My Name is Bernhard, I am German, live in Berlin, my age is 68. Sorry my English is not the best. I cannot understand all your words, but I think I understand the mind behind. 10 Years ago I bought a Martin DX1AE (low cost Martin) before I had a IBANEZ built 1971. I played only 5 or 6 cords for 30 Years. The new Guitar stands for nearly 10 Years in the Corner. Now I`m an pensioner since 4 month. At this time I took my Guitar away from the corner. Now I play every day for 30-60 min. In RUclips are so much wunderful Videos for learning Guitar. So I pick up 4 Channels, you are the fifth) and practice fingerstyle like Marco Cirillo, Paul Davis, GCH Guitar Academy and one german called Fingerfux. In this short time i`m learnt so much more than the 40 Years before. I like it to play, I like the sound of my Guitar and it is good for my soul. At least I bougt me an Amp - ZE Lunchbox Junior and a pedal Zoom AC-3. It sounds beautiful. I don`t need it loud but nice. Thank you for the Video an have a very good time in the future.
Hi Bernhard, yes, RUclips has changed everything for learning guitar and many other instruments too. Sounds like you have some great guitar gear and are getting in some quality practice. It is amazing what some consistent practice and dedication can do.
Hi Bernhard! Im in nearly the same boat. Im almost 67 and have been playing several hours day lately. With the plague and changing social demographic of my life its one of the few things that feel like it pays dividends commensurate with time spent. Im glad to know you are out there fighting the good fight! Keep up the good work. ,E K
I started acoustic at 17. Sat in my comfort zone playing basically oasis covers for 13 years. January of this year at the age of 30 I decided to really give electric guitar a go. My goal was to learn live forever solo (tried it once about 10 years ago and just gave up), after about 2 months I decided to give it a go and found it was easier than half of what j could already play so now I'm playing (and writing) things I never dreamed of. Totally self taught btw. Never had a teacher of any kind.
Great advice Luke! You are never too old. Put the doubts aside, and just go for it! I started at the age of 40, because I saw many people I work with could play, and one day I just decided I wanted to play too! 907 days later, I have played every single day, and I’m having a blast. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, talk you out of doing something you’ve always wanted to do!
Absolutely and personally I think you have made great progress Jerome, I sometimes think you don't realize what you have achieved so far and wish to be better. But as an outsider looking in you have done brilliantly and that passion for playing that you have will get you to the level you want to be.
@@MidlifeGuitar Thanks Luke, that means a lot. You’re absolutely right about me not realizing how far I’ve come - instead, I keep thinking how much farther I have to go.
Great advice. I started 2 months ago and can play a few songs badly. I love the guitar's ability to keep me sane while the virus keeps me hunkered down. Justin is a welcome visitor in my little world and I'm not a quitter. I'm 68.
Great video! Im 63 and have just started learning guitar. Some of us oldies''at work have formed a band and watching this video is inspirational, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much! I am saving this video in my Amazing folder to watch again. As a young teen I tried to learn the guitar, gave up, tried again a couple years ago, and now, at 61, picked it up again in February. At first, I wondered if I had wasted my money on the guitar, but enjoyed Justin, Marty, and others. I have since bought a Squire Strat and 3 ukeleles! As you so beautifully put it, the journey is to be enjoyed. Thank you for this video!
Thats good advice indeed Luke! I started at age 57, just over 2 years ago and I believe I have reached the point where I will never quit. You need to use whatever advantages you have compared to younger people. One thing that can be more difficult for older learners is finding other musicians to play with which can become essential to advance past a certain point. Where I live an experienced and talented guitarist created a business putting together bands from older amateur players. You pay a fee to join (no auditions), he provides the rehearsal space, drums, amps and an experienced coach. You rehearse 5 songs for 10 weeks and then perform them along with the other bands in a packed local club - of course the dang virus has killed the final show for now. I have done this a couple times as the drummer but maybe by the time things get back to normal I will be ready to try it on guitar. The experience of playing for the first time before a standing room only crowd was comparable only to my first solo flight in a small plane.
@@MidlifeGuitar The de-stressing effect in particular with me. It’s nice to have something that is just for me after a day doing things for someone else (work/kids)
Here's a question for you. Someone noticed my Guitars and asked the obvious question.."Can you play Guitar?". Now how do you answer that? I said "No". How do you measure "play". At what point do you say "Yes I can play". I do like justinGuitar. I like the fact that he is learning to play left handed so he can remember how hard it was to learn in the beginning. I am 74. I first picked up a Guitar at 22. I have failed 6 times. When I first started there was no Internet. I failed originally because I made the fatal error of buying a cheap acoustic Guitar. It was almost unplayable!!. A couple of years back, because I desperately wanted to play a musical instrument I bought a Ukulele. That got me playing some songs to play along with and reignited my interest in the Guitar. I am trying very hard. I have good days and bad days but I will stick at it. Personally I would love one-to-one lessons. I believe that would be best for me. I need someone to be honest with me. Obviously I will never be a Mark Knopfler (my favorite Guitarist) but I would like someone to give me a valued judgement as to what my development could be. Unfortunately, when I thought I had found a Tutor the Coronovirus hit us all. It looks like lessons could be well away.
