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 ! 😊
@teresathomley3703
Жыл бұрын
That is really really cool.
@Ice-Fall
Жыл бұрын
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.
@tosh96
Жыл бұрын
That sounds like my dream for when I have no kids at home and have lots of time to fill. 😍
@termikes174
Жыл бұрын
@@tosh96 haha, same here! Edit: I do love having my kids at home and cherish every moment because time is flying!
@matthewcantu3127
Жыл бұрын
@@Ice-Fall that’s cause you never stopped, you just took a long break
@WalterAtkinson3D
Жыл бұрын
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!!!
@daniellarson3068
Жыл бұрын
Wow! You really got into it. Maybe the next step will be building a guitar.
@TheJprose
Жыл бұрын
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.
@suzannewagner9381
Жыл бұрын
Walter...did you take real lessons or learn on You Tube? I'm 60, just got my first guitar!
@jfo3000
29 күн бұрын
That's a great journey in just four years time! I know it's been the best fun for you!
@real0rocker0
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Slashturianu
Жыл бұрын
True!!
@michelleinwi6919
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely. This was my first thought, too. If you’re paying for it you’re mentally AND financially invested.
@kickinrocks6055
Жыл бұрын
And most of us have respect for other people's time. We also prefer to have good or meaningful conversations.
@WalkerRileyMC
Жыл бұрын
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.
@MoneyBooBoo
5 ай бұрын
🤣
@TheJprose
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Demiglitch
7 ай бұрын
Thats metal.
@kane29842
Жыл бұрын
A few years ago I turned 40 and decided to learn guitar. Just fucking do it. Best decision ever.
@brokennose2681
Жыл бұрын
Yeah!!! Keep it up. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
@Slashturianu
Жыл бұрын
Yes!!!!
@davidorduno2968
Жыл бұрын
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
@suzannecoholic1467
Жыл бұрын
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!
@ipuya
Жыл бұрын
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! 😂
@ReizokoRyu
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Casino's are such a beauty. Real class. A little jealous 😛
@dieteruff4569
Жыл бұрын
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! 👋
@ipuya
Жыл бұрын
@@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! 🎉
@ipuya
Жыл бұрын
@@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 🤷🏻♂️
@robertmckeon7953
Жыл бұрын
My story is similar to yours! Keep up the practice! Enjoy!
@Prom-iu3mi
Жыл бұрын
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 💙
@DC-no3vi
Жыл бұрын
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"
@RJ_Groot
Жыл бұрын
I wish I started at 23. There is never a bad time to start, stick with it!
@perlundgren7797
Жыл бұрын
Just give it a few years of practice and see what they say then. 🙂
@Nineathy
Жыл бұрын
Jack Black started playing guitar at 23!
@robr2303
Жыл бұрын
Hanging around the wrong people.
@Ice-Fall
Жыл бұрын
The main reason for learning a musical instrument, at any age, it's better than watching TV.
@SergioKoolhaas
3 ай бұрын
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.
@billc3043
Жыл бұрын
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!
@blargety
Жыл бұрын
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.
@weslester5150
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Driessens_Peter
Жыл бұрын
i have that feeling too at my 36, its like now i have the will to learn. kinda odd
@tohaason
Жыл бұрын
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.
@ATWyattWest
6 ай бұрын
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!
@glenbateman5960
Жыл бұрын
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.
@teresathomley3703
Жыл бұрын
A great musician is a perpetual student. I'm a good guitarist- but I'm still a student and always will be. Great message.
@dalek6779
Жыл бұрын
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.
@DaleChumbleyVancouverWARealtor
Жыл бұрын
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!
@chesterburnett3466
Жыл бұрын
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.
@TheJprose
Жыл бұрын
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.
@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666
Жыл бұрын
"I never doubt the flames of ambition ." The best, most poetic way of saying you're a true educator. You have my admiration sir.
@garywebb5058
Жыл бұрын
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 KZitem 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!
