15 Pieces of Guitar Wisdom From 50 YEARS of Guitar Playing (in 15 minutes)

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A recent livestream realization sent me in search of the things that had made the biggest difference to me over my 50 years of playing guitar...so here they are. Some will seem obvious to many of you but hopefully some of you will enjoy hearing the things that have made the most difference to me in my guitar journey.
Thanks for watching,
Keith

[@jts3339]

Keith, I’m 72 and have played for over 60 years. As a veteran of many bands, I believe it’s important to find people that are compatible with you to play with. I’ve been in bands with guitarists who were better and worse players than I am, and I would rather play with an average player with an agreeable personality than a virtuoso who is an overbearing a-hole. If you can find the rare combination of a great player with a great personality you’ve got the makings of a great band.

[@markhammer643]

I feel like you're my doppelganger. Same age. Same guitar experience. Like Keith, I also began with a cheap Stella that had different colored furballs at the string ends.

[@RickBeato]

Love the new style Hypes! This is a great set of ideas to think about and put into practice.

[@alexanderball6326]

Ngl, seeing Rick Beato leave a commen here kind of blows my mind haha

[@spaghettisauce445]

oh look a pretty small channel with not a ton of subscribers is commenting

[@imthatguy9904]

Why is this crud here bro

[@franklinkz2451]

RICK! I KNOW WHO HE IS! 😂

[@MotoLen51]

I sometimes feel like the last 50 years have gone by in about 15 minutes...

[@davidmcgregor9144]

I've been playing 51 years. Still playing the same stuff I started playing.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

The first 18 years of life drag by so slowly and make such an impact on our minds, and then the rest goes by like a blur and 18 years old always feels like a few months ago

[@johnwashburn3793]

I saw my mother on her 85th birthday and she tapped her heart and said, "I feel 25 here"

[@mikeoneill7671]

Exactly!

[@SeanOHanlon]

Ditto.

[@victormarinelli5660]

Met a 27 year old guitar teacher. She was the daughter of a friend. I asked her if she would like to play in a band I put together for a musical event I host. She was interested and started practicing with us. Shortly after she started, I found out she had never played in a band. I also realized that although she was musically educated, she was not a "musician". I had asked her to play the lead to one of the songs in our set list thinking that she would enjoy standing on stage in front of an audience and playing it. She took several videos of me playing the lead in slow motion and as well defined as I could make it so she could see exactly what every finger was doing. Several practices later, she wanted to give up on it. I thought to myself....no, you need to do this. You need to get on stage and make this happen because of the confidence it would build. She scheduled to meet with me several times to work out the lead. It's not perfect by any stretch but she plays it well enough, and she'll pull it off. Two of us in the band know the lead but I can't overlook the opportunity she has and an experience she can share with her students. I have a saying, "you can't play unless you can play." Understanding music doesn't make you a musician. One more practice, event is June 15th. Standing while you play is key. My feeling is, even if you're sitting, use a strap....you won't have to hold your guitar and play it the same time.

[@larrypower8659]

Teaching the teacher-nicely done! Good on you for taking that approach. “Understanding music doesn’t make you a musician,” truer words were never spoken.

[@freeman436]

great story. and yes, stand up!

[@ragweedpollens]

I always use a strap when sitting. Keeping the guitar just at or barely above my lap. Like you said, now you're not "holding" the guitar. Any burden you can shed while playing is worth it. You can't immerse yourself in the music when you're preoccupied with not dropping or adjusting your guitar.

[@CAGED1702]

Interesting story! I like that one very much. One thing though I would like to emphasise though: understanding music doesn't make you a musician, but it can help you become a very good musician. Because "nobody got smarter by not knowing something" (quote Ross Campbell, look him up, he has heaps of valuable stuff on KZbin). Btw: I totally agree that you should always use a strap, provided that the length of the strap is correct. 🙂

[@BobPerrone]

Great post. I turned 70 this year and have been playing since I was 8.Your journey was very similar to mine except my parents were kind enough to have me take live lessons from an outstanding jazz guitarist, Al Faraldi. He cemented music theory along with proper playing techniques in me. Took lessons for about 10 years until one session he had me sit in his waiting room while he played chords and single notes in the studio. I was to tell him what he was playing. Nailed it and he came up to me and said "we're done, there's nothing more I can show you". We jammed for about 20 minutes and parted ways. Still miss him and am grateful for his incredible teaching techniques. I enjoy your channel, Keith, for your philosophy of making music with less. I purged about 5 years ago leaving my main guitars and my trusty Blues Jr. Very happy...thanks again for a great post.