Good video. The thing people don't realize is just need to get to the point where you can do something musical on your own. I don't mean jazz playing over the changes, but where you can be handed a guitar and just have fun between a few chords, whatever those are at the time of your journey. That's usually when most people are hooked in my experience. And the great thing is that point can be reached relatively quickly. And when you get to that point, 99 percent of people will think you're a "good" guitar player hah. You may not impress any other guitar players yet, but to a person that doesn't play they will look at you like you are a professional hah. Once that happens, you'll never quit! The trick is to just power through that early stage when you are learning chords and your transitions are terrible. At that stage things won't sound musical yet--at least how you think it should sound. All your riffs will be very difficult and basic. But if you keep going through that point, the hardest part, you'll get to the point where it becomes fun. You don't quit that.
Well said and I completely agree. Getting over that early stage is the hardest part it seems for most but once there I think it becomes a lot more obvious that you are never too old and a new world opens up.
I agree Roger! My favourite part of practicing is to improvise very, very simple things, like just a couple notes on one string. Might not seem like much but it sounds cool enough to get me hooked, and it's still useful since I practice keeping a steady rhythm. I'm an older beginner too.
@@andreeadobre3190 what I find fascinating is when I stumble upon a “new” sound by missing a chord and I’m like wow that’s a cool sound and I’ll fixate on it for like a week, as I look for other sounds to accompany it, it’s fun for this led guy🎸
Adults put too much expectations on themselves and therefore are too hard on themselves thinking they will never get something which with a bit of persistence will come. They think they don't have the natural talent required to become a guitar player and that can be soul destroying but like most things learning to play the guitar requires work. Not a glamorous thing to say but true.
Great inspirational video, and yes, you’re never too old to learn the guitar. Take me for example, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in February 2016 (I was 47), and by finding some great teachers on RUclips, and other on line sources I’ve learned to play (not great, but recognisable), over 100 (mostly AC/DC songs), but just the rhythm part, (lead guitar is too hard for me). Just be be patient and persistent, a good way to start is to learn something easy and build your way up as you get better. My initial goal was to just to be able to play one entire song from start to finish, and to be honest I didn’t think I could do it, but now I can play over 100 songs (once again not great, but recognisable), and this gave me a lot of joy, and personal satisfaction.
I'm 56 years old. Been around guitars since my teens,but only played open chords to strum along with songs i liked. Then lockdown came along last March. I decided to put the time to good use. I now play fingerstyle, such as Travis picking and also learned pentatonic scales which lead me to playing lead. Now I'm a blues and jazz nut. I learn 4 bars at a time. I play those 4 bars over and over . At my age I have tons of patience. Repetition leads to muscle memory. Focus is everything. DaVinci was 63 when he painted the Mona Lisa 😉
You know what? I used to play back in the eighties with a guitar my father bought me from a halk shop. I still have it. I picked up chords and learned songs on my own because I realized how good of an ear for music I had. As soon as I heard certain songs I just picked it up in no time without any lessons. So I bought a second guitar, Ibanez proline series. Beautiful guitar! Ended up having Ritchie Sambora autographed it when he toured to promote he solo album. I still have the Ibanez in it's case in perfect shape. Any chords that I learned back then was just mimicking other artists from band an tracks that I loved. I had actually use what I new before used that to learn guitar a few songs that get me through playing with a group of guys. Hapthe time of my life!! Well I am 53 right now and finally took out of the case with my Ibanez in side, still in prestine condition like thstI bought it. Needless to say , I am learn everyday for several hour per day on guitar theories to improve everthing i am 53years odl, but the body is treating me well, still full of tons of energy and my brain is constantly firing on all cylinders. Learning new something that I never knew before. That is music theory. Getting the hang of it day by day. Makes you feel so amazing when you do something like that and succeed after trying so many times. Keep at it and never give it up. What ever you goal and dreams are. You put your heart into it enough and you will get there. Its the best feeling in the work.. Cheers everyone! ✌
Great video! Beside the things you mentioned, the great benefit of learning to play guitar later in life is the immense musical database you've build within your mind, heart and soul. It's filled by the decades of listening to music. It makes a huge difference in creating music (intuitively). Btw I'm also a seasoned beginner. Picked up the guitar in July 2019 at the age of 42. Never played a instrument. Progress is going fine and probably faster then it would've been when I started in my youth. I didn't had the same dedication in my character as I have right now.
You make a great point, there are benefits that come with age. I've seen some of your videos too, and you are making excellent progress so I think you are doing yourself a little disservice saying 'fine' 👍 Look forward to seeing more from you in the future.