@BM5556
Жыл бұрын
i just keep boucning around on youtube learning riffs, but I would really like to start learning intire songs XD
@edkork
Жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
I'm guilty of learning partial songs, mainly riffs that sound good.
@HipsterEatinShark
Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@theskidmarkoforion4829
Жыл бұрын
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 🏴✌️
@Mindboggle100
Жыл бұрын
MIKE, I genuinely think you are one of the most natural tutors. I enjoy watching your own enjoyment when you teach. Of the countless KZitem 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.
@blogsfred3187
Жыл бұрын
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
@xbman1
Жыл бұрын
I’m like you. Lol😂
@speedweaver5266
Жыл бұрын
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.
@Deepseaotter
Жыл бұрын
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🎉
@tubbers20
Жыл бұрын
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. 😊
@MrJSpicoli
Жыл бұрын
You pretty much hit the nail on the head for me, starting in my 50's
@matcoffidis1135
Жыл бұрын
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...❤️
@tjevans9893
Жыл бұрын
I'm 42 and the rock and roll dreams I had in my teens and 20s never came true. At 30 I burned out and decided to "get my head out of the clouds" and forget about music. I went back to school, married and had a kid. My wife was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, is on home hospice and has less than 6 months. Left my job to care for her and have now rediscovered my joy for playing, writing and recording music. I'm writing an album in her honor, six songs so far. When life really kicks you and your family in the a**, you find out real quick what is important. These recordings are my swan song.
@dandavis1023
Жыл бұрын
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!
@jameslanclos568
Жыл бұрын
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.
@SuperWaynethepain
Жыл бұрын
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.
@kylemoran4343
Жыл бұрын
In '63 My 8th birthday was coming up and I purchased my first LP ever with that money. "Surfin' Safari" by the Beach Boy's and I wanted to emulate Dennis Wilson. So I was a drummer as a kid, until my teenage yrs. and stopped after hooking up with girls and a driver's license. I was 36 yrs. old at a party where almost half the peeps pulled out an acoustic instrument and started jamming. I was blow'n away big time, and ashamed that I couldn't play ! The very next Christmas there was an Epiphone acoustic guitar under the tree. I'm 66 now and play most of my guitars everyday ! Then when nobody is home I bang on my drums all day. Yup, put together a set of them too. Music, is the only way out of this world we live in... I promise !
@chiptaker1099
Жыл бұрын
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 ✌🏼
@brochg
Жыл бұрын
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.
@HannahCope88
Жыл бұрын
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 ♥
@Nobddy
Жыл бұрын
You should always stretch before practice to prevent injuries. Look up warm up stretches for guitarists and happy jamming
@jasongultjaeff9397
8 ай бұрын
I was self-taught as a teen, full on into rock and metal, then gave it up for the usual reasons. Got into other things, study and work, to get a job and money. Never sold my guitars. After a failed marriage with more spare time I came back to it at 45, now 51 and play pretty much every day with regular lessons. I find it's a combination of the mental and physical stimulation and also the enjoyment. Music is a great escape and a stress relief from boring work / money / life / problems. I did a style change to classical though I realise the seeds were there even as a kid (all of those neo classical shredders). The best thing is I thought I would top out years ago and hit a wall, but I'm still improving. It's given me a lot of confidence by overcoming those challenges and a great release.
@Rainy679
Жыл бұрын
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 KZitem 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. .
@ColinTCS
Жыл бұрын
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. 😀
@SquirrelDarling1
Жыл бұрын
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!
@arthurcroom4302
Жыл бұрын
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.
@phoenix_13
Жыл бұрын
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
@hamburgerhelpertastesbad
Жыл бұрын
I have to say this. Thank you. Just, thank you for existing.
@jimwalshonline9346
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, we geezers appreciate it.
@mrs.johnsonsr.1101
Жыл бұрын
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.😊❤
@jroelofs12
Жыл бұрын
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.