[@johnwashburn3793]

This truly brought me many happy memories, and it spark3d a great conversation.

[@guitrr]

That’s a great story. What a marvelous mentor you had!

[@joeturkos6767]

I started playing guitar when I was 14 and played until I was about 20. Unfortunately I stopped, for a number of reasons. After taking about 27 years off, I started playing again as a way to help me quit drinking. Over the last seven years, playing guitar has transformed from therapy, to a hobby, to a passion. Thank you and please keep up the great work.

[@NewPraetorianBlues]

Similar story, I started at 10, stopped at 16 because I found out about weed and women, sold everything except 1 electric, picked it up again at 25, and I'm 27 now, just got my first tube amp last month (65 deluxe reverb reissue). Now I'm starting to dive into pedals - it's honestly just a game changer to have money for guitar stuff. I'm so much more passionate about this now than I was when I first started. I thought I was pretty obsessed as a kid but that's nothing compared to the level of obsession now, and channels like 5WW are a huge reason behind it.

[@johnosborne3187]

Welcome back! We missed you:)

[@bassrun101]

Garry NOT Linda. Quite a few years ago, in Acoustic Guitar Magazine, I think it was, Taylor guitars ran an ad for a couple of issues that I copied and hung up on the wall in my music room. It said. "Instead of drinking after a stressful day I play guitar. My wife would never compliment me on how much my drinking has improved." I made them words to live by.

[@seanburns2669]

I hear you Joe. I started playing bass when I was 17 (i picked the instrument that nobody else wanted to play) and took to it right away. Unfortunately I was already drinking and that completely stopped me in my tracks. I got sober when I was 28, and that's when my life began, both as a person and a musician. I've played more gigs that I could count now that I'm 64, and none of that would have happened if I hadn't gotten sober one day at a time. Now I'm finally legit learning how to play guitar, and you tube channels like this are invaluable. Thanks Keith!

[@lamontprospect9974]

I only have three things to say: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I'm 65 years old and only started playing electric guitar 2 years ago. Had I started watching this program before I started I would have saved a fortune in too many guitars and amps that had way too much wattage.

[@blairsmith201]

You said you had figured out you have been playing for 50 years and started to think and realized I started at 7 years old and just turned 57 last week. Its nice to be part of this 50+ club!

[@outwook]

It dawned on me that I've been playing guitar for 10 years recently. Nowhere near 50, but it feels like something significant. A part of one's personality indeed.

[@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814]

So this is a weirdly sappy and sentimental comment, please bear with me… This video is the closest thing I’ll have to having my dad sit down and talk with me about guitar. He was absent my entire life and the only thing we ever vaguely connected on was music, especially metal guitar. I’m only 30, so I don’t have the full scope of understanding as a lot of the comments here, but something about this video feels warm. I wish I had this video to show myself at 11. Thanks, Keith.

[@fivewattworld]

So nice if you to say man.

[@eus8964]

Thanks for sharing your story. As someone who lives away from home, this struck a weird chord with me. Hope you’re still learning and practicing. Take care, friend!

[@mikecarreca7864]

My birthday is also in April. I started lessons at 5, 64 years ago. I was a session player at 12. My first guitar was an acoustic and the strings and action caused my fingers bleed as well. How great the old days were.

[@dontwan4266]

Playing standing up is something overlooked to often.Great advice.

[@gordonbradbury8996]

Thanks Keith. 50 years of experience means a great deal to those of us who wont have that option. I started playing at 50! Many great ideas shared.

[@aleji0]

I'm 44 and this November will mark 30 years of guitar. At the point when you are counting in decades, guitar and music in general haven't been hobbies or interests for a very long time, they've become a cornerstone of who you are as a person . At least that's my experience with it. Also, I would have guessed ten years (speaking of decades) younger, Keith. We should all be so fortunate. Great vid, and very accurate so far.

[@davidfreiboth1360]

My first guitar was also a Stella but my guitar teacher also had a drum kit and before long my guitar lessons turned into drum lessons. Your advice to play with others has enriched my life. I do not identify as a singer, (being a drummer and all) but when I couldn’t get band mates to step up to the mic I swung the boom over my trap set and let her rip. I’ve always enjoyed playing but when I took a risk I never thought I’d take, enjoyment turned into fun. I had a blast. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@richardfoskett8903]

Happy Birthday for a couple of months ago, and yes - we still need you even though you’re 64!