I am in my early 30s and I started playing about 5 months ago. I started out averaging around 30 minutes to an hour a day then it slowly progressed to two, sometimes three, hours a day. I started getting quite a bit of pain in the 2nd joint of my index finger on my fretting hand to the point that I have had trouble bending it and a decent amount of discomfort when I am playing. I have played virtually zero guitar this past week and I have been icing my fretting hand 2-3 times a day and taking ibuprofen as well.. It's so discouraging to have this pain while I am playing. It's been tough this last week barely playing at all because I enjoy it so much. Has anyone else had a similar issue? I don't think it is arthritis, I am leaning more toward tendinitis based off of the symptoms and it is only affecting my index finger. I have been stretching my fingers and wrists daily as well. I am just not sure what else to do except wait and hope it gets better...
Hello! I just entered my 30s and on personal front I ve hit the lowest.. I always enjoyed music and just a month ago I decided I want to learn guitar.. I saw your 365 days progress video and I gotta tell u .. you motivated me .. Its been just 3 weeks since I have started as a beginner.. And so many times I ve felt till now if I m gonna reach there..my progress is so slow... but then Videos like these motivate me to keep going.. Thanks for that :) Cheers!
Thanks for this video Luke. I'm 72 and took up guitar via baritone ukulele 4 years ago and play for about 2 hours a day. I too own a fantastic Katana 50 amp. After much buying and selling of guitars now have four: a Takemine, and an Ibanez (that I've re-stringed with excellent Steamers nylons), both acoustics, as well as a Spanish classical and a Yamaha Pacifica electric. Also have a Gretsch Guitalele. I recently purchased (new) the latest version of the Yamaha Pacifica. It's a fantastic guitar - and so versatile (love the P90) and cheap! It was just AU$499! Started writing songs about 2 years ago (about 40 to date). Trying not to write new ones as want to mix them (in the Reaper DAW) so they can join the two I've already got listed on platforms such as iTunes and Apple Music . Would love to play with other people but despite several attempts can't find anyone with similar ability and passion.
Sounds like the music bug has well and truly taken over for you! great to hear. Listened to a couple of your songs, they sound cool and it seems you have invested some time in to production too.
Great video, I’m 32 and have had a guitar since I was 15 but it never stuck. Picked it up in March with the goal of putting in 30 mins to an hour every day for a year. I’ve missed a few days but the progress is there and it’s a habitual thing now, my only issue is I lack a structured practice routine and sometimes use my time just going over riffs of songs that I already know.
This is exactly the channel I was looking for! I started "playing" guitar when I was 15 but quickly gave up. 15 years later I'm giving it another shot and using Justin's Guitar course. I've had worries that maybe 30 is too late to start but I've found myself really excited and motivated to keep practicing. I've been watching so many guitar channels but everyone started playing when they were so young. I can relate to you so much more. Thank you for this video and creating a channel to document your journey. Subscribed!
I played other instruments in my life (piano and violin) but guitar has always been my real desire. I started learning guitar in my 40s, and it’s not easy with work and children. But I have to say that this video made me fill very well and even more motivated.Thank you! I will follow your channel.
Excellent inspirational video, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in Feb 2016 (I was 47), and I have learned to play many songs. Lately, I have had some depression and have slacked off on practice, but I think this video will get me back into it. Thanks for the video, you cheered me up.
Hello bro keep it up dont quit it also happened to me also i quit for more than 20 years and start to play 1 year and 4 months ago this time i promise not to quit anymore i play now everyday i always think i will play 15 mins a day but always end up playing almost 2 hrs a day i wish one day i can buy a better guitar btw im 48 now and play acoustic guitar keep safe bro
I said to some youngin’ the other day, “ do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?”...”Practice, Practice, Practice!” That young buck said back, “ what’s Carnegie hall?” Well I may never get to Carnegie hall but I do love to practice🎸🇺🇸🎸
I'm 51. Two years ago I started with the ukulele, then baritone uke, then guitarlele. Two months ago I got a nice Eastman PCH guitar. Loved it. Started with Justin Guitar. But something just didn't feel right. Yesterday I went to the store for some picks and ended up trading the Eastman in for a Taylor GS mini. Aaahhhh, feels like home. When you're older you can just do things like that. I'm a lifelong student. But I have a feeling the guitar is here to stay. I love your videos. Keep 'em coming!
Inspiring video. I've been playing for 6 years and I'm terrible. You are much better. You have shown me something - discipline and not running before you can walk, neither of which have I exercised for guitar, are the key to progress. I do love Justin's channel. Your channel is also very good. Well done!
