex...a new experience and a lonely one. My neighbors are pleasant but only slightly older than my granddaughters. I no longer drive and when my granddaughter offered the use of her guitar (gathering dust in her closet and suitable for perhaps a beginning student who could afford in-person lessons ), I jumped at the chance. I'm starting from ground zero but that's okay with me. This laptop is also a hand-me-down and I'm not very computer literate...one finger typing takes time. My health is good with the drawback of poor vision (when you mention a third string, I have to count them) and arthritis in my fingers...nothing severe...just bothersome. I do like listening to Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Grateful Dead (especially late David Crosby) and, of course, the voice/lyrics of Dylan. ( I like the sound of unusual voices.) My goal in learning guitar is to play country songs and hymns - nothing very complicated - and for my own enjoymentt. I have no aspirations for lead guitar, blues, etc. However I do want to learn as much as I can for my age. I have lots of time to practice but, unfortunately, I'm a slow learner. Thank you for any help you can provide. (You look as if you are about 15, so you'll be around a lot longer than I.) e 2023 is a successful you' You appear to be a very nice young man who already knows a great deal about guitar/teaching. Please forgive any typing mistakes. You have no idea how long this "missive" has taken. Ann
Im 44 so I’m older-ish. I was more drawn to singing when I was young but the guitar was the first instrument I touched-my father gave me a toy one. 🎸 I’ve always thought it was the best thing to be able to play an instrument and sing 🎤!!! Spending most of my time in church, playing an instrument and singing at the same time was the best thing I thought a musician could do. So recently my husband started back taking guitar lessons and bought the wrong guitar for himself. He gave me the wrong one and, here I am, on your channel, clipping my nails and getting back to my first introduction to music, the guitar 🎸and excited about eventually being able to accompany myself.😊❤
You hit the nail on the head with guys like me (61 yr old beginner, on the verge of retirement)! Decided to take up my long-desired hobby, for all the reasons you mentioned in the video, as I ease into retirement. Have been a youtube channel and website subscriber of yours for about a year since. It's not my goal to be a rock 'n roll star and was initially worried that you might have that expectation for your students, but I was definitely wrong, and this video just confirms it. Thanks for all you do.
I'm an older student (somewhat ? In my mid 30s ) starting guitar and it was something I always wanted to do. Just have fun with learning, it will be hard, it will be frustrating, it will be painful ( the calluses). But the fact that you ask yourself should I start or not, it means deep inside you WANT to play music and you have a passion for it. I struggle, I cant play bar chords, the chords dont seem to come out right for sometimes but just remember you will feel that sense of joy when you play a song and it comes out as MUSIC for the first time. Don't give up and just enjoy the process!
I'm 28 been playing for almost 2 years. But something that helped me with bar chords is using the side of your finger to bar instead of the flat part. And also pull the head toward you with your strumming arm and push forward with your bar hand. But they get easier. Hopefully that helps. Keep rocking 🤘
Yea ! I have it on my list of things to learn, honestly its only been around a month and I've acknowledge that it takes time, patience and practice so I'm taking everything one step at a time. What seemed like a struggle at first to even form basic chords have been getting easier day by day! Even playing regular chords at the start felt impssible and my fingers kept touching the other strings but I noticed that with practice and time things just eventually worked, hopefully its the same with the bar chords haha
I began taking music lessons at the age of 11 on piano. I switched to guitar at 17 and taught myself to play by ear, though I must admit that I have taken lessons on and off numerous times. Well, long story made short, over the years I did well enough to get into a couple of local bands, one a Gospel group entertaining elderly at nursing homes (in my 20's), and the other a Country/Southern Rock band playing local bars on weekends (in my 40's). My very first lesson with my piano teacher when I was 11, she didn't even let me touch a single key or show me a single note or chord. For an hour, she asked me what songs I enjoyed and why. I listed only a few, 3 if I remember correctly, and I couldn't tell her why because I didn't know. What she said next has stayed with me, and I am 72 now. She told me that the easiest songs to play are ones you feel. Those are the songs that will always make you want to play. Well, that went completely over my head at that age. But for more than 50 years now, I find that songs that touched me in one way or another are the ones I keep wanting to learn. There are still many on my list and I still pull out my Strat or Keyboard and go on trying. Thanks for your inciteful message.
I just restarted to learn to play again. Back in the late sixties I worked cleaning a laundromat to save up to buy a guitar. I had buddies who had lessons and played in garage bands. I my mother could not afford lessons but God bless her she pulled enough money to buy me a small Fender amp because I had worked so hard for the guitar. I tried to reach out to the people I knew to show me a few things to get started but no one had the patience. I tried learning on my own over the next few years but I just stopped trying. Later during the Punk scene here in the San Francisco area in the late 70’s early 80’s I was a photographer for a couple of punk magazines and hung out helping at local radio stations who carried Punk scene/music programs. Again I was surrounded by musicians and such was asked why I never played. Well as I reached toward to retirement years I told myself I was going to learn or die trying. So here I am giving it my best with your help with my wife and Granddaughter joining me.
I'm glad I never stopped. From age 9 to current day at age 53. Over 35 years in numerous bands (Willow Wisp, Astrovamps, Salems Lott) to my current bands Post Mortem Superstar, Black Heroin Gallery. Constant performances around the world, album releases, press in worldwide books, magazines, movies. All because I refused to give up. Some are born an artist. They have no choice but to create. Until their demise. That's the beauty of music. It's an ongoing process of being rewarded and constant learning. And, you can start at any age.
I'm 55. I started learning to play the guitar six years ago at age 49. I took lessons every week for about 5 years and never missed one unless I was sick. Practiced every day. I really did NOT think I could do it at first (learning the F chord was my first hurdle), but I stuck with it and now I can play all kinds of songs from my favorite bands. Not in a million years did I ever think I could play Metallica songs, but now I've got maybe half a dozen of their songs under my belt (One, Fade to Black, and Orion are faves), and dozens of other classic rock and metal songs. I'm particularly proud of being able to play Mark Knopfler's solo from Sultans of Swing. I don't play for any other reason than I enjoy the hell out of it, and it's given me even more appreciation for the music and the musicians who made it. I may have started late but I'll keep doing this for the rest of my life. Your lessons and videos, btw, have helped me a lot on this journey! Thank you!!
I got started at age 38 and now I am 41 and have 2.5 years of playing. I always loved music and was drawn to the guitar from an early age, but I never took lessons as a kid. I tried teaching myself at 18 then at 20. Then life happened and 18 years later my 12 year old son wanted to learn guitar. Not knowing anything I bought him a Fender Squire starter pack from Amazon and I found a local guitar teacher and my son started taking lessons. I would sit in on the lessons and learn what my son was learning and my interest and passion was so intense. My son's guitar teacher noticed this and he then recommended father/son lessons. I immediately went and bought a Jackson JS22 and my journey really took off. I quickly surpassed my son and the father/son lessons turned into individual lessons for each of us. My son eventually quit because he would never practice, so I just added his lesson time to mine. I have an absolutely amazing guitar teacher and friend who is in my age bracket and has very similar tastes in music. The benefit of taking lessons from him is that I am learning things properly. We learn how songs were really played and almost never dumb things down or make the songs easier to play. Lots of You Tube guitar lessons or guitar tabs are incorrect and without my teacher I would be playing songs incorrectly. On a side note we loved your Sweet Child O' Mine and Enter Sandman videos where you explained how Slash and James actually play the riffs. He learned Sweet Child like you did and I learned it using three fingers but using efficiency picking instead of Slash's crazy picking style. My teacher is also super focused on rhythm and counting so that I play songs correctly on time, which most You Tube videos never count out the rhythm or even talk about rhythm while playing. Learning this way is more challenging but it makes me a better guitarist. Then there is the technique aspect of taking lessons where your teacher can correct your flying pinky, help you position your fretting hand while learning barre chords, and tell you not to rush the triplets. I have also saved tons of time by learning efficiency, economy, and alternate picking from the very beginning as well as 1 finger per fret so I didn't have to unlearn bad habits or learn new picking techniques. But the most important aspect of learning guitar from a teacher is that they will help you get better a lot quicker than you can on your own, because they have already gone through that agonizing roller coaster of bad mistakes or improper techniques. Through these experiences and their years of teaching they have learned what held them back and what has hampered their students, which allows them to give you little tid bits and instructions that make you get better much more quickly than if you were self teaching. Lastly they are there to help you with overwhelming or confusing aspects of guitar such as music theory all the while encouraging and pushing you to become the best guitarist that you can be! Let's be honest when you are older you don't have as much time as you did when you were younger so taking guitar lessons really helps you with the little time that you have. As an older student you have more motivation to become better because you are trying to make up for lost time, and also helps that you can actually afford the lessons and have money for a better guitar and gear. Your channel rocks and older students like me really love and appreciate what you do!
Thank you young one! Hahaha...I started guitar discipline when I was 8, and that was 1982. Music isn't something I have to chase, but adopted me so young it's my native habitat. Learning all the other skills to be a good human was the thing during the last 30 years, music kept on a constant process of development even when I felt impatient and frustrated with the limits. At 49 in two days, Capricorn Sun I have more calm and rooted emotions, and a respect for daily rituals to keep all my skills bright and music skills I never dreamed I could have, but felt the urge so deep I could never stop even in the darkest pit of despair. Music and Tai Ji, and bicycles kept me going through my deepest struggles. They were the life lines that kept me human while I was settling various ghosts in my self, a monkish self imposed quarantine to keep my scuzz from poisoning the world during my shadow wrassling years. As you say, my generation has more presence. I'm glad music found me young. Even though digital has done great damage to my relationships and my music life the real instrument of the guitar, and my body's great and powerful voice(s) were there with me after my personal bottom out, the only instruments left after I was deprived of a stable home by fire and ongoing gentrification to such a degree I still haven't found a stable home yet. I hope to settle that soon. My music skills are strong and worthy and ready for service, and with Tai Ji and bicycles as two other elements of my training I'm sharper in intellect and dexterous accuracy in physical movements than musicians without martial arts also in their training. Make it big? I don't care about that specifically. My great joy is in participation with group music experiences among highly skilled kung fu level players. Jam band has been a most excellent training period that cured me of the arrogance that had me obsessed with my own sounds, my own part, with scant attention left to hear the rest of the band. But jamming only doesn't scratch my itch to shine with my skills at full power in a group that is on my level, and great if there's some in the group that uplift the music by being a little beyond me. The speed limit of people who aren't especially fit and healthy grinds on my ability to go metal, jazz, whatever genre box has the colors and tones I need to express the Thing at hand. I might need to find younger people to play with, but the problem is as you noticed the disintegration of discipline, presence in the moment, and attention to one thing at a time. Oh, there you go, a long life story thing. I'm in Chiron return; it's a milestone for ones like me who have a life calling that is more focused than the masses. I appreciate your respect for my generation, and my parent's also as we hold more of humanity intact than the kids who grew up with phones in their faces, and social media. I mean, we had TV. But that didn't follow us around in our pockets, in our faces as we walk like zombies, the phone haze taking our minds elsewhere than the world our bodies inhabit. No way to play a real instrument, or sing like the greats of the Boomer generation like Freddie Mercury and Bowie, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Ronnie James Dio with a lack of focus. Thanks for saying these things. It warms my heart to hear a young person express genuine respect for anyone older than them, especially these days. It isn't just generational split things now; we're in a crazy place with all this digital stuff that is taking our humanity away bit by bit, if we let it. Thank you for taking the time and the dedication to keep high skill on a real instrument.