[@TheAshleywiggins]

My dad was a bass player,I was a horn player all through school,but I hated guitar players. One day in 99' ,near my bday i went into Mars music with my dad to get bass strings. I saw the new reissue Danelectros and feel in love. A convertible and a dirty thirty (about 200$). My dad has passed since and over 20 years later, I still play em both. Music is a connection. My only advice... have fun and enjoy it.

[@markarevalo2707]

Hey Keith, this is gold! Especially the "noodling vs practicing properly" is spot on! We've all thought about this, but mostly this is fine for varying levels of ambition with guitar playing... to be established guitarists, well that's a lot of dedication, and like famous actors, those type of people are 'hell bent' on success! : )

[@tomjones2348]

Great presentation! I'm 67, played guitar for over 50 years, played classical violin in 5 symphonies, play classical piano, and love it all. There are only so many free hours in a day, so I focus now on classical piano, and jazz guitar. I play daily, and enjoy it.

[@oscarenfotos]

I’ve played guitar for 37 years and just now feel like I’m getting it. My first guitar was awful, but it taught me perseverance and to appreciate a good one. I’ve only played in public twice: the first time I threw up, and the second time I played terribly, but won a contest! Learning guitar is like playing snakes and ladders; it’s a wild ride, but enjoy the journey. Thanks for the 50 years of wisdom! 🎸✨

[@NorthShoreMike]

just turned 63. Started playing at 48. This is the best advice I've ever seen on any platform. Thanks, Keith!

[@dougthornton6884]

Spot on about playing with others. When I was 10 my parents paid for guitar lessons for me.(thanks Julie Jay my teacher(RIP)) They bought me a Hagstrom II guitar.(wish I still had it). That was 1965. Zoom forward to the early 80s when I got into my first band with some of my friends. World of difference playing with other folks. I think the sheer enjoyment of the "mix" of players is almost like a drug. We all could not wait for the next rehearsal and or gig. And everyone got way better, quickly ! Two of my bandmates are gone now, but I still listen to the raw tapes of our rehearsals and am in awe of how we sounded together. Thanx Keith for a super video.....

[@bg9419]

Keith, I love all your videos and have been a subscriber for a long time. Still surprised we haven't heard you play. You've built an audience of guitar fans and have been playing for 50 years. I'm sure we'd all love to hear you when you're ready. Thanks for all the history lessons.

[@fivewattworld]

I play early in the channel. It’s hard to find the time to record now, but maybe on some live streams.

[@noverguy]

I'll just add really quick here my one speck of wisdom also from playing for fifty years. That is, if you ever have a guitar thats really special to you, no matter what it is, or what its worth - never sell it! Keep it with you no matter what! You will never regret it! Thanks Keith!

[@BarryHanson_aka_BarelyHandsome]

COOL... my first guitar was a STELLA with a MEL BAY guitar book for my TWELFTH birthday!!!!! I'm 78 now... GREAT VIDEO Keith!!!

[@LRHutch]

Great video Kieth❤. Really great advice for new players. I started playing at 5, several nearby neighbors also played. So we all would get together and just jam together and learn from each other. Playing with other people is so very important. As far as the music theory book it was great to take to the bathroom read a page then rip it out and wipe with it. Your ears, eyes, and hands are all you need to learn with.

[@terndrups]

This type of wisdom is priceless. Thank you for sharing it.

[@iandodd7828]

I’ll be 64 this summer, at which time I will have been playing for 2 years (not counting the times I started and quit as a teenager, in my 20s, in my 40s). I bought a Squier Strat because all I wanted to play was the blues. Started taking lessons at my local music shop with a teacher who has become a friend. Looking forward to joining the Golden Guitar Club when I’m 112.