Thanks for the video, I’m 28yo and learning guitar properly’s been my lifetime distress, so many times I got back at it to then give up! But I’ve been playing everyday for the last 2 months and this lockdown will hopefully be beneficial for my daily practice! I also have a 2nd hand Mex Strat and considering to buy a Seagull shortly! Cheers from Cheltenham
Hello and thank you 🙏. I’m trying to learn and what you mentioned fits right in for me. Right now I’m sitting in my car and I have a package with two new guitars and a training amp, cables and some more stuff. And then one more guitar is on its way to. So 4 electric and one acoustic. My wife is going to kill me......😂
To get get good at anything you've got to be a bit OCD about it. I tend to fall into the trap that when things are not going well I think I must not have the special talent for it. Logic tells me that I haven't worked at it enough. 4 or 5 mins here or there is not going to get the job done.
Funnily enough most of the views and subs I am getting are coming from the 1 year video I did. For some reason, RUclips is pushing it now. I wouldn't have made that video without you mentioning it, so thank you 👍
Glad I could help! Thanks for all the quality content. I love the comedy you've been injecting in your videos. I missed the disposable income joke the first time around. It gave me a good chuckle.
Buy what you can afford. I buy Squier classic vibe. Have a few to cover most tones. The Lutheran that sets them up reccomend this series and he has a collection of vintage guitars I drool over but was a working musician. Im just working..
Midlife?.....I remember that ...somewhat :-) Really impressed with your online course reviews in their balance and frankness about both strengths and weaknesses. I've gone through a bunch and wish I discovered your site earlier as its clear you are a completely independent reviewer . Justin is amazing in his generosity but some of my interests ( acoustic fingerstyle blues ) have me looking elsewhere at times. Might recommend you look into "Shut Up and Play " for song tutorials ( brilliant) and Scott Paul Johnsons channel . Scott's content might be heavy on theory for some and while I thought that a disadvantage at first I've come to realize that this approach results in much better understanding of why? and as a result better retention Subscribed today and many thanks for all the time you have put into this
Kids have no ideas of their limitations. Once they get interested in something they give it 100%. Try to stop a kid doing something they really love and they have all the time in the world. They have a time window of 10 years roughly between 10 and 20 years of age to devote largely to their hobby.
I noticed that you play guitar with headphones on. I would love to play more but I worry about annoying my neighbors. How quiet is your electric guitar?
Very quiet when I plug my headphones in to my amp, it shouldn't bother you're neighbours at all. You could always get one of these amzn.to/3oYkg5S which you plug into your guitar and then your headphones in to that. They are pretty inexpensive if you don't want an amp.
Cheers for the video! Finding them useful Quick question if I may though.... I didn’t resist the temptation to buy an electric guitar early, bought a Yamaha beginners pack and I’ve basically played it straight out the box, but was wondering if you paid for a set up when you got your electric?
nah being older and learning anything new sucks. You're always going to be slower, weaker and overall less motivated than someone that starts young. Starting young also raises the glass ceiling of your maximum potential. Being older and starting means you have to at best settle for mediocrity. It's also always going to be in the back of your mind that if you started at a normal young age, you'd be 100x times better and the instrument would feel more natural. Idk you can try and rationalize it all you want but being old sucks.
My Name is Bernhard, I am German, live in Berlin, my age is 68. Sorry my English is not the best. I cannot understand all your words, but I think I understand the mind behind. 10 Years ago I bought a Martin DX1AE (low cost Martin) before I had a IBANEZ built 1971. I played only 5 or 6 cords for 30 Years. The new Guitar stands for nearly 10 Years in the Corner. Now I`m an pensioner since 4 month. At this time I took my Guitar away from the corner. Now I play every day for 30-60 min. In RUclips are so much wunderful Videos for learning Guitar. So I pick up 4 Channels, you are the fifth)
and practice fingerstyle like Marco Cirillo, Paul Davis, GCH Guitar Academy and one german called Fingerfux. In this short time i`m learnt so much more than the 40 Years before. I like it to play, I like the sound of my Guitar and it is good for my soul. At least I bougt me an Amp - ZE Lunchbox Junior and a pedal Zoom AC-3. It sounds beautiful. I don`t need it loud but nice. Thank you for the Video an have a very good time in the future.
Hi Bernhard, yes, RUclips has changed everything for learning guitar and many other instruments too. Sounds like you have some great guitar gear and are getting in some quality practice. It is amazing what some consistent practice and dedication can do.
Bernhard, Try using the closed captions to help you understand. ✌🏻💙🙏🏻
Bernhard, I’m 62 and just started learning, found your comment encouraging, thx🎸
Hi Bernhard!
Im in nearly the same boat. Im almost 67 and have been playing several hours day lately. With the plague and changing social demographic of my life its one of the few things that feel like it pays dividends commensurate with time spent. Im glad to know you are out there fighting the good fight! Keep up the good work. ,E K
Good work Bernhard, keep at it, I too am a older beginner (I’m 52), I started five years ago, I can only play rhythm guitar, but I’ve had so much fun.