I'm 67 played very little as a teen & after my brother who was a great player passed I got his guitars, but now I'm retired & picked it up again but I've always noticed thru the year's is the pain in the fingering hand I have bad arthritis & could not make a fist when I woke up after 3or 4 hrs of playing the night before but after about 6 months the morning pain is gone , I've realized it's like working out which I also do, so I guess no pain no gain even learning guitar so do not let the pain stop you it will get better ....rock on ✌🏾❤️🎸🎄
i am literally that guy....65 retired always loved music always wanted to play have the gear never seriously attacked it....till today...thankyou young man ...ive sub scripted and im starting my journey today...nothing to lose everything to gain
I first tried my hands on guitar when I was young when internet was still on a dial up but I was impatient and life happened and never learned music at that time. Now I am 40 and started playing guitar few weeks ago to give company to my 9 year old son learn guitar and not make the same mistake that I did and it is still a struggle to make him practice but I am loving it. I literally have my guitar sitting in between my bed and work desk, I pick it up and strum whenever I get time in between my work meeting, even it is a single chord for few minutes. Thank You appreciating and showing kind encouraging words for older people, I now feel young. 😊
Happened to see your video really early, so I thought I'd drop you a comment to say how much I like your content. This video was particularly great. I started seriously learning guitar at 48. After a year of practice, I joined two bands, and earlier this year, I played a gig covering Metalica songs. It was a dream come true.... playing Master of Puppets and all the other clasics in front of a crowd. For all those thinking of learning guitar, I cannot agree with ArtOfGuitar more. Just start! The journey will be amazing.
Got my first guitar as a Christmas gift from my grand parents when I was ten or eleven years old, and fell in love! Of course when I was younger and The Beatles were new on the scene, I played the parts of John and Paul, spending a good chunk of time strumming my Moms broom, standing in front of the fireplace. Our makeshift stage… So most of what I know is self taught, other than a school music teacher showing me and a friend how to form C, G, and D chords! But I’ve decided that life isn’t over, and I am free to use my time to do something I love, and that is making progress with my guitar playing! Guitar has brought me great joy and pleasure throughout my life, and as I stated before, life goes on, and so does learning new things, and playing this beautiful steel stringed machine🎉
I'm approaching 40 and I play because it makes me feel good. Whenever I feel down or frustrated I can pick up the guitar and it really helps. I can't play good enough to play for people, but that doesn't matter much to me. The the guitar is just like a good friend who's really pleasant to be with. I love learning new stuff and it does feel like I'm slowly and steadily improving.
I’m 64 and started playing at 59. I love it, play everyday and did my first gig one month ago. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it when I started, but I’m really pleased that I could. So it’s definitely doable. I’d recommend anyone thinking of doing it to give it a go. It can provide hours of fun!
I actually started taking lessons at 50 with an older teacher, but he never advanced me because he was more of a musician than a teacher. Now that I am 64 I’m picking it back up again and I’m amazed at how much I’ve retained except for sore fingers, but that’s actually going away slowly but all I’ve ever wanted to do is just play my favorite Beatles song, or Nirvana song just for the sheer enjoyment of being able to move around the instrument, thanks for giving kudos to us older folks. That was nice to hear.🤘❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm 62 in just over a week. I'd played guitar on and off since i was a teenager, but life pretty much meant I had to offload most of my gear a few times to meet bills. Lost my job in 2012, then in late 2016 I wandered into a local music shop to offload a dreadnought I couldn't play due to a shoulder injury. We got talking, he invited me to a "student night", where I got up and played in front of people, (terribly), for the first time in nigh on 30 years. That lead to jamming bass with his sons band, (which I still do occasionally), ended up playing bass in his band when their bassist had issues. That lead to meeting other people and I now play as part of an acoustic trio doing the open mic circuit around here. I have learned more about music and more actual songs in the last 5 years than I did in the last 30. It's my passion and we always look forward to getting together and coming up with our own take on songs, (some of which are on my youtube channel). I'm playing stuff now I would have not even dared attempt 5 years ago and can't wait to see where the next few years take me. My friend who plays bass for us is over 70 and I remember actually giving him his first guitar lesson, we're old enough to appreciate time is precious and so when it comes to music, we don't want to waste a second. 😀
I had a load of lessons last year after playing in and off for 30 years. Best thing I ever did. My playing and technique has came on leaps and bounds and I play all the time and do a lot of composing now. It's brilliant. 🤗♥️
I’m 49, almost 50. I believe I qualify as old. Originally a drummer starting at 12 and a couple years of piano lessons before that. There was always a guitar around to fiddle with but no one to teach me and no TH-cam. I never could quite figure out what to do with it and it seemed almost impossible that I could ever play like the guitar gods of the day. Fast forward about 30 years andI finally decided to try to take it seriously and learn to play it. I had a $99 epiphone acoustic and started with tabs and had some fun. I made myself learn the opening to Wish You Were Here. Chords and solo. It took forever but I pushed through the pain and frustration. I had fun and it felt great to be playing one of my favorite songs, but soon realized I wasn’t really learning anything about the guitar, just painting by numbers. So it became discouraging again. I then started to try to learn more about music theory and guitar theory. That helped a lot and I realized in learning Wish You Were Here I had learned a bunch of the open chords and some of the position 1 pentatonic shape. I then focused on more open chords and some basic songs using them. Then learned all 5 pentatonic shapes. I started practicing the scale shapes over blues backing tracks in random keys and got pretty good at it and had fun. But then it happened again. I realized I knew the shapes but never really knew what notes I was playing or what notes I should be playing over the chords of the backing track. Just randomly improvising. It sounded okay for a while but then I realized I’d hit another wall. Understanding how the fretboard is laid out, like I understand how the piano is laid out. And the millions of chords and inversions all over the neck. And how could I ever learn everything there is to know about the guitar and music theory. So the more progress I made, the more I realized how much there is to know and how much of it I don’t know. Then there’s different genres and styles. Acoustic, electric. All the gear options. It’s overwhelming and sometimes causes me to step away for a while. But I always come back to it. I am the old guy that knows his potential rock star days are over. But would like to get to the point where I could play in a retired people band one day. I think the hardest thing I’m dealing with now is what to focus on to keep moving forward without getting off track and discouraged again and again. I have a theory that if some of the greatest guitarists of all time started when they were 10 and became guitar gods at 20, then I should be able to get pretty good by the time I retire at 65 and join the old folks band. So I will keep pushing. But I probably need to find a path and stay on it. That’s the hardest part. So good luck to all the old, and young, wannabe guitarists out there. Don’t give up. Keep on Chooglin’.
I grew up as a vocalist in church choir. I didn't know that I had the ability to play guitar, however, I just had the curiosity. I grew up a hard rock fan, (still one,) and was always perplexed at the mechanics of the guitar, yet, because I don't come from money, I didn't start playing guitar until 23. I would be self taught for 4 years, but I eventually hired a jazz musician to tutor me with the encouragement of one of my mentors. I only had in person lessons for a year, but it would not only make me a better guitarist - but I even taught myself how to properly play piano with the tutorials that he gave me for guitar. I actually was offered a position to contract for a church to play piano when one of the funding deacons heard me playing while alone while I took a break from work, and a childhood friend, (who's a Reverend,) at one point offered me a spot on one his albums. These two experiences let me know that I humbly made progress in these 11 years. I didn't learn guitar or piano for fame though, I was just following the call that musicians hear to play their instruments, and accepting that you WILL sound bad starting out, but if you keep consist practice and remember why you started - improvement WILL come! 🤘🤘🤘
49 here. Not young, not old either. After chasing the family and career goals for a few decades, I realized that there weren't many things in my life that were "for me". The list of things for others was endless. I made a conscious decision to start back into electric guitar. For my brain, for my hands and for something not computer screen oriented. I started by repairing a few estate auction amplifiers and then flipping a few guitars I had purchased and then played for a while. This gave me a good sense of what types of intruments I would enjoy playing personally. I TH-cam lesson'd for a few years trying to loosen my hands up and then took the plunge with live lessons. So glad I did.
I started learning the harp 4 years ago, been wanting to be able to afford a harp forever. Finally got my harp, now making big gains, thanks for making this video! You’re never too old to enjoy and learn to play a new instrument! ❤️
Played for a few years in my teens. Didn’t have patience for practice. Started playing a couple years ago after 20 year hiatus. I love it all….doesn’t feel like practice! I now realize that my guitar goals are attainable and I am loving the journey!
Had a guitar back in my teens and early 20’s that got damaged and couldn’t afford a new one at the time, then fell in love, life events and eventually lost track of time, went into guitar center for a gift card for the holidays and the bug hit me, at 62 years young that kid in me was like a kid in a candy store, so,after some research and a few trips back to the store I had a eye on a Fender Player Plus, long story short ended up Fender American Pro ll, probably more guitar than I’ll ever need but it sure is a pleasure to play, found your channel Mike and going subscribe to your lessons. When ever I hear David Gilmore play I regret not finding a way when I was younger to continue. Thanks Mike for your encouragement and lessons. Peace ✌🏼
50 years old... been a self-taught for 35 years... now it's my second month of guitar lessons.. it feels great to add informations over what i already know and to confront myself with my teacher😎🤙...
I’m 55 just bought a new Acoustic -Electric excited to get back into playing . I took lessons in 1988 yikes but love music of all kinds especially the heavy shit. It’s time to Rock Jack Black style just have fun and hopefully get to play out with some old friends who have been in bands and still are playing out on weekends for many years. Always wanted to know enough to be dangerous and use my creativity to figure out the rest. Love your channel keep up the inspiration!
Mike I'm 60. I've ALWAYS loved music, very eclectic. THANK YOU for this encouraging video. I finally have the time to really learn, and I really enjoy your presentation and your channel. Major Props 👍 Be following you Bro, thanks again 🎶✌️
I'll try to keep it short since I consider myself older and give the whole life story like you mentioned. Hahaha. 60 years young and have ALWAYS loved music. Raised a family and now I'm doing what I love for me. I love the drums but am trying to learn guitar as well. Only been playing drums for about 8 years. Not great but enjoy it. I absolutely love music from 60's , 70's and 80's. Anything from Tommy James and the Shondells to Billy Idol,the stones etc.. I've been trying to play by ear but after finding your channel, I will take online lessons. You are correct,older folks are focused and doing it for the love of it. Music is my life and to be able to play along with drums or guitar makes it very special. Not a day goes by I don't listen to my music. I feel younger and healthier by doing so. And you sir are very inspirational and a fantastic teacher. Checking your website and will be following up. Keep up your teaching. You are fantastic at it. Happy New Year! Keep on jamming.