[@shawnhuff3920]

I was born April 2nd 1974 and I like some 50's 60's and 70's 80's and early 90's guitar and bass guitar music 😊

[@briangardner5905]

Keith, Really good information. I started as a drummer in 1969 with a very inexpensive Crest set from a Montgomery Ward's catalogue, until I worked all Summer and purchased a nice Ludwig set for my self. Later in a quasi-Crosby, Stills and Nash original acoustic group, playing percussion, I was the only one with money to purchase the Martin 12-string guitar we needed for the group. When the group broke up a few years later, the guitar was of course given back to me and I started playing it and fell in love with songwriting. To date I have written over 80 original songs, am lucky to have a mentor in a fellow that is a ghost writer and has 7 grammy's to his credit and I am on some kind of streak, as I have written 3-4 songs each month for a while. Your comments regarding saving for more expensive guitars is only slightly rebuffed by me, given that I own probably the best sounding guitar for under $200 - the Yamaha FG-800, which the company re-did the internal bracing for and wow!! what a beautiful sound this guitar makes! Being 72, but still in good health, I am just more comfortable sitting while playing and in that position I play better as well. Regarding playing with others, I host a Sunday afternoon acoustic jam at my home in Las Vegas. Some of the players are slightly better or worse than me, but as leader of the jam, I have made it clear that this get together represents a safe arena where no one is going to be criticized by anyone else and trying bits on covers and my originals is encouraged. It's been great. With all sorts of good feedback and interaction among the three guitarists (including myself), a sax player, bass player, female vocalist/percussionist and male vocalist who are regulars of the Sunday Acoustic Jam. Some of the players have told me they strictly do not want to play live and that's OK, as the Sunday Jam is not because we are rehearsing for a gig or forming a band. But the one guitarist who still has some slight difficulty with rhythm and the bass player, have told me playing live would be great...so we'll see and I certainly appreciate your impart on this video. In closing, since I have been playing and performing since 1969 - for 55 years here are a few thoughts: 1. Stay strictly away from drugs including pot and musicians who are into that - they will waste your time. Do not drink while playing - would you drink on your job? And do not abuse alcohol. Develop a good sense of rhythm; leave your ego and attitude in a dumpster far away from the stage or rehearsal site and generate within you a love for the audience and if a senior citizen couple ever requests "Kansas City" because they were married there decades ago and they are celebrating their anniversary - instead of either having a pained look come onto your face or negative feedback to this couple regarding their request for a song you may hate or have played 5 billion times - realize that you can make the band look like heroes by getting the audience to cheer on Bill & Sally and their anniversary by - yep playing Kansas City with honesty, energy and professionalism. Cheers - Brian

[@RaymondGinn1978]

Keith, your videos are the absolute best. I’ve watched almost all of them. 95% are amazing. People need fair compliments to keep going. I hope my complement keeps you going strong.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Ray

[@spkay31]

64 and been playing for 57 years (started taking lessons at 7) and really great advice. Also played in church bands and encourage people do that if available and interested. Something you glossed over but I encourage people to try and sing even if they don't have the greatest singing voice. Not to become a great singer but it can make playing songs more interesting and fun and certainly even becoming an average singer can help you in a band situation, even if only providing backing vocals.

[@francescotenti193]

At 72, just a month ago, I picked up my 1st guitar at age 11. Your points/advice are 100% true, from picking a playable guitar, much easier today than in the 60's, to a good teacher, and then practice, practice, practice and playing with others. All great advice to enjoy this wonderful instrument, well said!

[@skateborg]

Happy Belated Birthday Keith! ☘ I hit 67 on June 9 this year. Feels great.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

I’ve been playing for about 63 years. I am left-handed but my folks (not knowing any better) bought me a right-handed guitar. I held it left-handed but my teacher didn’t think “Hey I wonder if this kid is left-handed?” Instead he took the guitar away and turned it back to right-handed. It totally blew my mind and I quit taking lessons after only a week. Over time I took the guitar out from under the bed and began messing with it right handed. Now 63 years later I’m a mediocre but happy guitarist

[@aidan6471]

that's exactly what happened to me i've been playing for two years

[@1968nik]

My yougest son is a a leftie and I made the same mistake - tired teaching him some basics with a right handed guitar - realised I was being an idiot and bought him a left handed guitar - he's really taken off since then

[@davegto67]

@@1968nik As a left handed player and teacher, I'm glad you did that. As a beginner player, handedness can go either way, but in my experience playing with the dominant hand always has better results.

[@PantanoHD]

im 18 and i just wanted to say thank you for the advice. watcjing your videos is always a blast, eapecially the short history ones

[@hawkfan1212]

I've been playing off and on for quite awhile but I always manage to learn from this channel! Sage advice there. Thank you!

[@ryangunwitch-black]

2:38 I agree with this statement so much. Since I’ve settled into blues my playing has improved more in three or four years than in the previous 25 I spent trying to play multiple styles.