Never too old. My guitar collection outways my playing ability but who cares. Best stress relief ever. My wife notices it too. Its win win.. 😎👍
I’m on 3 guitars after 3 months :/
@@popollo22 nice one mate. I had the same for a few years. Then youtube happened.
@@popollo22 I'm on two, but they're in two different countries ha ha
@@warrenc1829 and you can add a bass to that list too
I started acoustic at 17. Sat in my comfort zone playing basically oasis covers for 13 years. January of this year at the age of 30 I decided to really give electric guitar a go. My goal was to learn live forever solo (tried it once about 10 years ago and just gave up), after about 2 months I decided to give it a go and found it was easier than half of what j could already play so now I'm playing (and writing) things I never dreamed of. Totally self taught btw. Never had a teacher of any kind.
Great advice Luke! You are never too old. Put the doubts aside, and just go for it!
I started at the age of 40, because I saw many people I work with could play, and one day I just decided I wanted to play too! 907 days later, I have played every single day, and I’m having a blast.
Don’t let anyone, including yourself, talk you out of doing something you’ve always wanted to do!
Absolutely and personally I think you have made great progress Jerome, I sometimes think you don't realize what you have achieved so far and wish to be better. But as an outsider looking in you have done brilliantly and that passion for playing that you have will get you to the level you want to be.
@@MidlifeGuitar Thanks Luke, that means a lot.
You’re absolutely right about me not realizing how far I’ve come - instead, I keep thinking how much farther I have to go.
Great advice. I started 2 months ago and can play a few songs badly. I love the guitar's ability to keep me sane while the virus keeps me hunkered down. Justin is a welcome visitor in my little world and I'm not a quitter. I'm 68.
Great to hear that guitar helps you in these crazy times. Those songs may sound bad now but won't for long! 👍
Great video! Im 63 and have just started learning guitar. Some of us oldies''at work have formed a band and watching this video is inspirational, keep up the good work.
Thank you so much! I am saving this video in my Amazing folder to watch again. As a young teen I tried to learn the guitar, gave up, tried again a couple years ago, and now, at 61, picked it up again in February. At first, I wondered if I had wasted my money on the guitar, but enjoyed Justin, Marty, and others. I have since bought a Squire Strat and 3 ukeleles! As you so beautifully put it, the journey is to be enjoyed. Thank you for this video!
Sonny,you don't know much about being"older" I joke...Im closing in on 70 and just getting serious after 50 years of messing around with it.
Thanks
Thats good advice indeed Luke! I started at age 57, just over 2 years ago and I believe I have reached the point where I will never quit. You need to use whatever advantages you have compared to younger people.
One thing that can be more difficult for older learners is finding other musicians to play with which can become essential to advance past a certain point. Where I live an experienced and talented guitarist created a business putting together bands from older amateur players. You pay a fee to join (no auditions), he provides the rehearsal space, drums, amps and an experienced coach. You rehearse 5 songs for 10 weeks and then perform them along with the other bands in a packed local club - of course the dang virus has killed the final show for now. I have done this a couple times as the drummer but maybe by the time things get back to normal I will be ready to try it on guitar. The experience of playing for the first time before a standing room only crowd was comparable only to my first solo flight in a small plane.
I’m 35 and started learning 3 weeks ago. Picked it up every day and loving it. I will be djent!
You will!
@@MidlifeGuitar The de-stressing effect in particular with me. It’s nice to have something that is just for me after a day doing things for someone else (work/kids)
Here's a question for you. Someone noticed my Guitars and asked the obvious question.."Can you play Guitar?". Now how do you answer that? I said "No". How do you measure "play". At what point do you say "Yes I can play". I do like justinGuitar. I like the fact that he is learning to play left handed so he can remember how hard it was to learn in the beginning. I am 74. I first picked up a Guitar at 22. I have failed 6 times. When I first started there was no Internet. I failed originally because I made the fatal error of buying a cheap acoustic Guitar. It was almost unplayable!!. A couple of years back, because I desperately wanted to play a musical instrument I bought a Ukulele. That got me playing some songs to play along with and reignited my interest in the Guitar. I am trying very hard. I have good days and bad days but I will stick at it. Personally I would love one-to-one lessons. I believe that would be best for me. I need someone to be honest with me. Obviously I will never be a Mark Knopfler (my favorite Guitarist) but I would like someone to give me a valued judgement as to what my development could be. Unfortunately, when I thought I had found a Tutor the Coronovirus hit us all. It looks like lessons could be well away.
Good to hear your story G R ,Im 8 years behind you and it enriches my life greatly btw Knopfler is my Ideal as well.
Thank You!