Like a lot of commenters, and those students you enjoy, I’m a beginner again at 62. I played for a few years as a pre-teen but then gave it up for cars and girls. Last summer, after going to a concert, I got inspired, bought a Strat, and signed up for lessons. The first time we met, my teacher asked about my favorite music. When I told him, he started quietly playing “Pride & Joy” by SRV and I turned to putty. I’m 4 months in and everyday it’s exciting to sit down to practice and my lessons are the highlight if my week. Despite the fits the starts, I hope my instructor is enjoying teaching me as much as I’m enjoying being a student again.
As someone turning 50 next year, I would agree that a lot of things at this age that I pursue as a hobby are for me and my personal enjoyment. I really don't care to try and impress others. It's a very liberating feeling.
Great video. Two years ago I signed up with a local instructor. I thought I finally had the time after retiring. Well a few months after starting lessons I started a new company, got accepted to Columbia Business School, moved in the direction of taking this company public. Two years later I’ve graduated from Columbia, still working on taking our company public in a few years and so glad I made the time to practice almost daily. I just turned 64 and couldn’t be prouder to say I stuck to the weekly lessons. You’re never to old to learn something new and exciting. I encourage the ol’fogies out there to give it a try.
Mike - thank you for this video. I can SO assimilate! I'm 64 years old, and took my first guitar lesson as a teenager. All I really learned was basic chord shapes and some Bossanova. Meanwhile, I was "teaching" myself piano by playing along with records (early Elton John,, and the Queen II album). Many years later, I decided to take piano lessons. It was very hard, because, even though I understood music theory, I was still just "noodling" out piano parts. Now - at my age, I really want to learn how to play lead guitar. My old hands just can't form chords very well. This seems like the perfect motivation to learn lead, because I can still "walk" the fretboard - I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW - LOL! I think you've inspired me to find a local teacher. Again - thank you.
I started playing when I was 13. I stopped playing when I was 22 because I just didn't have enough time and enthusiasm to keep at it. So I sold all my gear, and never played again until the lock down a couple of years ago when I ordered a cheap fender acoustic online. I got the bug again and ordered more gear as I went along. At 51 now my playing is much better than ever. One big thing has changed since I was younger is the internet. And being able to learn from great younger players like yourself. It keeps my interest in the guitar growing stronger.
Yes 62 been practicing almost daily for one year. Played my first song for my Daughter for Christmas yesterday. “White Christmas” made it through with minimal mistakes and she loved it. Everything you described is me to a tee. Always wanted to learn but never had enough time or energy after working. Now that I’m retired my hands are stiff but I have the time and energy to practice. PS thank you for you’re videos!!
This is such an incredibly sweet video. Thank you sooo much for caring about Boomers and GenZs and our music! I started recorder at 6 but guitar at 12 (flute and oboe too) and bass at 24. I took lessons in my early 40s to get better at both bass and guitar. I still play all of them and I’ve been singing all my life, too. I was 9 when the Beatles came to the US and I lived thru an amazing time in music. You sound like a wonderful caring teacher. So many younger people think we are no longer valid. I’m so glad to see support here for older students. It’s heartwarming and wonderful. ❤
What a great video! You had so many great insights! I’m definitely an older player. I’m almost entirely self taught. I’m 66 and I started in January of 1968. My Dad played a little and taught me some basic chords and a few old country songs. After that I became obsessed with learning as many CCR songs and solos as I could by ear (I had no other way to do it at the time). I think younger players have the benefit of the Internet today but that can also mean a LOT more distractions. Though my generation had far less technology to facilitate learning we had fewer distractions as opposed to today (heck, my generation sometimes sat for hours building model cars, planes, etc. and we only had 3 TV channels! Lol). Learning the way I did was very haphazard but it also forced me to develop a much better ear for music than I might have otherwise. Despite all that I really admire the younger players who are willing and able to struggle through the frustration of early learning and get to the Promised Land of the sheer joy of making music and the even greater joy of sharing that joy with others. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this and I hope it will inspire players of all ages to stick with it. It’s definitely worth it and, besides, as my brother has said, “ever notice that they don’t build monuments to quitters?”…
Thanks for your wonderful and valuable perspective! So interesting to hear. My husband of 27 years took his life 7 years ago. I found his old but not often used dreadnaught in the closet. I’ve played a few instruments in my youth but always loved guitar. Started private lessons a month later at age 52. Connected with a really great teacher at my local music store…he’s so great, teaches me so much and makes it fun. I practice an hour a day six days a week and look forward to that hour and prioritize it daily. One of the first songs I played on my husbands guitar was a song he also played on it..Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. When I strum those chords knowing he played them on the same guitar I feel a connection to him. Got my own Taylor Academy 12 grand concert size and I love it! Been taking lessons for 5 years with the same teacher. I love the challenge and the progress I see as well as the music I can now play. My guitar journey will last the rest of my life💕
I fell out of things and back in towards 40. I went through a period of avoiding the guitar cause I’d avoided it already so I was gonna sound rusty and then you end up in the cycle of just doing nothing. I feel like I’m playing better than ever now! Your channel has also helped fuel my desire to be better and push through frustration! 🤘🏼
I’ve found that sometimes a break can make you come back renewed and your brain has absorbed something you didn’t think you had or could. Short breaks, not long tho.
Picked up the guitar at 60 during the pandemic , this was my 3rd attempt . One at 37 for 2 months and one at 50 for two months both previous times I walked away concluding that I could not play despite never taking an actual lesson! This time I decided not to quit and actually got an instructor after a year in . Now I can play some boomer songs from CCR , Jimmy Buffett etc. -I do have some regret not doing this earlier but I'm enjoying the journey and play every day because I don't ever want to go through the callous thing again ;-) Thanks for recording /posting this msg !
I was self taught in my youth, mostly rock and metal, and returned to playing after about 30 years of very little playing. When I started playing again I was having a lot of tendinitis, so looked into lessons to improve my form and reduce pain, which did get help with that, but also have really enjoyed learning to play new styles I probably would not have played in the eighties. Really enjoying learning classical and jazz styles now.
I'm an older (or older-ish) guitar student at the age of 52. I had forced piano lessons as a kid and absolutely hated them, even though I loved music - the 70s/80s rock I grew up with. Some years ago I decided I wanted to play that music and not just listen to it, and my desire to play overcame my distaste for music lessons, based on that early piano experience. I did some self-teaching and then took the leap and went for private lessons a little over a year go. I have such a great teacher at a local music school which also offers opportunities to play as part of a group - a valuable thing! It's been a lot of work and practice but I just love it. Honestly one of the best personal decisions I've made!
53 now. Started at 4 but never got better than an intermediate player. With there being SOO MANY different teachers and different styles of teaching online, I've found what seems like hidden paths to the place I always wanted to get to. The last 2 years or so I've started learning intervals and chord based lead playing? Mind blown. Oh, and recording at home? Lol better than 80% the studios I've recorded in in the past and you've got ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to get it right! Amazing
I'm 61 and have been teaching for almost 25 years, and yes, there is a huge generational difference, much of it being driven by technology as you covered in an earlier video but also by the everybody-gets-a-trophy mentality. I'm old-school and I must confess that I'm getting mixed results with younger students, and I can't avoid the conclusion that such students perhaps relate better to teachers closer to them in age. The challenges and rewards of teaching have changed much over the last two decades.
I started playing at 10, didn’t play for decades, started lessons at 66 and am having so much fun playing hours a day in my studio at age 71 ! 😊
That is really really cool.
Me too! Stopped playing in my 20's, then just recently got a guitar.
All the chord shapes I could do back then, I started doing, almost immediately.
That sounds like my dream for when I have no kids at home and have lots of time to fill. 😍
@@tosh96 haha, same here!
Edit: I do love having my kids at home and cherish every moment because time is flying!
@@Ice-Fall that’s cause you never stopped, you just took a long break
I am so excited about beginning guitar lessons as a 73-year-old young woman!
It’s great to know that even at my age I can pursue my dreams to hear and feel my guitar come alive in my arms. I am so much more relaxed about this journey after having heard your message today. My boyfriend has been playing all his life and is thrilled that I’m beginning lessons. I was in college in the late 60’s and strongly connect with the folk song genre of that era. I look forward to becoming another woman folk!
I am 68 years old. But I am way young. One of my best decisions in my life was to decide to learn to play guitar at age 64. It is a great joy. I learn my favorite songs, and create my original stuff.
And I learned scales etc of course. I enjoy practicing. This guitar stuff led me to learn, and create a recording studio. This recording studio stuff led to me owning eighteen amazing guitars.
Who knows what next!!! Rock on!!!
Wow! You really got into it. Maybe the next step will be building a guitar.
Rock on indeed! I'm right behind you and can hardly wait until I have 4 years under my belt as well. Right now it's only 13 glorious months.
Walter...did you take real lessons or learn on You Tube? I'm 60, just got my first guitar!
That's a great journey in just four years time! I know it's been the best fun for you!
I’m an older student. I’m 55. Started about a year ago. I worked hard all my life but my wife wanted a divorce after 30 years of marriage. I was crushed and lost. I knew I had to find something to focus on. I walked out of a guitar store with an Epiphone SG and an amp. I’ve only missed one day of practice with COVID. I love to learn new things. I’ll never be Angus but it sure is fun trying. It’s brought me out of a dark place. I learned many of my buddies also play and we all share different tips and experiences.
Hope you're still rockin' it brother!
I can relate. Rock on.
I played as a gigging musician till my late 20s - early 30s. Then I put it down for over 30 years. I went to pick it back up and became a student because my hands, wrists, and arms gave me grief. Yesterday, one of my physics students brought her guitar to class (I'll be a retiring high school physics teacher this school year). I got to play Boston's Peace of Mind (solo and all) for the class! Suddenly, I was a teenager again!
I'm 68 and picked up my first guitar 13 months ago, to keep my brain sharp (both parents had dementia). I also needed to create a new experience after my husband passed. It was the best thing I could have done. So glad to have stumbled across The Art of Guitar's first lesson. I repeated that first lesson for 2 months. I'm probably slower than most beginners but love every, single minute of practice. It's the highlight of my day. Finally finished the apprentice lessons and have moved onto the practitioner level. Who knew I could do this?!
It has instilled confidence, made my hands more supple and my brain sharper. I love my beautiful blue Fender Strat. Good thing I live in a rural area because the power chords blasting out the windows can be, well, loud.............
Mike, each point in this video is so accurate. I can see myself in each one. For a young man, you have a great understanding of people and motivation.
I got my first guitar in '75 and now, at 61, I'm finally at a point in my life where I don't have to sell a guitar to pay a bill.
The last 2 years has been an exercise in progress. I'm learning Theory, ear training has grown almost exponentially. I'm finally able to attempt and master riffs, licks, and songs that have been languishing on my "Man, I want to be able to play that someday" list for decades.
I have issues with depression, chronic insomnia, and PTSD, and being able to sit down and play music is my form of mental health medication. "The Guitar is my Xanax" has become my mantra.