@robertsguitarsandgear
Жыл бұрын
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 KZitem channel for newer players. I’m deeply grateful for all of this.
@phyllispierce6146
Жыл бұрын
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!!
@davidtuley5898
Жыл бұрын
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.
@in2livinit
6 ай бұрын
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 🎶✌️
@peanutbutterpandapuffs
Жыл бұрын
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!
@patrichaddix7897
Жыл бұрын
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 🤘
@peanutbutterpandapuffs
Жыл бұрын
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
@netten47
Жыл бұрын
haha you're actually too old - you got to be kidding?
@maryannehickey2741
Жыл бұрын
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💕
@annmcentire7214
Жыл бұрын
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
@woww4444
Жыл бұрын
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! 🤘🤘🤘
@brianrowland55
Жыл бұрын
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.
@lamplighter771
2 ай бұрын
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.
@mikemontesa3181
Жыл бұрын
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!!
@ChrisGBaker
Жыл бұрын
I’m 61. I’ve been playing guitar for about 14 years. When I retired from the Army, I could no longer run away from this calling.
@tommaxwell429
Жыл бұрын
Well said! Classic Country, Classic Rock, and especially the freedom and excitement of Surf Guitar get me excited. What I smile about is when these genres are played for younger students they also light up like it is brand new! Some genres will never die. As an older beginner 68, my joints are starting to tighten up. Trying to play the spider, my little finger just doesn't want to work right. And as I move up to the higher strings, my short stubby fingers are just not long enough to get a good finger tip fretting of the string. My little finger ends us flat on the string with the pad pressing down instead of the tip. Other than that, I am having fun just strumming a few chords to Hank Williams and some old folk songs. Wish I had taken it seriously a decade ago when I bought my first guitar with the intent of learning.
@jamesb.2875
Жыл бұрын
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.
@lornekingdon3593
Жыл бұрын
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.
@renehansen8971
Жыл бұрын
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
@peccatumDei
Жыл бұрын
I've loved the guitar as an instrument since I was a child, but being left handed, there was never a time I could borrow one from a friend. On my 50th birthday, my son gifted me a brand new Ibanez left handed guitar. I never took lessons, but I learned how to read tablature, found some good websites, and worked at it for a year. Then we bought a house, and moved. We were busy with the new house for months, I had lost my practice space, and that was the end. I'm 66 now, but determined that I will pick it up again. The most important thing I can say to older folks like me is this: Play at least a little every day. If you can spend an hour, great, but even if you can only spare ten minutes some days, pick it up, strum a few of those chord shapes, and continue to refine that muscle memory.
@brucemartinez5343
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Mike, I so enjoyed this video, because it gave me such encouragement to continue with my lessons. I'm 73 and started playing about a little over a year ago. My love for music started in 1966 when I saw Santana play at the Berryessa Bowl in North California. and I had several friends who were musicians who played in high school, one of them was Roy Rodgers who is one of the preeminent slide guitarists, and many others who played drums and other instruments, along with groups like Sly and the family stone and many others who played in Vallejo. I never took up playing the guitar, because I left for Vietnam about a year after I graduated in 1968 and when I came back and started a family and a business, which left very little time to even think about it getting involved with music. But living in the Bay Area, and going into San Francisco to the Old Filmore and then to Winterland and the Cow Place to see groups kept me wanting to get involved. When I saw how much you said about how you like teaching us older coots, really made me feel great and inspired. Yep, life has given us many opportunities to be successful and also to fail, so we're sure in hell have learned not to be afraid of anything but ourselves. I can go on for hours about the groups I have seen, but all I will say it has fueled my passion to learn the guitar all I can say with all sincerity is Thank You. this truly has come at a very welcomed time.