Good video. The thing people don't realize is just need to get to the point where you can do something musical on your own. I don't mean jazz playing over the changes, but where you can be handed a guitar and just have fun between a few chords, whatever those are at the time of your journey. That's usually when most people are hooked in my experience. And the great thing is that point can be reached relatively quickly. And when you get to that point, 99 percent of people will think you're a "good" guitar player hah. You may not impress any other guitar players yet, but to a person that doesn't play they will look at you like you are a professional hah. Once that happens, you'll never quit!
The trick is to just power through that early stage when you are learning chords and your transitions are terrible. At that stage things won't sound musical yet--at least how you think it should sound. All your riffs will be very difficult and basic. But if you keep going through that point, the hardest part, you'll get to the point where it becomes fun. You don't quit that.
Well said and I completely agree. Getting over that early stage is the hardest part it seems for most but once there I think it becomes a lot more obvious that you are never too old and a new world opens up.
I agree Roger! My favourite part of practicing is to improvise very, very simple things, like just a couple notes on one string. Might not seem like much but it sounds cool enough to get me hooked, and it's still useful since I practice keeping a steady rhythm. I'm an older beginner too.
@@andreeadobre3190 what I find fascinating is when I stumble upon a “new” sound by missing a chord and I’m like wow that’s a cool sound and I’ll fixate on it for like a week, as I look for other sounds to accompany it, it’s fun for this led guy🎸
Adults put too much expectations on themselves and therefore are too hard on themselves thinking they will never get something which with a bit of persistence will come. They think they don't have the natural talent required to become a guitar player and that can be soul destroying but like most things learning to play the guitar requires work. Not a glamorous thing to say but true.
Good to know since I am 51 and started in February. lol
Great inspirational video, and yes, you’re never too old to learn the guitar.
Take me for example, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in February 2016 (I was 47), and by finding some great teachers on RUclips, and other on line sources I’ve learned to play (not great, but recognisable), over 100 (mostly AC/DC songs), but just the rhythm part, (lead guitar is too hard for me).
Just be be patient and persistent, a good way to start is to learn something easy and build your way up as you get better.
My initial goal was to just to be able to play one entire song from start to finish, and to be honest I didn’t think I could do it, but now I can play over 100 songs (once again not great, but recognisable), and this gave me
a lot of joy, and personal satisfaction.
I'm 56 years old.
Been around guitars since my teens,but only played open chords to strum along with songs i liked.
Then lockdown came along last March. I decided to put the time to good use. I now play fingerstyle, such as Travis picking and also learned pentatonic scales which lead me to playing lead. Now I'm a blues and jazz nut. I learn 4 bars at a time. I play those 4 bars over and over . At my age I have tons of patience. Repetition leads to muscle memory. Focus is everything.
DaVinci was 63 when he painted the Mona Lisa 😉
You know what? I used to play back in the eighties with a guitar my father bought me from a halk shop. I still have it. I picked up chords and learned songs on my own because I realized how good of an ear for music I had. As soon as I heard certain songs I just picked it up in no time without any lessons. So I bought a second guitar, Ibanez proline series. Beautiful guitar! Ended up having Ritchie Sambora autographed it when he toured to promote he solo album. I still have the Ibanez in it's case in perfect shape. Any chords that I learned back then was just mimicking other artists from band an tracks that I loved. I had actually use what I new before used that to learn guitar a few songs that get me through playing with a group of guys. Hapthe time of my life!! Well I am 53 right now and finally took out of the case with my Ibanez in side, still in prestine condition like thstI bought it. Needless to say , I am learn everyday for several hour per day on guitar theories to improve everthing i am 53years odl, but the body is treating me well, still full of tons of energy and my brain is constantly firing on all cylinders. Learning new something that I never knew before. That is music theory. Getting the hang of it day by day. Makes you feel so amazing when you do something like that and succeed after trying so many times. Keep at it and never give it up. What ever you goal and dreams are. You put your heart into it enough and you will get there. Its the best feeling in the work..
Cheers everyone! ✌
I started guitar at age 43. I'm now 53 and still playing. I'm still not very good and much feel like a beginner but I enjoy the process of learning.
same as me started at 43 now 54 still playing learning same like beginner like you
Great video! Beside the things you mentioned, the great benefit of learning to play guitar later in life is the immense musical database you've build within your mind, heart and soul. It's filled by the decades of listening to music. It makes a huge difference in creating music (intuitively).
Btw I'm also a seasoned beginner. Picked up the guitar in July 2019 at the age of 42. Never played a instrument. Progress is going fine and probably faster then it would've been when I started in my youth. I didn't had the same dedication in my character as I have right now.
You make a great point, there are benefits that come with age. I've seen some of your videos too, and you are making excellent progress so I think you are doing yourself a little disservice saying 'fine' 👍 Look forward to seeing more from you in the future.