It's never too late to learn music. I've learned more in the past couple of years than in the nearly 5 decades before.
To my fellow geezers, if you've been thinking about wanting to learn an instrument, you can, so just go for it.
You won't be sorry.
I’m 61 and started playing eight years ago. Like many it was something I always wanted to do but raising a family and focusing on a career took precedence. Over the last seven years I’ve practiced pretty much every single day. I’m now in a band and was on stage a few times this past summer. I’m having so much fun. As time goes by difficult licks and songs become achievable. What I find really cool about music is development and goals are endless and growing never stops!
I'm 34. Started bass lessons with a professional bassist 3 months ago after an over 15 year break caused by life happening after high school.
It's been the best decision of my life. Not only does practice allow me an excuse to just turn the constant chaos of the world off for a few hours, the lessons are greatly accelerating the speed at which I'm able to learn and they help me stay accountable to my own practice schedule because I don't want the teacher to feel like I'm wasting his time week after week.
I was initially hesitant because I figured I was just too old to get started now when there's so many people who have years and years of experience ahead of me and there's no way I could ever keep up. Then I realized, why should I care? It's not a competition. It's art.
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Millenials, Gen Xers, Boomers, go get your lessons. You deserve them.
I'm 58 and bought my first guitar last week. I really want to learn so I can play some of the music I love. It's fun to listen to and seems like it would be even more fun to play myself. I can't sing to save my life, but I sing along with the radio, records, and Spotify anyway. Whether it be CCR, Bukka White, Hank Williams, or Judas Priest, I just love music!
A great musician is a perpetual student. I'm a good guitarist- but I'm still a student and always will be. Great message.
I’m 23 but people make u feel so old for starting even in your 20’s as well 😭 I just don’t wanna die not being able play guitar. Your lessons are a game changer for me, love ur website, thank you Mike 💙
Same, I'm 21 and was reluctant because it feels like everyone that's good started at like 12 but I had the same thought as you, "I don't wanna die without ever trying this"
I wish I started at 23. There is never a bad time to start, stick with it!
Just give it a few years of practice and see what they say then. 🙂
Jack Black started playing guitar at 23!
Hanging around the wrong people.
Another reason why adults have more motivation: We have to pay with our own money for our equipment and lessons. So we want to get the most out of it.
True!!
Absolutely. This was my first thought, too. If you’re paying for it you’re mentally AND financially invested.
And most of us have respect for other people's time. We also prefer to have good or meaningful conversations.
That's not at all true across the board. I had to buy all my own stuff as my parents knew if they just handed to me I'd lose interest after a few weeks. You only hear about the lazy kids and the terrible parents, but honestly speaking the kids who really want to learn are far more widespread than the ones who don't.
🤣
I'm an older student. Started at the pandemic at the age of 52. So it's been two years. Since then I've missed only 3 days when i have not practiced. I never wanted to learn guitar before but now I am addicted. I still suck but i love practicing. I don't even get bored doing scales and learning chords. I'm so grateful i started! My first guitar was a player strat, then a baja tele, then a classic vibe jazz bass and recently an epiphone Casino. My favorite pickups are definitely P90s, and my favorite style of music to play is blues but right now I'm learning to play green onions. My guitars are hanging in my bedroom and they are the last thing i see before sleeping and the first when i wake up! 😂
Awesome! Casino's are such a beauty. Real class. A little jealous 😛
As 56 y old learner, that was very nice to listen to. I‘m in my third y now, progressing at a very slow rate. But despite still sucking I find it’s fun to practice. People around me are pretty generous in judging my abilities. But I’m playing just to have fun myself. Music helped me a lot over these last three years! Cheers from Austria! 👋
@@ReizokoRyu haha yeah I've been drooling over that guitar for a while! Got the olive green one on sale. Another inspiration to pick up the guitar every day! 🎉
@@dieteruff4569 sounds like we're on the same path! I keep beating myself up over the fact that I didn't start sooner but no point in that. Just glad circumstances lead me to pick it up finally. I'm even considering getting a little travel guitar so when I'm on holiday i can still get my hands on some strings 🤷🏻♂️
My story is similar to yours! Keep up the practice! Enjoy!
I started playing around 10 and I only learned how to mimic my instructors finger placement on the fretboard. Put the guitar down from about 16 to 29 now at 30 im picking it back up again with zoom lessons in a Facebook group and im progressing like crazy AND ive learned a ton of music theory so the "finger placement" is becoming intuitive.
I feel like this video was recorded just for me! I'm a 52 year old who picked up the guitar for the very first time last year. I found a wonderful guitar teacher who I meet with one hour per week. I practice some every single day. I feel like my guitar teacher would agree with everything you said. All of his students are kids besides me and one other "older" student. I absolutely resonate with all 8 points. Learning has been extremely challenging and VERY slow but I'm having a blast and loving every minute of it. One benefit of being an older student is being able to fully embrace G.A.S. I've managed to acquire a good number of guitars and it's been fun learning the differences between them. I just switched out the tuning pegs of my mother in laws 50+ year old classical guitar that no longer could be tuned this last weekend and put on new strings. It now plays beautifully and what a joy it was to give that old beauty a new life. Thank you for all your lessons. I really appreciate your style and have enjoyed your content this last year. Keep creating so we can keep learning!
A few years ago I turned 40 and decided to learn guitar.
Just fucking do it. Best decision ever.
Yeah!!! Keep it up. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Yes!!!!
I am finding that at 50 I can actually learn better than I could when I was 17. Love guitar and your content is always good.
i have that feeling too at my 36, its like now i have the will to learn. kinda odd
Started playing at 12.. got a much better guitar at 14 and practiced a lot, got chords quickly etc.etc., and I never stopped playing. But it took me 30 years(!) to get my ear starting to work as I always wished. Now, nearly two decades added to that, I'm improving faster than before.
Sometimes things take time.. it's fun though.
Love your work here , I’m 62 years old I’ve been a rock vocalist my whole adult life I always wanted to play the guitar I tried at 13 years old and my wrist would hurt I had no one to show me proper wrist position. that desire stuck with me all these years. I retired last year and at the start of this year I bought a new electric guitar I already had an acoustic guitar , I took lessons twice a week for a few months they got me rolling without any bad habits. Today 9 months later I’m killing it !!!!! I’m learning faster than I ever have I’m amazed. The key is yes I suck right now and that’s ok I’m supposed too suck in the beginning but what’s hard for me today is much easier tomorrow. Today I own 5 bad ass guitars lol
"I never doubt the flames of ambition ." The best, most poetic way of saying you're a true educator. You have my admiration sir.
This is one "geezer" who appreciated this lesson. It really rang true. I'm 75 now (just learning bass) and have been playing guitar, and taking lessons since my late 60's. I can't tell you
how glad I am that I finally started. It's the main reason I get up each day, and is my passion. The most fun I have had over the years, is jamming with friends whom I met thru my
Craigslist ad . We can play together for hours, and it will seem like 10 minutes. I have never felt that way about anything before in my life. As a person who gets easily frustrated by things,
for some reason, that is not so with learning music. I can play something over and over until I feel like I've got it. (Good thing I live alone). I'm always preaching to people I meetif the subject comes up, that they should start learning guitar (or piano, etc) now. I always remember the story of the woman who thought she was too old to start college. Her friend asked her: "how old will you be in
four years, if you don't go?" Sorry for this rambling comment (but then again you're used to them). Thanks for all the great lessons.
I'm right there with you. I've developed some anxiety during Covid but when I pick up the guitar, everything bad melts away. Hours pass calmly and happily.
I'm 52, and one of my best friends passed away last year. He left me his guitar and amp collection, and I felt that I owed it to him, and myself, to learn to play these beautiful instruments. I have played bass my entire life, and have enjoyed the transition over to guitar.
I appreciate this message. When Eddie Van Halen passed, it hit me hard. At 51, I told myself that I was going to learn to play some of his stuff. No matter how hard it was. I started with 316 and learned that. What a feeling of utter joy. I cannot begin to explain how learning various Eddie riffs just makes me happy. Now, I just bounce all over the place regarding songs by various artists. I learn parts of songs here on TH-cam and move on. I should probably start focusing more on getting complete songs down, but I’m having fun. Again, thank you for the message!
i just keep boucning around on youtube learning riffs, but I would really like to start learning intire songs XD
Gary- you are my twin!! I’m 54 and started with 316 as well. I’m all over the map- I play riffs from 100’s of songs but very few complete songs. Who cares?! So much fun
to learn to Eddie and Randy Rhoads riffs!!!
I'm guilty of learning partial songs, mainly riffs that sound good.
@@markrogers7304 There is no shame in that. First off, it’s a heck of an accomplishment. Some people don’t get that far. Second, we all were there, which is to say it is natural to have a playing level where you don’t concentrate on the “whole song.” Finally, it is a point in development… you will naturally want to play the little fills & things as you go on.
Same for me. I tend to learn the bare bones of a song and then use the chords to make my own stuff up. Love it 🏴✌️
I played guitar when I was a child and went to a music school. At that time, it was more forced. Now; when I picked the guitar back in March 2023, after a 20 year break from the instrument, it’s a totally different feeling
I started at 18, then stopped, started again at 30, then stopped, again at 40, but at 50 I broke through…for me at 63 it’s all about getting emotions out and engaging others.. really respected how you discussed older students with such grace well done
I’m like you. Lol😂
I am almost 60 and am an 80's metal head. I played back in my early 20's but never took lessons. I knew barr chords, harmonics, etc... but I never really understood even the basics of guitar. 2 years ago I picked up the guitar again (my kids are out of the house finally) and started with lessons and it's been awesome. I can now play dozens of the songs I grew up with and I'm constantly challenging myself with learning more. This video made me think of MY guitar teacher who is about 30 but loves 80's hard rock. He enjoys our time together because I keep bringing in songs to learn from the 80's and he's loving it. I was his only student who ever asked to learn Crue, Poison, Priest, Scorps, Michael Schenker, etc... And I think he's now an April Wine fan! And now HE knows those songs and can play them.
I started when I was 16 learning guitar. I'm in my 40's now. My motivations have changed. Now it's just a hobby.
That but about not being distracted is true. I've been so busy lately I have to carve out time to play. Sometimes I just noodle for a bit or stumble across something cool. Other times it's less productive or I find myself distracted.
That's ok too. Just like any new skill, it takes time. Yes the callouses hurt to build up, but it's worth it.
I've even had people say I have a gift. I don't see it that way. I worked hard to learn chords and riffs. Now maybe I developed an altitude for music/guitar, but I still had to develop it.
Anyways, great video. Don't get too bogged down. It's slow at first, but then you learn a new chord and now the door opens to so many new songs....it's new and exciting. Enjoy the journey...❤️
MIKE, I genuinely think you are one of the most natural tutors. I enjoy watching your own enjoyment when you teach. Of the countless TH-cam tutor channels, yours is one of the most sincere. For a young guy, you have a lot of understanding and consideration. I'm one of the old guitar hacks, still trying to play well! Thank you for not being an ageist... Recognising that beneath the wrinkles and under the greying hair, we still feel the music, with the parts of our heart that still beat young. Thanks for being a true inspiration and Gentleman.