@margrethedamkilde4843
Жыл бұрын
I started to play about 5 years before I retired at 66, but had not much time to practice. I'm now 73 and the last years, I have played different kind of music, slide, blues, country. After a couple of years I developed arthritis in the hands, and I just sold my expensive Martin and got a Gibson parlor, which isn't so big. I also started to play cigar box guitar 2 years ago and my teacher tries to adjust to blues and slide. My 6 string guitar teacher, which I have had for 11 years, also suggested to switch to lap steel, which I have played for 1 year now, and I play with a mud slide, which is not so heavy. In good periods I also return to my acoustic guitar or my tele. I just sold my strat since it's too heavy. I love playing guitar since it's kind of meditation, and my daily break for ½ hour, which makes life easier, I care for my loved one who is having more and more dementia. So this break is simply necessary to be able to continue caring. Thank you for the video, I loved to hear this about older students. Have a Merry X-Mas and a Happy 2023.
@chris_2714
Жыл бұрын
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.
@suspect794
Жыл бұрын
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
@williemccoy259
Жыл бұрын
65 here, (total newbie). Love your website and am following it religiously. Thank you, your teaching is relaxing and to the point.
@Helmet_Diver
8 ай бұрын
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!
@fixfix2012
6 ай бұрын
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😎🤙...
@brianmcandrew719
Жыл бұрын
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!
@awkwardturtle77
Жыл бұрын
Just started guitar at 45 on 11/23/22. Here's to those over 40!
@sculptureshard377
Жыл бұрын
Had my right hand crushed in an industrial accident back in 2006. Ring finger was amputateded and from a side view what's left of my hand looks like a claw. Gave my Washburn acoustic away as I never thought I'd play again. After the injury settled I was convinced by my wife to buy another and start over again. I did and managed to retrain my pinkie to do what the ring finger did. I'm stull learning and am privileged enough to play from time to time in my church's worship team. I also suffer from GAS, an acronym for guitar acquisition syndrome and now have three acoustics, my most treasured possessions. I'm 71 now.
@theskidmarkoforion4829
Жыл бұрын
61 and our spare room resembles a guitar shop. Wires and pedals everywhere. Heaven
@williamburrows6006
Жыл бұрын
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. 🤘
@tonyeckman4822
Жыл бұрын
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.
@geritesta2166
Жыл бұрын
Oh, you just made me feel so much better about my guitar lessons! Started 4 years ago at age 53 with a fabulous instructor. Absolutely love it!! Wanted to learn a string instrument & only had a few years of piano lessons. Worth every penny!🎸
@EddyHabits
Жыл бұрын
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.
@jstanph
Жыл бұрын
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!
@grahamfreer7157
Жыл бұрын
Great piece, nice to have the perspective from the teacher's point of view. My teacher always schedules me last student of the night. I started learning @ 44yrs. now 57 I've had the same teacher since I started except 3 years that I played for the School of Rock and played live shows, but you hit the nail on the head, I show up focused, interested, eager & the phone gets turned off so we're not disturbed. My teacher is a couple of years older than I am so musically speaking we speak the same language and patiently work through the songs.....cheers!!
@rolfjanssen
Жыл бұрын
every word is so true,61 here,startet 450h ago and counting.great videos,great advises.keep going.greetz from spain
@Klotrik
Жыл бұрын
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.
@nickbeiser7176
Жыл бұрын
I started playing in 2020 when the pandemic hit. I was thinking about a nice set of golf clubs or a nice guitar. I bought a HSS Player Stratocaster off of Reverb and am so glad I did. I am in my 50's and always regretted getting rid of a cheapy Les Paul that I had in the 80's. When I was a kid there was no online content, you had to find someone that gave lessons and if you lived in the country good luck with that. So now that I am older I go to lessons and have about 10 KZitem channels that I am subscribed to so the content keeps refreshing in my KZitem feed. There are so many rabbit holes to go down with guitar and for me that's a good thing. I have put together a tube screamer kit, built practice stools, guitar stands, an amp stand. This Christmas I got an amp kit from mojo-tone and am really excited to get started on that. I love to tinker so this hobby will keep me engaged for a long time. Most importantly for me, there is no pressure at all. I'm not trying to get anywhere by playing guitar or impress anyone, there's no grand scheme for the future. I just remembered how much I enjoy music after all these years and its really fun.