[@anthonytanner96]

Hearing your age reminds me of when Oliver Sacks once described a time when a beloved music therapist announced that she was retiring. Everyone was shocked that some one so young could retire but it turned out she was much older than she appeared. Hearing that, he theorized that a lifetime of music had kept her physically younger than her chronological age.

[@bryantrockfield9865]

Been playing for 66 years.... Started at 13.... What a journey, what a ride..... precious memories..... the instruments & the people...... and it's not over..... !!....

[@gedcanonizado]

I never would’ve guessed that you’re on your 60s until you said it. Appreciate the insights!

[@trubadorphotography2541]

I’ll be turning 61 soon. I learned piano for about a year when I was in college, but never kept up with it. Give me a couple minutes and I’ll probably be able to play the first five major scales, though. 🎹 And, even though I worked with two bands for a decade in my 20s (lyric writing, stage managing, lighting, promotion, etc.) and even working tangentially in the music industry for the last two decades, I’ve always wanted to learn an instrument but was never in a situation to be able to. As a kid growing up, my older siblings were taking various music lessons, but by the time I was coming of age money was tight in the family. I would be given toy instruments as gifts, but never got the opportunity to be given lessons. In my 40s and early 50s, I bought my first guitars and took lessons for not quite a year on two different occasions, but again time and finances put a quash on it. I have four guitars (an acoustic and three electrics) hanging on the wall collecting dust as decorations and a first version Katana amp. I chuckled at the image of the Jay Turser in your video because I actually have one that I bought from Rocke Grace (the keyboardist for Joe Walsh in the ‘70s, and who co-wrote “Rocky Mountain Way”) at his estate sale. Although I’ve been on a very long pause on learning guitar, I still want to try again. The style(s) that appeal to me for what I’d like to learn are somewhat wide ranging, and most are slightly off the beaten path. Artists like Jude Cole, Crowded House, the Rembrandts, Farm Dogs, Vertical Horizon, Sass Jordan, the Delvins, Paul Carrack, Duncan Sheik, Jars of Clay, and Glen Hansard while tossing in some Toto/Steve Lukather, Journey, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Al Stewart. I just need to get off my a**, blow off the dust on the guitars, and try again. It’s a love/hate relationship, I guess. 😎🎸〰️〰️🎛️🔊🎶🎶

[@jloch9312]

I'm 64 but started playing at 13. I found myself nodding to most of what you said but I'm entirely self taught. I admit that I would possibly have been a better guitarist if I had some lessons but I guess I'll never know. The other thing that I would possibly add is, 'Learn to read music.' Learning to read opened me up to so much more music. Indeed centuries of music. This has always kept the guitar fresh, interesting and, more importantly, fun!

[@telecasterbear]

I am loading up my trolley now to go play a job with my old man cover band to keep my chops together. Enjoy the ride.

[@shawnhuff3920]

I just turned fifty years old 😳 you have been playing guitar since I was born 😊

[@davegto67]

Wise words, Keith. Thank you! I always enjoy your videos.

[@rwflick]

Great video. I can’t agree more with the “play with other people” advice and playing gigs. I waited too long to start that and it has really helped me advance. There’s only so much you can do and learn in the basement by yourself!

[@frishdaw]

Keith, I hope I look as good as you do at 64. Always enjoy your videos and the wisdom of experience you pass along.

[@hisproperty1438]

G'day Keith, Thanks for another great video, & welcome to the 50 Year Guitar Club. I bought my first guitar when I was 9 or 10, & I turned 60 last August. A friend of mine told me that she was going to buy her first guitar a few years ago, & I gave her the best advice I had - the only thing better than the day you buy your first guitar is the day you buy your next guitar. Keep up the good work Andrew

[@benjohn2860]

When my son started playing, I got him a little recording set up and urged him to record, listen back, try and play over etc and learn how to perform properly… it took a good few years but he gradually started to implement it as a tool and now has a good recording set up at home, he’s 26 now and makes some pretty decent music 👍🏻 good video, sound advice

[@michael_caz_nyc]

This was so great. I can relate. Enjoyed it. Very informative. oNe LovE from NYC

[@jackvelut1427]

This is great! I have been playing on and off for 40 years, but the last year plus I have been really digging into the guitar. I practice everyday learning modes learning chords and jamming over back tracks on KZbin. My problem I have to play with others. I used to back in the day but not as of late.

[@gradrad12]

You look like you could be in your early fourties! Happy late Birthday 🎂

[@Mattguitarmania]

Thanks Keith! I always dig your videos and this one is especially encouraging. Keep up the good work!