Old dog here at 72. 😊 My Dad played guitar and mostly country, but I remember him playing some Segovia 78's back in the 50's and I never forgot Segovia's sound with his vibrato technique. As a teenager I gravitated to drums and played them off and on for a while. I recently bought a brand new Roland TD17 kit from Sweetwater. I've loved the electronic drums ever since I tried one out at the EMP in Seattle way back in 2003 or so. There's just so much to play with on this kit. I did take guitar lessons back around that same time (age 52) and decided to give classical a try. I was able to learn and play a lot of the short studies, but I knew that I was really never going to be able to advance past a certain point and eventually laid the guitar aside. Along with the Roland kit I now have a Squire Telecaster and mini-bass that I record through a Walrus Slo pedal and Focusrite interface. I like to piece together classical studies and post them on Freesounds. I just heard a classical guitar version of 'Arabian Dance' and it's beautiful. May give it a try myself. 😊
That is the most mature and humble compliment I have ever heard from the younger generation. Makes you a special person and happiness will follow you young man as long as you maintain that characteristic ingredient. God Bless!
Kudos to any older students out there! As a "younger" student, but still not incredibly young, I feel a lot of the pressures of people who say "well I started when I was 3" or "you should've started when your brain wasn't as developed to get better," so I can't imagine what it must feel like for some of you older students to have doubts about your abilities. I just want to say that, even though I don't know you personally, I'm proud of you and you'll make it far! I get so happy whenever I'm at my guitar lessons at my local guitar center and an older person comes in for their lesson with such joy and life in their eyes
I bought a cheaper electric guitar because I have always wanted to learn. I'm 56 yrs old and I love music. I sometimes think maybe I'm foolish and too old. Right now I'm trying to learn on my own. Thank you for this video it gave me more hope that maybe I can learn this.
Thank you for this video. As someone at 63 who just picked up a guitar for the first time six months ago, it was great to hear some of the positives of being an older student. As a matter of fact, my teacher (who is at least 20 years younger than me) has told me that he looks forward to me coming. He calls me his seasoned student! Music for me has been a jealous mistress. I sang in church when I was young, took vocal lessons at 28 (and stopped) and now music has returned and I can't afford to ignore her anymore. It's time to go all in!!
In the 60s, I started playing chords because I like folk music. Eventually, I stopped as I got a bit older. Sixty years later (now) I found my old 60s music books. Being retired and unable to work, I figured "why not get back into playing". So I bought a guitar. For 7 months I refreshed myself regarding chords, strumming, finger picking but I couldn't seem to progress past that level.
Today I started my first actual in-person guitar lesson. I'm 75, my instructor is maybe 23. He references bands, performers I have no idea who they are! 😊 But he's personable and we get along. Both of us like to talk though and next week we'll need to work more on the lesson!
He's starting me on scales (ugh), no surprise there. He also started me on tabs. I really don't see the need for learning tabs when I know most of the chords I use. Fingers crossed 🤞 that I'll actually learn what I'm aiming for. 😉
nice one to all us oldies. I started at 56 for first time ever. its been 2.5 years. I have so much pleasure and achievement like i never had before. I have a guitar teacher and i realise im slow but ive never loved something just for its own sake. i have gone crazy and got 8 guitars and also this very minute just got a DAW and interface delivered. I love doing scales so much and now im learning to hear things and started jamming. i love it. i love learning.
Love your channel. I’m a case study, I started four years ago at 55, I practice daily, play weekly at Church, and started a TH-cam channel for newer players. I’m deeply grateful for all of this.
I have to say this. Thank you. Just, thank you for existing.
I didn't expect to see a video about older students - thanks for this! I'm 67. Here's another long story for you. I started with piano at 10 and continued until high school where I took trumpet all the way through. That ended with university days. I tried to learn guitar on my own when I was in my teens but it was too difficult. I found it so much harder than piano. Then life, like building careers and family. So at 50 my head was getting above water. I had my chance, I wanted to learn guitar. I can't say why, I just wanted to. It was difficult at first and almost gave up but eventually it started to make sense. I took lessons for 10 years and now I just practice and learn on my own. I still find it difficult at times but that's the learning process. An important part of the learning process is learning how to practice efficiently. I'm glad I never gave up. I have these ah-ha moments and sometimes I learn a song that works beautifully. It's these few moments of ah-has and playing a tune that gives me such pleasure that it makes all the hard work so worth it. Getting older sucks. I've just recovered from tennis elbow (thanks to doubling my practice time). My message is, I wanted to continue when I retired to give my brain a work out. Also I can tell everyone you're never too old to learn. Music is like another language but it's not impossible. Guitar is another skill but it's not impossible. It's not rocket science, if I can do it anyone can. Just learn how to practice, it'll save you time and grief. Anyone at any age can learn it enough to get by to the point of your ambitions.
Great video Mike! I’m 73.5, female, played first instrument (the Cello) at 68. Stopped formal lessons during Covid. Remembered how bass young female player (at church no less) jammed. Now that we are “free to move around” I decided why not return to group music. After watching so many videos of guitarist, as young as Ellen Plays Bass and Helen Ibe music, I Enlisted a guitar teacher before buying my Bass, have now met another guitarist, one year younger who is interested in playing together, and can now play “Under Pressure” in very slow mode. Oh the joys of TH-cam and Sr-hood! 😊
Hi Im 63 I start learning guitar two years ago. I had an old nylon string guitar and I thought if I practice everyday I get my self a new guitar. I started watching TH-cam and I got a guitar app. Guitar app taught me how to fingerpicking, tabs scales, barre chords. Channel like yours showed me how to apply the things I was learning. I brought a cort acoustic and electric guitar I have trouble with flick offs and bends I watch one of your shows you talk about using a tuner to see the notes when you bending. That helped me so much. I can’t fine guitar teacher where I live and I was thinking about doing online but my wifi keeps dropping out. I really love the way you teach and your stories I could listen to you for hours which I do. Thank you for you content and your words of encouragement. Oh yea you talk about buying heaps of gear and guitars I was going through that stage thinking I sound better. You made me realise you need to stick with the one instrument to learn techniques. Thank you again.
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First off, congrats on 769k Subscribers!
I always wanted to learn to play something as a kid. I even found an old school report, I must've been abut 12, where I had actually written something like "I want to learn to play guitar, it'd be cool to be in a band". Alas I never got the chance, my school had barely any time dedicated to music lessons and my family were never well off enough to afford to get me lessons of any kind. Music and my love for it has always been with me, for as long as I can remember I've heard it and I've carried it with me, I had my CD on my paper route which I did 6 days out of 7 and I had the radio and music video channels on the TV, my parents also gave me a pretty awesome musical education with artists like Elvis, T.Rex, Bowie to name just a few.
I finally decided to stop waiting and go for it after seeing Def Leppard in concert for the first time. I looked up at the guys playing on stage and thought, screw it, i'm done waiting, what am I even waiting for, yeah i'm an older learner (and that has had its up and downs) but i'm gonna start learning, one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only am I learning to play, but the people I've met, gotten to know and have become friends with along the way are just incredible, I'm so glad they're part of my life.
I have definitely had some physical setbacks, in the beginning I almost stopped learning several times as I got frustrated my hands weren't stretching a lot, but I didn't stop and I kept going. I knew it was gonna be different for me as an older learner so I just accepted that and looked for ways to adapt and keep going. Recently I had a couple weeks where I was getting severe wrist pain, thought I was getting carpal tunnel, I rested it and it seems to be okay now, thank goodness! I do still have a little fear of failure, but I know that to learn I will have to fail, in fact I want to fail so that I have the opportunity to learn from it, it's gonna happen so I might as well embrace it and use it in my journey.
I'm very much in the camp of wanting to learn attainable music, I mean it'd be insanely cool for me if I could learn some cool Vai or Satriani type stuff but I'm so happy just to learn some Clapton, Led Zeppelin or AC/DC songs for example and learn them well, like that's enough for me, just as long as I can play. Play songs I heard growing up and that bring my mind back to perhaps simpler and better times, just good memories ya know. I have started writing down the odd thing lately with the view that they could become a song eventually, maybe even perform them someday even if it's just for close friends and family.
When I talk to some people I often say that I want to find my voice and to do it with the guitar, sometimes I find it difficult to talk about things and I would love to be able to express myself, if I can't find the words, with the guitar instead and talk through the instrument. I also want to help a friend achieve a goal of being able to play a song at her Uncle's graveside, she regrets not learning it while he was still with us and she's been my friend for a long time, since school and it would make me heart so full to help her do that.
I loved the lessons I was taking when I eventually got to taking some, a few in person from a friend and the others online. I hope to get back to them as soon as I can. but in the mean time i'm just gonna keep chipping away at it and never stop learning
♥
44 year old here. Started playing when my kid wanted guitar lessons at school 3 years ago. I actually found my original passion for wanting to play guitar myself. Unfortunately my kid moved on and I'm still loving learning and playing guitar. I find the time each day to play for at least an hour and to learn basic theory.
TH-cam is a blessing and your channel has helped me play so many things I never thought I ever could within 3 years!
The main reason for learning a musical instrument, at any age, it's better than watching TV.
Or endlessly scrolling on your phone (I am guilty of this.) I really want to pick the guitar back up and take lessons again after 2 years because of rotating shifts.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Chinese proverb. I'm 58, still learning and still enjoy working hard on my guitar. And thank you young Jedi! Rock on! 🤟
I'm 67 now and although I had a guitar (Gibson ES 125) at age 15, I really didn't start to learn until 1984 when I bought an '84 Gibson SG Special.
I decided to play drums instead for a few years. I had quit playing guitar for over 10 years and sold my collection of various vintage and new guitars, amps and effects.
But a few years back, I had an Ischemic stroke (minor stroke) and decided to start to play again because I felt that it would be some beneficial therapy for my brain.
In short, you're never too old to play guitar unless you're thinking of becoming a rock star or whatever. It's strictly just for fun with me.
I just happened to click on this and I'm glad I did.
I'm 67 but actually started quite young. I haven't been playing continuously from 9 - 67. There was a span of 20 years that I didn't touch the guitar. During the years I did, it was all by ear and what is now called "Classic Rock". During those years I never learned music theory and I was also attracted to Jazz.
Fast forward to about three years ago and I decided to start learning Jazz and theory. The theory came first, obviously, then the Jazz. I'm fortunate to have a great instructor plus all of the TH-cam videos.
I really do feel like I'm just beginning since Jazz is a real deep rabbit hole. But it's something I look forward to every night even though it's incredibly frustrating. I was afraid I was too old to just now be getting into it but fortunately, people like yourself encouraged me to do it. I know I don't have any lofty ambitions of playing professionally and that takes all of the stress out of it. I'm just happy playing Misty by myself because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
People like myself have a rich history of the greatest live concerts ever so please ask them who they saw and when.