I am in my early 30s and I started playing about 5 months ago. I started out averaging around 30 minutes to an hour a day then it slowly progressed to two, sometimes three, hours a day. I started getting quite a bit of pain in the 2nd joint of my index finger on my fretting hand to the point that I have had trouble bending it and a decent amount of discomfort when I am playing. I have played virtually zero guitar this past week and I have been icing my fretting hand 2-3 times a day and taking ibuprofen as well.. It's so discouraging to have this pain while I am playing. It's been tough this last week barely playing at all because I enjoy it so much. Has anyone else had a similar issue? I don't think it is arthritis, I am leaning more toward tendinitis based off of the symptoms and it is only affecting my index finger. I have been stretching my fingers and wrists daily as well. I am just not sure what else to do except wait and hope it gets better...
Hello! I just entered my 30s and on personal front I ve hit the lowest.. I always enjoyed music and just a month ago I decided I want to learn guitar.. I saw your 365 days progress video and I gotta tell u .. you motivated me .. Its been just 3 weeks since I have started as a beginner.. And so many times I ve felt till now if I m gonna reach there..my progress is so slow... but then Videos like these motivate me to keep going.. Thanks for that :) Cheers!
Nice to see Don Quixote on your shelf back there.
It is a classic, and well spotted!
Thanks for this video Luke. I'm 72 and took up guitar via baritone ukulele 4 years ago and play for about 2 hours a day. I too own a fantastic Katana 50 amp. After much buying and selling of guitars now have four: a Takemine, and an Ibanez (that I've re-stringed with excellent Steamers nylons), both acoustics, as well as a Spanish classical and a Yamaha Pacifica electric. Also have a Gretsch Guitalele. I recently purchased (new) the latest version of the Yamaha Pacifica. It's a fantastic guitar - and so versatile (love the P90) and cheap! It was just AU$499! Started writing songs about 2 years ago (about 40 to date). Trying not to write new ones as want to mix them (in the Reaper DAW) so they can join the two I've already got listed on platforms such as iTunes and Apple Music . Would love to play with other people but despite several attempts can't find anyone with similar ability and passion.
Sounds like the music bug has well and truly taken over for you! great to hear. Listened to a couple of your songs, they sound cool and it seems you have invested some time in to production too.
Great video, I’m 32 and have had a guitar since I was 15 but it never stuck. Picked it up in March with the goal of putting in 30 mins to an hour every day for a year. I’ve missed a few days but the progress is there and it’s a habitual thing now, my only issue is I lack a structured practice routine and sometimes use my time just going over riffs of songs that I already know.
Exactly #oldmanstillcan learn to play to guitar!
This is exactly the channel I was looking for! I started "playing" guitar when I was 15 but quickly gave up. 15 years later I'm giving it another shot and using Justin's Guitar course. I've had worries that maybe 30 is too late to start but I've found myself really excited and motivated to keep practicing. I've been watching so many guitar channels but everyone started playing when they were so young. I can relate to you so much more. Thank you for this video and creating a channel to document your journey. Subscribed!
I played other instruments in my life (piano and violin) but guitar has always been my real desire. I started learning guitar in my 40s, and it’s not easy with work and children. But I have to say that this video made me fill very well and even more motivated.Thank you! I will follow your channel.
Excellent inspirational video, I took up the guitar as an older beginner back in Feb 2016 (I was 47), and I have learned to play many songs.
Lately, I have had some depression and have slacked off on practice, but I think this video will get me back into it.
Thanks for the video, you cheered me up.
Thanks man, glad I could help a little.
Hello bro keep it up dont quit it also happened to me also i quit for more than 20 years and start to play 1 year and 4 months ago this time i promise not to quit anymore i play now everyday i always think i will play 15 mins a day but always end up playing almost 2 hrs a day i wish one day i can buy a better guitar btw im 48 now and play acoustic guitar keep safe bro
@@juanvalera7272
Thanks for kind words Juan.
I said to some youngin’ the other day, “ do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?”...”Practice, Practice, Practice!” That young buck said back, “ what’s Carnegie hall?” Well I may never get to Carnegie hall but I do love to practice🎸🇺🇸🎸
I'm 51. Two years ago I started with the ukulele, then baritone uke, then guitarlele. Two months ago I got a nice Eastman PCH guitar. Loved it. Started with Justin Guitar. But something just didn't feel right. Yesterday I went to the store for some picks and ended up trading the Eastman in for a Taylor GS mini. Aaahhhh, feels like home. When you're older you can just do things like that. I'm a lifelong student. But I have a feeling the guitar is here to stay. I love your videos. Keep 'em coming!
I agree with everything you say.. keep rocking
Thanks!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Any time!
I started last month... I'm 56
Inspiring video. I've been playing for 6 years and I'm terrible. You are much better. You have shown me something - discipline and not running before you can walk, neither of which have I exercised for guitar, are the key to progress. I do love Justin's channel. Your channel is also very good. Well done!