[@danpugatch]

Great tips Keith, thanks for sharing your experiences. Definitely recommend a teacher regardless of your level. I stopped taking lessons after 5 years when I moved out of Boston in 2012 to Portland, ME. Thanks to Zoom I've been taking lessons with my old teacher in Boston since 2021. He even has touring musicians who still take lessons from him when they are off tour. We are all students for life!

[@dinosaursr]

Same here, however started with bass, then drums and still drum but guitar is main instrument. 50 years playing music/64 years on this earth. Time flies.

[@sambone8348]

Hey man, half of 2024 is just about over ALREADY, so let's make the rest of this year COUNT !!!

[@stephenfwadsworth9565]

I've played since I was 20/21, now 52. I finally, sung, composed and performed my own, song. A few weeks ago. It almost wrote itself. I am finding this with many of my passions, these days. I never formally learnt music, but have spent some time, on understanding how chords, fit together and how to play to your voice. My most recent possession, is an Marshall Amplifier, it is well over 20, plus years, since I had one. :) We used to learn off friends, books and my Dad, who plays by ear. :) Now I can also sit at a piano and belt out a decent tune, with once again, no training. Due to working out how chords are shaped and used upon the instrument. :)

[@brucepiland]

I’m coming up on forty years on bass. It’s been a wonderful ride but I always think that, having played this long, I should be better than I am. But at the end of the day, I still absolutely love it.

[@JillandKevin]

Keith, We pretty much followed the same path in music, including Out first Stella guitars! I just turned 70, and am out performing, backing my amazing wife (Jill & Kevin on Facebook) almost every weekend. One of the only differences that I actually build electric guitars (Turbocaster Electric Guitars on Facebook), and am working on perfecting a guitar that covers acoustic Archtop Swing rhythms all the way thru early Chicago Blues! My latest is VERY close!!! Your advice is pretty much spot on, and what I tell others and my students. Thanks!

[@namberak]

I got started ten years before you. This is all good advice-- I wish I'd been following it all this time. ;-)

[@ZigbertD]

I'm five years younger than you and have been playing five years fewer, my early years of guitar playing very closely mirror your experience. At twelve, I started lessons (fortunately with a better guitar, my older brother's Fender Mustang), but the only teacher I (or more correctly, my parents) could find in our little town was not exactly teaching what I was interested in. He started in teaching me sight reading from a book and the first song we tried to tackle was "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain." It did not go well. He was actually a fantastic jazz player and a really cool guy. He looked a little like Ned Flanders from The Simpsons and sounded kind of like Bing Crosby. He quickly figured out I was not learning the notes on the staff and was just playing from memory. He'd say, "Hold on there, Robert. Can you play that note right there?", pointing to a random note in the middle of a passage on the page. Uhhh.... "Now Robert, did you practice reading this week?" Uhh...yikes! Anyway, I stopped taking lessons and fiddled around with the guitar a bit for a while on my own, and finally fell in with a group of slightly older kids who were better than me and who were playing what I wanted to play way back then (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and so forth). I was in awe of these kids, a couple of them were remarkably talented. Plus they were in high school while I was still in middle school, and I felt really cool that they'd let me come over to jam with them, even though I was younger and pretty bad at guitar. I would guess I absorbed more fundamental guitar playing knowledge at a faster rate in the couple of years around those guys than I did at any other time in my playing. Which leads me to my tip for less experienced players. If you can, find people who are better than you to play with. They can teach you so much in a real playing experience, and it is so incredibly valuable to have people who are up ahead of you on the path to serve as a guidepost and inspiration for where you want to be. One of the kids was good enough that he played lead guitar in a cover band with adults, and his bandmates were serving the exact same role for him, leading the way for him to progress. Maybe I was fortunate that these kids were pretty encouraging and inclusive and didn't razz me (not too much, anyway) for my shortcomings. I think they enjoyed my effusive admiration and praise for them (totally genuine), so they let me keep coming around. Addendum to this: if you are a little further ahead, do the same for some less experienced players. You will be helping them more than you may know, it's good for your development to teach (even very informally), and you'll get to feel like the cool smart guy when some goofy kid like me is being a big fanboy around you.

[@nine9whitepony526]

I'm a great example of the guy who doesn't pay enough attention to his amp, or rank it as high as his guitar. It's like every time I tell myself, my next big guitar purchase is gonna be an Amp, I end up seeing a Guitar I like and wind up buying that instead. I loved this video, thanks Keith.