My first was Led Zeppelin in 1972.
I guess you can tell I'm an older guy by this long post! Complete sentences and no emojis!!!
I think I'll be dropping in on you again!!
Great to hear your perspective.
Cheers - Scott
I played for a year back in 05 and then life happened. 17 years later I’m back at it again. It’s funny how caught up you can get and the years slip away. I’m taking lessons online and trying to make time to practice, mostly I get about a half hour in a day due to being a truck driver. Luckily weekends I can devote more time to it. Having fun with Jingle Bell Rock since it’s that time of year-Merry Christmas!
It really moved me to hear you articulating why you were having so much pleasure in teaching older students. Reading the comments, you’ve struck some strings with more of us.
My Grandmother never played music in her life. Bought an organ at 85 years old and took lessons. At her 90th birthday we had a family reunion and she sat dow and played 7 or 8 songs, and played them very well. Never too late, music is a wonderful gift that the universe gives us.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head for me, starting in my 50's
I tell people I'm not elderly, not a senior citizen--I'm old. I've owned a guitar for a week. It's the 6th instrument I've attempted to learn. After 3 surgeries on my neck I have little feeling in my hands, so this is going to be hard for me, but I call myself old because I've been blessed with a tough life. It showed me I can do great things. I'm a sax player and have done public and club gigs, and I can say this--the guitar player always gets the girls :) Srsly, they seem the most at one with god and everything else when they get in teh groove. I can do that with a saxophone, but everyone in ssenior housing is deaf until you start to have fun. I think I've found my online teacher tough. This guy is very intelligent and a good teacher. I have spent the last 7 years learning mandarin and getting my English degree to teach at a University in Taiwan. He's got the stuff, as my father used to say. Cheers and thank you for thinking of us dinosaurs.
I started 3 years ago at 28. Ive been learning by myself, still dont really understand much, if any theory, but I do play every single day. It doesnt feel like a chore, its something that I look forward to every time I wake up. I believe its called passion. Cant see myself ever stopping tbh
I have always wanted to learn the guitar, like they say, life got in the way. I am 66 years young and retired. I started taking lessons from my next door neighbor, who is a fantastic musician. It has been slow going, but I am having fun with it. I try to practice daily. There are days when my hands are stiff, but I fight through it. I am determined to get better and better. Thank you for your encouragement as well. 🤘
I'm 50 and just bought my first guitar 8 weeks ago with a book I'm working through. I'd like to be able to write songs in my 60s and 70s should I be blessed with that longevity. I've been inspired by a guy called The White Buffalo. His style is a bit dark at times, but I hear honesty, and pain, that comes through his music. I think it would be very therapeutic to be able to express feelings like that in songs. I was introduced to him on Jocko Willink's podcast, "The Jocko Podcast," and I love that he isn't controlled by the sway of major record labels, but writes his music, on his terms. I don't know if I'll ever get my fingers into some of those chord positions, but it's something I plan to work on for the rest of my time on earth, and maybe leave something behind that can help someone who's struggling. Thanks to The White Buffalo for sharing your pain.
Don't know the limit of a comment. I have just signed up with you (monthly) and am not sure of your name. I started to pass you by but began listening to the patient way you explained things. I am 80 but have always loved guitar music. I grew up in the NC mountains, listening to Hank Williams, Carter family and the Stanley Bros. I raised two rowdy boys, one of whom has passed away, and cared for my father until he was 101.
I do have patience and don't like leaving a lesson until I feel I understand it. Now I live in
Wilmington, NC, an apartment complex...a new experience and a lonely one. My neighbors are pleasant but only slightly older than my granddaughters. I no longer drive and when my granddaughter offered the use of her guitar (gathering dust in her closet and suitable for perhaps a beginning student who could afford in-person lessons ), I jumped at the chance. I'm starting from ground zero but that's okay with me. This laptop is also a hand-me-down and I'm not very computer literate...one finger typing takes time. My health is good with the drawback of poor vision (when you mention a third string, I have to count them) and arthritis in my fingers...nothing severe...just bothersome. I do like listening to Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Grateful Dead (especially late David Crosby) and, of course, the voice/lyrics of Dylan. ( I like the sound of unusual voices.) My goal in learning guitar is to play country songs and hymns - nothing very complicated - and for my own enjoymentt. I have no aspirations for lead guitar, blues, etc. However I do want to learn as much as I can
for my age. I have lots of time to practice but, unfortunately, I'm a slow learner. Thank you for any help you can provide. (You look as if you are about 15, so you'll be around a lot longer than I.) e 2023 is a successful you' You appear to be a very nice young man who already knows a great deal about guitar/teaching. Please forgive any typing mistakes. You have no idea how long this "missive" has taken. Ann
Im 44 so I’m older-ish. I was more drawn to singing when I was young but the guitar was the first instrument I touched-my father gave me a toy one. 🎸 I’ve always thought it was the best thing to be able to play an instrument and sing 🎤!!! Spending most of my time in church, playing an instrument and singing at the same time was the best thing I thought a musician could do. So recently my husband started back taking guitar lessons and bought the wrong guitar for himself. He gave me the wrong one and, here I am, on your channel, clipping my nails and getting back to my first introduction to music, the guitar 🎸and excited about eventually being able to accompany myself.😊❤
You hit the nail on the head with guys like me (61 yr old beginner, on the verge of retirement)! Decided to take up my long-desired hobby, for all the reasons you mentioned in the video, as I ease into retirement. Have been a youtube channel and website subscriber of yours for about a year since. It's not my goal to be a rock 'n roll star and was initially worried that you might have that expectation for your students, but I was definitely wrong, and this video just confirms it. Thanks for all you do.
I'm an older student (somewhat ? In my mid 30s ) starting guitar and it was something I always wanted to do. Just have fun with learning, it will be hard, it will be frustrating, it will be painful ( the calluses). But the fact that you ask yourself should I start or not, it means deep inside you WANT to play music and you have a passion for it. I struggle, I cant play bar chords, the chords dont seem to come out right for sometimes but just remember you will feel that sense of joy when you play a song and it comes out as MUSIC for the first time. Don't give up and just enjoy the process!
I'm 28 been playing for almost 2 years. But something that helped me with bar chords is using the side of your finger to bar instead of the flat part. And also pull the head toward you with your strumming arm and push forward with your bar hand. But they get easier. Hopefully that helps. Keep rocking 🤘
Yea ! I have it on my list of things to learn, honestly its only been around a month and I've acknowledge that it takes time, patience and practice so I'm taking everything one step at a time. What seemed like a struggle at first to even form basic chords have been getting easier day by day! Even playing regular chords at the start felt impssible and my fingers kept touching the other strings but I noticed that with practice and time things just eventually worked, hopefully its the same with the bar chords haha
haha you're actually too old - you got to be kidding?
I began taking music lessons at the age of 11 on piano. I switched to guitar at 17 and taught myself to play by ear, though I must admit that I have taken lessons on and off numerous times. Well, long story made short, over the years I did well enough to get into a couple of local bands, one a Gospel group entertaining elderly at nursing homes (in my 20's), and the other a Country/Southern Rock band playing local bars on weekends (in my 40's). My very first lesson with my piano teacher when I was 11, she didn't even let me touch a single key or show me a single note or chord. For an hour, she asked me what songs I enjoyed and why. I listed only a few, 3 if I remember correctly, and I couldn't tell her why because I didn't know. What she said next has stayed with me, and I am 72 now. She told me that the easiest songs to play are ones you feel. Those are the songs that will always make you want to play. Well, that went completely over my head at that age. But for more than 50 years now, I find that songs that touched me in one way or another are the ones I keep wanting to learn. There are still many on my list and I still pull out my Strat or Keyboard and go on trying. Thanks for your inciteful message.
I just restarted to learn to play again. Back in the late sixties I worked cleaning a laundromat to save up to buy a guitar. I had buddies who had lessons and played in garage bands. I my mother could not afford lessons but God bless her she pulled enough money to buy me a small Fender amp because I had worked so hard for the guitar. I tried to reach out to the people I knew to show me a few things to get started but no one had the patience. I tried learning on my own over the next few years but I just stopped trying.
Later during the Punk scene here in the San Francisco area in the late 70’s early 80’s I was a photographer for a couple of punk magazines and hung out helping at local radio stations who carried Punk scene/music programs. Again I was surrounded by musicians and such was asked why I never played. Well as I reached toward to retirement years I told myself I was going to learn or die trying. So here I am giving it my best with your help with my wife and Granddaughter joining me.
I'm glad I never stopped. From age 9 to current day at age 53. Over 35 years in numerous bands (Willow Wisp, Astrovamps, Salems Lott) to my current bands Post Mortem Superstar, Black Heroin Gallery. Constant performances around the world, album releases, press in worldwide books, magazines, movies. All because I refused to give up. Some are born an artist. They have no choice but to create. Until their demise. That's the beauty of music. It's an ongoing process of being rewarded and constant learning. And, you can start at any age.
I'm 55. I started learning to play the guitar six years ago at age 49. I took lessons every week for about 5 years and never missed one unless I was sick. Practiced every day. I really did NOT think I could do it at first (learning the F chord was my first hurdle), but I stuck with it and now I can play all kinds of songs from my favorite bands. Not in a million years did I ever think I could play Metallica songs, but now I've got maybe half a dozen of their songs under my belt (One, Fade to Black, and Orion are faves), and dozens of other classic rock and metal songs. I'm particularly proud of being able to play Mark Knopfler's solo from Sultans of Swing. I don't play for any other reason than I enjoy the hell out of it, and it's given me even more appreciation for the music and the musicians who made it. I may have started late but I'll keep doing this for the rest of my life. Your lessons and videos, btw, have helped me a lot on this journey! Thank you!!
I got started at age 38 and now I am 41 and have 2.5 years of playing. I always loved music and was drawn to the guitar from an early age, but I never took lessons as a kid. I tried teaching myself at 18 then at 20. Then life happened and 18 years later my 12 year old son wanted to learn guitar. Not knowing anything I bought him a Fender Squire starter pack from Amazon and I found a local guitar teacher and my son started taking lessons. I would sit in on the lessons and learn what my son was learning and my interest and passion was so intense. My son's guitar teacher noticed this and he then recommended father/son lessons. I immediately went and bought a Jackson JS22 and my journey really took off. I quickly surpassed my son and the father/son lessons turned into individual lessons for each of us. My son eventually quit because he would never practice, so I just added his lesson time to mine. I have an absolutely amazing guitar teacher and friend who is in my age bracket and has very similar tastes in music. The benefit of taking lessons from him is that I am learning things properly. We learn how songs were really played and almost never dumb things down or make the songs easier to play. Lots of You Tube guitar lessons or guitar tabs are incorrect and without my teacher I would be playing songs incorrectly. On a side note we loved your Sweet Child O' Mine and Enter Sandman videos where you explained how Slash and James actually play the riffs. He learned Sweet Child like you did and I learned it using three fingers but using efficiency picking instead of Slash's crazy picking style. My teacher is also super focused on rhythm and counting so that I play songs correctly on time, which most You Tube videos never count out the rhythm or even talk about rhythm while playing. Learning this way is more challenging but it makes me a better guitarist. Then there is the technique aspect of taking lessons where your teacher can correct your flying pinky, help you position your fretting hand while learning barre chords, and tell you not to rush the triplets. I have also saved tons of time by learning efficiency, economy, and alternate picking from the very beginning as well as 1 finger per fret so I didn't have to unlearn bad habits or learn new picking techniques. But the most important aspect of learning guitar from a teacher is that they will help you get better a lot quicker than you can on your own, because they have already gone through that agonizing roller coaster of bad mistakes or improper techniques. Through these experiences and their years of teaching they have learned what held them back and what has hampered their students, which allows them to give you little tid bits and instructions that make you get better much more quickly than if you were self teaching. Lastly they are there to help you with overwhelming or confusing aspects of guitar such as music theory all the while encouraging and pushing you to become the best guitarist that you can be! Let's be honest when you are older you don't have as much time as you did when you were younger so taking guitar lessons really helps you with the little time that you have. As an older student you have more motivation to become better because you are trying to make up for lost time, and also helps that you can actually afford the lessons and have money for a better guitar and gear. Your channel rocks and older students like me really love and appreciate what you do!