Thanks for the video, I’m 28yo and learning guitar properly’s been my lifetime distress, so many times I got back at it to then give up! But I’ve been playing everyday for the last 2 months and this lockdown will hopefully be beneficial for my daily practice! I also have a 2nd hand Mex Strat and considering to buy a Seagull shortly! Cheers from Cheltenham
Wow, I used to live in Cheltenham, great place to live! Sounds like you have great taste in guitars too 😉👍
Hello and thank you 🙏. I’m trying to learn and what you mentioned fits right in for me. Right now I’m sitting in my car and I have a package with two new guitars and a training amp, cables and some more stuff. And then one more guitar is on its way to. So 4 electric and one acoustic. My wife is going to kill me......😂
😂🤘Sounds like you have been bitten by the guitar bug, good luck with the wife!👍
Wow congratulations I am totally amazed with your guitar 🎸
I would love to learn
I love music 🎶 so much
I am 48
Best Regards
You can do it!
Go for it! It is life enriching!
I'm 58 love music and always wanted to learn and here I am👍any advice on a decent guitar would be appreciated 👌and loving the channel 👍👍
Let me know why you are not too old to learn guitar!👍
Not too old because I'm still breathing. They'll have to bury me with my guitars.
Because Im too young to die!
You've got yourself a new subscriber sir.
Awesome, thank you!
Cool idea for a RUclips Channel Luke. Continued success on your guitar journey.
Thanks Shane
To get get good at anything you've got to be a bit OCD about it.
I tend to fall into the trap that when things are not going well I think I must not have the special talent for it.
Logic tells me that I haven't worked at it enough. 4 or 5 mins here or there is not going to get the job done.
True, that dogged determination is what makes us get better regardless of any real 'talent' which obviously helps but wont get us there on its own.
You hit 2K quick. Good job.
Funnily enough most of the views and subs I am getting are coming from the 1 year video I did. For some reason, RUclips is pushing it now. I wouldn't have made that video without you mentioning it, so thank you 👍
Glad I could help!
Thanks for all the quality content. I love the comedy you've been injecting in your videos. I missed the disposable income joke the first time around. It gave me a good chuckle.
I like you Luke, your the type of bloke I’d love to have a beer and jam with.
Thanks mate, I'll bring the beers!👍
Buy what you can afford. I buy Squier classic vibe. Have a few to cover most tones. The Lutheran that sets them up reccomend this series and he has a collection of vintage guitars I drool over but was a working musician. Im just working..
I agree and Squiers are great guitars.
Started playing at 34. 40 years old now and I can play SOME Van Halen songs.
Midlife?.....I remember that ...somewhat :-) Really impressed with your online course reviews in their balance and frankness about both strengths and weaknesses. I've gone through a bunch and wish I discovered your site earlier as its clear you are a completely independent reviewer . Justin is amazing in his generosity but some of my interests ( acoustic fingerstyle blues ) have me looking elsewhere at times. Might recommend you look into "Shut Up and Play " for song tutorials ( brilliant) and Scott Paul Johnsons channel . Scott's content might be heavy on theory for some and while I thought that a disadvantage at first I've come to realize that this approach results in much better understanding of why? and as a result better retention Subscribed today and many thanks for all the time you have put into this
Thanks, I appreciate it and I will check out those channels. Thanks for subscribing 👍
Kids have no ideas of their limitations. Once they get interested in something they give it 100%. Try to stop a kid doing something they really love and they have all the time in the world. They have a time window of 10 years roughly between 10 and 20 years of age to devote largely to their hobby.
I noticed that you play guitar with headphones on. I would love to play more but I worry about annoying my neighbors. How quiet is your electric guitar?
Very quiet when I plug my headphones in to my amp, it shouldn't bother you're neighbours at all. You could always get one of these amzn.to/3oYkg5S which you plug into your guitar and then your headphones in to that. They are pretty inexpensive if you don't want an amp.
@@MidlifeGuitar thank you for the information! Congratulations on your tremendous progress!
Cheers for the video! Finding them useful Quick question if I may though....
I didn’t resist the temptation to buy an electric guitar early, bought a Yamaha beginners pack and I’ve basically played it straight out the box, but was wondering if you paid for a set up when you got your electric?
If the action is high and/or you're getting fret buzz-get a setup done
@@garysguitarworld7612 cheers for the advice 👍
Where did you learn please ?
Thx a lot
here www.justinguitar.com/
Whats the best app for learning guitar?
Haven't tried any app only learning tools yet so can't really provide you with a decent answer.
It's better because you can afford nice gear.
True!
nah being older and learning anything new sucks. You're always going to be slower, weaker and overall less motivated than someone that starts young. Starting young also raises the glass ceiling of your maximum potential. Being older and starting means you have to at best settle for mediocrity.
It's also always going to be in the back of your mind that if you started at a normal young age, you'd be 100x times better and the instrument would feel more natural. Idk you can try and rationalize it all you want but being old sucks.