[@hearpalhere]

Happy belated birthday Keith! I wish you many, many more in good health and happiness. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us, some really great advice here for sure. I recently passed 30 years of playing guitar and I can echo many of them. 🙂

[@markroylance1584]

I started in 1970 and still love playing !! Keep thinking i might stop eventually but i'm hooked and will never grow out of it!

[@Cajundaddydave]

Great advice! I too am a member of the 50+ club and agree with everything you shared here. A great teacher in the room, dedication to focused practice, playing for joy, and gigging with others will take you far. I played today on our church worship team and we grooved. I am no guitar hero but I have had the pleasure of gigging with some great musicians over the years and I know how to get it done with others live. At this point, we play because we must. Cheers!

[@joshuahek4564]

You in no way look like you are almost 64. I would have guessed late 40's, and I'm almost 47...

[@AshtonRogers-se1zj]

Right!? If I was out drinking with friends and he came up and made a pass at me,I would definitely not turn my nose up at the offer.

[@faloniusbeloni5116]

hair dye is like magic!😂

[@AshtonRogers-se1zj]

@@faloniusbeloni5116 you put a laughing emoji at the end,but the fact of the matter is that what you said is very true. I've been watching my hair go from brown to salt and pepper over the past decade,with there now being way more salt than pepper up there. But I take great comfort in knowing that I can dye it away if I want to. People who are balding are not so lucky,and so I count my blessings.

[@aslinfirmin212]

Playing guitar makes you younger !

[@LGuitarB]

And very good point about the amplifiers...

[@StratBurst92]

Outatanding. I started playing bass in the 1970s in garage bands. Sure had a lot of fun. Still playing at 70 years of age with both guitar & bass.

[@fsthomson]

Yet another great video...every point you make resonates with my experience, too---especially the part about needing to take my own advice! 🙂 Thanks so much!

[@KomboAndy]

I'm not even playing a year but i already started modding my guitar and building my first pedal. I'm curious where this will lead me in the future.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Thanks Keith! I have played for well over 50 years, and currently have a student that I'm teaching. (He's a south paw BTW). No lesson books, we do what he wants to do in the way of songs. It is working much better than the lesson books. I do throw in some theory along the way, to explain why chord progression work and are pleasing to the ear. I started playing guitar and taking lessons because I didn't make the Little League team. I'm 71 and not playing baseball but I'm still playing guitar. Started playing with my dad in a dance band as a teen, back in the 60's, as well as the high school jazz band. Playing with other people is so important. Have played in our church for well over 20 years, played with a Gospel group for many years and several musicals over the years. I recently landed a gig in the pit for The Wedding Singer and Beautiful Carol King in a nearby summer stock theater. It is kicking my butt! I will be sharing this vid with my student.

[@ricrocren]

Great rundown of ideas/advise. I'm a drummer and I am able to take away from each piece of advise you dished up. Love the video.

[@bluemichimusic9507]

You are amazing, brother… thank you.

[@JohnA000]

Dude you're so old... I'm 74. I never had to play a Stella but I remember them. I was fortunate enough to have my grandfather's old Kay archtop at age 12. Good advice. Still learning, hopefully soon I will really be able to play. lol

[@georged9615]

I'm ten years ahead of you, sonny! 60 years!

[@jimgeorger4452]

Have played for 60 years and enjoyed hearing this summary,..Thanks!

[@drgarlandglenn]

My first good guitar was the same Epiphone 12 string as the one you showed. Bought in 1971 when I was 15 to play in church. It replaced a Silvertone that was impossible to tune and hurt to play.

[@timchalmers1700]

Yep. Well said. I started playing almost 60 years ago - admittedly there were a few years in the middle when I didn't play at all. So yeah, I agree with your thoughts.

[@IanNorsworthy]

Thank you for passing on this experience - I needed this, as I've been feeling a bit stuck recently, so thank you :)

[@joeturkos6767]

I like that. It’s great advice. Thanks for posting.

[@kellykent131]

Thank you for what you sad about the metronome and drum tracks. When I was learning to play by ear copying songs off the radio, the drummer on the track was my metronome. I learned to internalize the beat from the song I was learning. I may have to look in to that app of professional drummers. That sounds intriguing.

[@PedalChainsAddiction]

I love “enjoying the instrument at the level you are.” Always remember to spend time having fun without being super self-critical. Great advice. Thank you!