Thank you young one! Hahaha...I started guitar discipline when I was 8, and that was 1982. Music isn't something I have to chase, but adopted me so young it's my native habitat. Learning all the other skills to be a good human was the thing during the last 30 years, music kept on a constant process of development even when I felt impatient and frustrated with the limits. At 49 in two days, Capricorn Sun I have more calm and rooted emotions, and a respect for daily rituals to keep all my skills bright and music skills I never dreamed I could have, but felt the urge so deep I could never stop even in the darkest pit of despair. Music and Tai Ji, and bicycles kept me going through my deepest struggles. They were the life lines that kept me human while I was settling various ghosts in my self, a monkish self imposed quarantine to keep my scuzz from poisoning the world during my shadow wrassling years. As you say, my generation has more presence. I'm glad music found me young. Even though digital has done great damage to my relationships and my music life the real instrument of the guitar, and my body's great and powerful voice(s) were there with me after my personal bottom out, the only instruments left after I was deprived of a stable home by fire and ongoing gentrification to such a degree I still haven't found a stable home yet. I hope to settle that soon. My music skills are strong and worthy and ready for service, and with Tai Ji and bicycles as two other elements of my training I'm sharper in intellect and dexterous accuracy in physical movements than musicians without martial arts also in their training. Make it big? I don't care about that specifically. My great joy is in participation with group music experiences among highly skilled kung fu level players. Jam band has been a most excellent training period that cured me of the arrogance that had me obsessed with my own sounds, my own part, with scant attention left to hear the rest of the band. But jamming only doesn't scratch my itch to shine with my skills at full power in a group that is on my level, and great if there's some in the group that uplift the music by being a little beyond me. The speed limit of people who aren't especially fit and healthy grinds on my ability to go metal, jazz, whatever genre box has the colors and tones I need to express the Thing at hand. I might need to find younger people to play with, but the problem is as you noticed the disintegration of discipline, presence in the moment, and attention to one thing at a time. Oh, there you go, a long life story thing. I'm in Chiron return; it's a milestone for ones like me who have a life calling that is more focused than the masses. I appreciate your respect for my generation, and my parent's also as we hold more of humanity intact than the kids who grew up with phones in their faces, and social media. I mean, we had TV. But that didn't follow us around in our pockets, in our faces as we walk like zombies, the phone haze taking our minds elsewhere than the world our bodies inhabit. No way to play a real instrument, or sing like the greats of the Boomer generation like Freddie Mercury and Bowie, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Ronnie James Dio with a lack of focus. Thanks for saying these things. It warms my heart to hear a young person express genuine respect for anyone older than them, especially these days. It isn't just generational split things now; we're in a crazy place with all this digital stuff that is taking our humanity away bit by bit, if we let it. Thank you for taking the time and the dedication to keep high skill on a real instrument.
I'm 67 played very little as a teen & after my brother who was a great player passed I got his guitars, but now I'm retired & picked it up again but I've always noticed thru the year's is the pain in the fingering hand I have bad arthritis & could not make a fist when I woke up after 3or 4 hrs of playing the night before but after about 6 months the morning pain is gone , I've realized it's like working out which I also do, so I guess no pain no gain even learning guitar so do not let the pain stop you it will get better ....rock on ✌🏾❤️🎸🎄
i am literally that guy....65 retired always loved music always wanted to play have the gear never seriously attacked it....till today...thankyou young man ...ive sub scripted and im starting my journey today...nothing to lose everything to gain
I first tried my hands on guitar when I was young when internet was still on a dial up but I was impatient and life happened and never learned music at that time. Now I am 40 and started playing guitar few weeks ago to give company to my 9 year old son learn guitar and not make the same mistake that I did and it is still a struggle to make him practice but I am loving it.
I literally have my guitar sitting in between my bed and work desk, I pick it up and strum whenever I get time in between my work meeting, even it is a single chord for few minutes.
Thank You appreciating and showing kind encouraging words for older people, I now feel young. 😊
every word is so true,61 here,startet 450h ago and counting.great videos,great advises.keep going.greetz from spain
Happened to see your video really early, so I thought I'd drop you a comment to say how much I like your content. This video was particularly great. I started seriously learning guitar at 48. After a year of practice, I joined two bands, and earlier this year, I played a gig covering Metalica songs. It was a dream come true.... playing Master of Puppets and all the other clasics in front of a crowd. For all those thinking of learning guitar, I cannot agree with ArtOfGuitar more. Just start! The journey will be amazing.
Got my first guitar as a Christmas gift from my grand parents when I was ten or eleven years old, and fell in love! Of course when I was younger and The Beatles were new on the scene, I played the parts of John and Paul, spending a good chunk of time strumming my Moms broom, standing in front of the fireplace. Our makeshift stage…
So most of what I know is self taught, other than a school music teacher showing me and a friend how to form C, G, and D chords!
But I’ve decided that life isn’t over, and I am free to use my time to do something I love, and that is making progress with my guitar playing! Guitar has brought me great joy and pleasure throughout my life, and as I stated before, life goes on, and so does learning new things, and playing this beautiful steel stringed machine🎉
I'm approaching 40 and I play because it makes me feel good. Whenever I feel down or frustrated I can pick up the guitar and it really helps. I can't play good enough to play for people, but that doesn't matter much to me. The the guitar is just like a good friend who's really pleasant to be with. I love learning new stuff and it does feel like I'm slowly and steadily improving.
I’m 64 and started playing at 59. I love it, play everyday and did my first gig one month ago. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it when I started, but I’m really pleased that I could. So it’s definitely doable. I’d recommend anyone thinking of doing it to give it a go. It can provide hours of fun!
I actually started taking lessons at 50 with an older teacher, but he never advanced me because he was more of a musician than a teacher. Now that I am 64 I’m picking it back up again and I’m amazed at how much I’ve retained except for sore fingers, but that’s actually going away slowly but all I’ve ever wanted to do is just play my favorite Beatles song, or Nirvana song just for the sheer enjoyment of being able to move around the instrument, thanks for giving kudos to us older folks. That was nice to hear.🤘❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I'm 62 in just over a week. I'd played guitar on and off since i was a teenager, but life pretty much meant I had to offload most of my gear a few times to meet bills. Lost my job in 2012, then in late 2016 I wandered into a local music shop to offload a dreadnought I couldn't play due to a shoulder injury. We got talking, he invited me to a "student night", where I got up and played in front of people, (terribly), for the first time in nigh on 30 years. That lead to jamming bass with his sons band, (which I still do occasionally), ended up playing bass in his band when their bassist had issues. That lead to meeting other people and I now play as part of an acoustic trio doing the open mic circuit around here. I have learned more about music and more actual songs in the last 5 years than I did in the last 30.
It's my passion and we always look forward to getting together and coming up with our own take on songs, (some of which are on my youtube channel). I'm playing stuff now I would have not even dared attempt 5 years ago and can't wait to see where the next few years take me. My friend who plays bass for us is over 70 and I remember actually giving him his first guitar lesson, we're old enough to appreciate time is precious and so when it comes to music, we don't want to waste a second. 😀
I had a load of lessons last year after playing in and off for 30 years. Best thing I ever did. My playing and technique has came on leaps and bounds and I play all the time and do a lot of composing now. It's brilliant. 🤗♥️
I’m 49, almost 50. I believe I qualify as old. Originally a drummer starting at 12 and a couple years of piano lessons before that. There was always a guitar around to fiddle with but no one to teach me and no TH-cam. I never could quite figure out what to do with it and it seemed almost impossible that I could ever play like the guitar gods of the day. Fast forward about 30 years andI finally decided to try to take it seriously and learn to play it. I had a $99 epiphone acoustic and started with tabs and had some fun. I made myself learn the opening to Wish You Were Here. Chords and solo. It took forever but I pushed through the pain and frustration. I had fun and it felt great to be playing one of my favorite songs, but soon realized I wasn’t really learning anything about the guitar, just painting by numbers. So it became discouraging again. I then started to try to learn more about music theory and guitar theory. That helped a lot and I realized in learning Wish You Were Here I had learned a bunch of the open chords and some of the position 1 pentatonic shape. I then focused on more open chords and some basic songs using them. Then learned all 5 pentatonic shapes. I started practicing the scale shapes over blues backing tracks in random keys and got pretty good at it and had fun. But then it happened again. I realized I knew the shapes but never really knew what notes I was playing or what notes I should be playing over the chords of the backing track. Just randomly improvising. It sounded okay for a while but then I realized I’d hit another wall. Understanding how the fretboard is laid out, like I understand how the piano is laid out. And the millions of chords and inversions all over the neck. And how could I ever learn everything there is to know about the guitar and music theory. So the more progress I made, the more I realized how much there is to know and how much of it I don’t know. Then there’s different genres and styles. Acoustic, electric. All the gear options. It’s overwhelming and sometimes causes me to step away for a while. But I always come back to it. I am the old guy that knows his potential rock star days are over. But would like to get to the point where I could play in a retired people band one day. I think the hardest thing I’m dealing with now is what to focus on to keep moving forward without getting off track and discouraged again and again. I have a theory that if some of the greatest guitarists of all time started when they were 10 and became guitar gods at 20, then I should be able to get pretty good by the time I retire at 65 and join the old folks band. So I will keep pushing. But I probably need to find a path and stay on it. That’s the hardest part. So good luck to all the old, and young, wannabe guitarists out there. Don’t give up. Keep on Chooglin’.