@texasplumr
Жыл бұрын
From all of us old guys out here, thanks for making this video!
@mdfens3000
Жыл бұрын
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 KZitem. 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’.
@homeiswheretheharpis.u.
Жыл бұрын
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! ❤️
@JB-tr6nu
Жыл бұрын
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 ✌🏾❤️🎸🎄
@joshuakasevich1838
Жыл бұрын
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!
@cc_1983
Жыл бұрын
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! 🤘🏼
@LPS-mh8kx
Жыл бұрын
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.
@michelleleader5037
Жыл бұрын
I'm 43 and have only been playing for 2 months. The guitar has actually become a self-care activity for me. The guitar forces you to only do 1 thing. You can't play the guitar and do anything else really. It has been a way to slow everything down and worry about nothing else. I have a kid on the Autism Spectrum and a full-time job so time for just me and the guitar is now my necessary time. I never touched a guitar before a couple months ago but have always loved music. I started with the goal of possibly playing at Church with the Worship team
@janpeters9838
Жыл бұрын
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.🤘❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
@johnbarry731
Жыл бұрын
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!
@recordman555
2 ай бұрын
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.
@iandodd7828
Жыл бұрын
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.
@mediationer
Жыл бұрын
Started lessons in October, 2022 - at age 62. Thanks for the encouragement.
@lcdesigns6145
Жыл бұрын
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 KZitem and Sr-hood! 😊
@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn
Жыл бұрын
I'm 52, and took private guitar lessons from 11 to 15, without really learning much at all! I was a terrible student, most times, I'd have a quick practice the night before the next lesson, without having practised anything all week. I took guitar lessons because I wanted to be a singer, but knew I'd need to play an instrument, or I'd never get a chance to sing. After 5 years of lessons, I was sent a book by my mum's cousin, Gary Turner, saw 'two string rock chords', turned to the page, and 5 minutes later, could actually play and sing a song! Before that, all I'd been taught, was how to play melody lines. At 16, I took guitar as a subject at school, the goal of the lessons, was to be able to play simple songs around a campfire, nothing more. However, it was enough to be able to sing and play rhythm guitar in a band, with people in their late 20s, and I started gigging. Luckily, I was a tall, heavyset, longhaired guy with sideburns, nobody asked me for I.D. I alternated between bass and rhythm, but from then, until 2019, I was gigging regularly, for the most part, as a singer only, if I could get out of having to play guitar or bass! 😁 Now, I'm 300kms away from my bandmates, and recording the original songs from over the years, only, I have to play everything myself! 😬 So now, finally, 41 years after my first lesson, I'm actually learning more in depth music theory, and how to play the guitar properly! 🙂 I thank you for all of your help! 🙂👍
@leeharper8363
Жыл бұрын
Liked your video. I'm 74 and been strumming the guitar for about 50 years. I retired 4 years ago and got serious about guitar. Learned scales, some theory and discovered KZitem. Try to play every day and learn new tunes and techniques. I read only 10% of people over 70 play a musical instrument. I recommend learning music to everyone.
@garymcandrew5850
Жыл бұрын
I am 64 and have just started lessons. I have tried off and on over the years, but could never get past a basic level. Now i have a better mind set and a greater determination.
@janerabanal340
Жыл бұрын
I really appreciate this post!! As a kid I always wanted to learn an instrument, but not until college when a friend gave me his “Norma” hand-me-down electric guitar kit was I able to explore and start learning and enjoying. Luckily I met many friends in college and after, that I learned from, but never got past beginner/intermediate level. After a while my guitars collected dust for many years, but connecting with new music friends and KZitem changed all that. I continue to practice and learn daily…it brings me so much joy! I’m 53. Thanks for this video and your great content! Btw, I discovered your channel through the video you made about Prince after he passed. I appreciate that as well! ❤
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