I grew up as a vocalist in church choir. I didn't know that I had the ability to play guitar, however, I just had the curiosity. I grew up a hard rock fan, (still one,) and was always perplexed at the mechanics of the guitar, yet, because I don't come from money, I didn't start playing guitar until 23. I would be self taught for 4 years, but I eventually hired a jazz musician to tutor me with the encouragement of one of my mentors. I only had in person lessons for a year, but it would not only make me a better guitarist - but I even taught myself how to properly play piano with the tutorials that he gave me for guitar. I actually was offered a position to contract for a church to play piano when one of the funding deacons heard me playing while alone while I took a break from work, and a childhood friend, (who's a Reverend,) at one point offered me a spot on one his albums. These two experiences let me know that I humbly made progress in these 11 years. I didn't learn guitar or piano for fame though, I was just following the call that musicians hear to play their instruments, and accepting that you WILL sound bad starting out, but if you keep consist practice and remember why you started - improvement WILL come! 🤘🤘🤘
49 here. Not young, not old either. After chasing the family and career goals for a few decades, I realized that there weren't many things in my life that were "for me". The list of things for others was endless. I made a conscious decision to start back into electric guitar. For my brain, for my hands and for something not computer screen oriented. I started by repairing a few estate auction amplifiers and then flipping a few guitars I had purchased and then played for a while. This gave me a good sense of what types of intruments I would enjoy playing personally. I TH-cam lesson'd for a few years trying to loosen my hands up and then took the plunge with live lessons. So glad I did.
I started learning the harp 4 years ago, been wanting to be able to afford a harp forever. Finally got my harp, now making big gains, thanks for making this video! You’re never too old to enjoy and learn to play a new instrument! ❤️
Played for a few years in my teens. Didn’t have patience for practice. Started playing a couple years ago after 20 year hiatus. I love it all….doesn’t feel like practice! I now realize that my guitar goals are attainable and I am loving the journey!
Had a guitar back in my teens and early 20’s that got damaged and couldn’t afford a new one at the time, then fell in love, life events and eventually lost track of time, went into guitar center for a gift card for the holidays and the bug hit me, at 62 years young that kid in me was like a kid in a candy store, so,after some research and a few trips back to the store I had a eye on a Fender Player Plus, long story short ended up Fender American Pro ll, probably more guitar than I’ll ever need but it sure is a pleasure to play, found your channel Mike and going subscribe to your lessons. When ever I hear David Gilmore play I regret not finding a way when I was younger to continue. Thanks Mike for your encouragement and lessons. Peace ✌🏼
50 years old... been a self-taught for 35 years... now it's my second month of guitar lessons.. it feels great to add informations over what i already know and to confront myself with my teacher😎🤙...
I’m 55 just bought a new Acoustic -Electric excited to get back into playing . I took lessons in 1988 yikes but love music of all kinds especially the heavy shit. It’s time to Rock Jack Black style just have fun and hopefully get to play out with some old friends who have been in bands and still are playing out on weekends for many years. Always wanted to know enough to be dangerous and use my creativity to figure out the rest. Love your channel keep up the inspiration!
Mike I'm 60. I've ALWAYS loved music, very eclectic. THANK YOU for this encouraging video. I finally have the time to really learn, and I really enjoy your presentation and your channel. Major Props 👍 Be following you Bro, thanks again 🎶✌️
I'll try to keep it short since I consider myself older and give the whole life story like you mentioned. Hahaha. 60 years young and have ALWAYS loved music. Raised a family and now I'm doing what I love for me. I love the drums but am trying to learn guitar as well. Only been playing drums for about 8 years. Not great but enjoy it. I absolutely love music from 60's , 70's and 80's. Anything from Tommy James and the Shondells to Billy Idol,the stones etc.. I've been trying to play by ear but after finding your channel, I will take online lessons. You are correct,older folks are focused and doing it for the love of it. Music is my life and to be able to play along with drums or guitar makes it very special. Not a day goes by I don't listen to my music. I feel younger and healthier by doing so. And you sir are very inspirational and a fantastic teacher. Checking your website and will be following up. Keep up your teaching. You are fantastic at it. Happy New Year! Keep on jamming.
Like a lot of commenters, and those students you enjoy, I’m a beginner again at 62. I played for a few years as a pre-teen but then gave it up for cars and girls. Last summer, after going to a concert, I got inspired, bought a Strat, and signed up for lessons. The first time we met, my teacher asked about my favorite music. When I told him, he started quietly playing “Pride & Joy” by SRV and I turned to putty. I’m 4 months in and everyday it’s exciting to sit down to practice and my lessons are the highlight if my week. Despite the fits the starts, I hope my instructor is enjoying teaching me as much as I’m enjoying being a student again.
As someone turning 50 next year, I would agree that a lot of things at this age that I pursue as a hobby are for me and my personal enjoyment. I really don't care to try and impress others. It's a very liberating feeling.
Great video. Two years ago I signed up with a local instructor. I thought I finally had the time after retiring. Well a few months after starting lessons I started a new company, got accepted to Columbia Business School, moved in the direction of taking this company public.
Two years later I’ve graduated from Columbia, still working on taking our company public in a few years and so glad I made the time to practice almost daily.
I just turned 64 and couldn’t be prouder to say I stuck to the weekly lessons. You’re never to old to learn something new and exciting.
I encourage the ol’fogies out there to give it a try.
Mike - thank you for this video. I can SO assimilate! I'm 64 years old, and took my first guitar lesson as a teenager. All I really learned was basic chord shapes and some Bossanova. Meanwhile, I was "teaching" myself piano by playing along with records (early Elton John,, and the Queen II album). Many years later, I decided to take piano lessons. It was very hard, because, even though I understood music theory, I was still just "noodling" out piano parts. Now - at my age, I really want to learn how to play lead guitar. My old hands just can't form chords very well. This seems like the perfect motivation to learn lead, because I can still "walk" the fretboard - I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW - LOL! I think you've inspired me to find a local teacher. Again - thank you.
I started playing when I was 13. I stopped playing when I was 22 because I just didn't have enough time and enthusiasm to keep at it. So I sold all my gear, and never played again until the lock down a couple of years ago when I ordered a cheap fender acoustic online. I got the bug again and ordered more gear as I went along. At 51 now my playing is much better than ever. One big thing has changed since I was younger is the internet. And being able to learn from great younger players like yourself. It keeps my interest in the guitar growing stronger.
Yes 62 been practicing almost daily for one year. Played my first song for my Daughter for Christmas yesterday. “White Christmas” made it through with minimal mistakes and she loved it. Everything you described is me to a tee. Always wanted to learn but never had enough time or energy after working. Now that I’m retired my hands are stiff but I have the time and energy to practice. PS thank you for you’re videos!!
This is such an incredibly sweet video. Thank you sooo much for caring about Boomers and GenZs and our music! I started recorder at 6 but guitar at 12 (flute and oboe too) and bass at 24. I took lessons in my early 40s to get better at both bass and guitar. I still play all of them and I’ve been singing all my life, too. I was 9 when the Beatles came to the US and I lived thru an amazing time in music. You sound like a wonderful caring teacher. So many younger people think we are no longer valid. I’m so glad to see support here for older students. It’s heartwarming and wonderful. ❤
What a great video! You had so many great insights! I’m definitely an older player. I’m almost entirely self taught. I’m 66 and I started in January of 1968. My Dad played a little and taught me some basic chords and a few old country songs. After that I became obsessed with learning as many CCR songs and solos as I could by ear (I had no other way to do it at the time). I think younger players have the benefit of the Internet today but that can also mean a LOT more distractions. Though my generation had far less technology to facilitate learning we had fewer distractions as opposed to today (heck, my generation sometimes sat for hours building model cars, planes, etc. and we only had 3 TV channels! Lol). Learning the way I did was very haphazard but it also forced me to develop a much better ear for music than I might have otherwise. Despite all that I really admire the younger players who are willing and able to struggle through the frustration of early learning and get to the Promised Land of the sheer joy of making music and the even greater joy of sharing that joy with others. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this and I hope it will inspire players of all ages to stick with it. It’s definitely worth it and, besides, as my brother has said, “ever notice that they don’t build monuments to quitters?”…
Thanks for your wonderful and valuable perspective! So interesting to hear. My husband of 27 years took his life 7 years ago. I found his old but not often used dreadnaught in the closet. I’ve played a few instruments in my youth but always loved guitar. Started private lessons a month later at age 52. Connected with a really great teacher at my local music store…he’s so great, teaches me so much and makes it fun. I practice an hour a day six days a week and look forward to that hour and prioritize it daily. One of the first songs I played on my husbands guitar was a song he also played on it..Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. When I strum those chords knowing he played them on the same guitar I feel a connection to him. Got my own Taylor Academy 12 grand concert size and I love it! Been taking lessons for 5 years with the same teacher. I love the challenge and the progress I see as well as the music I can now play. My guitar journey will last the rest of my life💕
I fell out of things and back in towards 40. I went through a period of avoiding the guitar cause I’d avoided it already so I was gonna sound rusty and then you end up in the cycle of just doing nothing. I feel like I’m playing better than ever now! Your channel has also helped fuel my desire to be better and push through frustration! 🤘🏼
I’ve found that sometimes a break can make you come back renewed and your brain has absorbed something you didn’t think you had or could. Short breaks, not long tho.
Picked up the guitar at 60 during the pandemic , this was my 3rd attempt . One at 37 for 2 months and one at 50 for two months both previous times I walked away concluding that I could not play despite never taking an actual lesson! This time I decided not to quit and actually got an instructor after a year in . Now I can play some boomer songs from CCR , Jimmy Buffett etc. -I do have some regret not doing this earlier but I'm enjoying the journey and play every day because I don't ever want to go through the callous thing again ;-)
Thanks for recording /posting this msg !
I was self taught in my youth, mostly rock and metal, and returned to playing after about 30 years of very little playing. When I started playing again I was having a lot of tendinitis, so looked into lessons to improve my form and reduce pain, which did get help with that, but also have really enjoyed learning to play new styles I probably would not have played in the eighties. Really enjoying learning classical and jazz styles now.
I'm an older (or older-ish) guitar student at the age of 52. I had forced piano lessons as a kid and absolutely hated them, even though I loved music - the 70s/80s rock I grew up with. Some years ago I decided I wanted to play that music and not just listen to it, and my desire to play overcame my distaste for music lessons, based on that early piano experience. I did some self-teaching and then took the leap and went for private lessons a little over a year go. I have such a great teacher at a local music school which also offers opportunities to play as part of a group - a valuable thing! It's been a lot of work and practice but I just love it. Honestly one of the best personal decisions I've made!
53 now. Started at 4 but never got better than an intermediate player. With there being SOO MANY different teachers and different styles of teaching online, I've found what seems like hidden paths to the place I always wanted to get to.
The last 2 years or so I've started learning intervals and chord based lead playing? Mind blown.
Oh, and recording at home? Lol better than 80% the studios I've recorded in in the past and you've got ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to get it right! Amazing
I'm 61 and have been teaching for almost 25 years, and yes, there is a huge generational difference, much of it being driven by technology as you covered in an earlier video but also by the everybody-gets-a-trophy mentality. I'm old-school and I must confess that I'm getting mixed results with younger students, and I can't avoid the conclusion that such students perhaps relate better to teachers closer to them in age. The challenges and rewards of teaching have changed much over the last two decades.