[@gsbguitarsgsb679]

I’ve just turned 64 as well a couple weeks ago, I started playing at about 12 years old but seriously learning how to play at about 15 years old. That all hit me a couple years ago or so. Now I have a new outlook on learning the things I took for granted and figured I’d be ok without. We really never stop learning, we just learn differently now. Noodling for me helps me loosen up my hands and arms. As usual great video and thank you…

[@hendrixson_2806]

Your videos are simply brilliant, you're one of the most inspiring historians and players ive ever seen around, whenever i feel lost on the instrument i tend to spin around your channel and videos and it helps me to snap back in and gain the inspiration i need to play sometimes, truly thank you for all the amazing content and just keep rocking man, you truly are great Keith!

[@sappy2123]

Happy April fool's day birthday. I'm the same. I just realized at 40 that I've been playing for 24 years. Finally started practicing about 4 years ago.

[@gregmiller7123]

I started playing at 10 and now at 66 I realize how much joy the guitar has brought me. I’ve never played professionally but made great friends and had a blast just playing at jams. It has been my rock during tough times. During my two year battle with cancer, playing for five minutes often helped me push on. Your advice is great but for us non-professionals I would add to just play what brings you happiness instead of trying to be the next Page, Clapton or Hendrix. I always try to improve but accept my limitations.

[@heyadamsmith]

My first guitar was that same red Stella too, which was actually my dads that I picked up. It was just awful to play, but I kept with it until they got my sister lessons and a new Vantage acoustic, which I also played and still have. I've since taken that red Stella, sawed a little off the heel, installed a nut and bolt to keep it where I want it (but still adjustable) and put ultra light strings on it, and it's now low action and super fun to play!

[@BrandochGarage]

Nice one. Guitar has also kept you young, my good man!

[@kateandrews8506]

Good advice. I started playing at school but got discouraged as a lefty, playing a Right handed acoustic with very high action. At 50 I started again but this time with a lefty tele. Now, at 58, I love my guitar hobby and am enjoying the journey, evolving my skills and knowledge as well as only playing songs from genres I love.

[@jatin7361]

I agree with every single piece of wisdom you suggested. I humbly offer one that was a big help for myself. Always keep at least one guitar out on a wall hanger or stand at your home. The ability to have it within grasp on a whim makes it much easier to get a few minutes in whenever the urge hits you as opposed to going to a special room, opening up a case, tuning up, etc. Once I did that I started playing a lot more and we all know how important that is to our journey. Thank you for the great sharing of wisdom!

[@jeffjolliereticulatedpytho5962]

I really liked this video I am getting back into guitar playing after having 3 different neck surgeries and trying to stick with little equipment and just to have fun thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@REM1956]

A huge point is learning to play songs. You really need that to play in public. Most people can't relate to improv, no matter how high the level. Something I've learned is, in a band setting, you can't tell a $1000 guitar pedal from a $50 pedal. And if YOU can't tell the difference, 99.9% of others won't hear it either.

[@kcole83080]

I also have been playing over 50 years. I have made a living gigging for that length of time also. I noticed the singers were most often playing the guitar players so I branched out and spent equal time learning to sing. It really paid off. I would hate to think about leading a band or trying to pay the rent without that skill. I can perform as a single, duo, band, theater musician, or pretty much any kind of show. I'm a live audience guy. Studio works has never appealed to me. Cruise ships are a good way to get started in this day and time. I think you did a excellent job of defining how to start and progress in a business that has always been tough and is getting tougher.

[@procurorick]

I started playing live in my early 20's and it really helped me improve. Playing live gives meaning to your practice.

[@jaywalshmusicandsong1736]

Great all around advice. What made a huge difference for me was recording rehearsals and gigs, usually just audio, listening thoroughly, and being REAL honest with myself. I have always done alot of improvising, and recording was crucial to eliminating my annoying habits.

[@tone1798]

Thank you Keith, I’m going to share this with my son. Every subject you covered in this episode is and will be what he’s doing yet going thru. He just started setting in or doing solo acoustic playing at our local community center. I know that he will find this invaluable!✌️❤️🎸

[@AndyA1234]

I started playing bass in a band in the mid 70s. "Livewire" by AC/DC was one of the first songs I learned. This progressed when the Punk era started and I heard "Neat neat neat" by the Damned. I learned by playing songs from the very start, no lessons. I wondered why certain notes worked when others sounded off when learning. I belatedly got books & DVDs to learn music theory and realised why those notes worked. Do both, join a band or at least play with others and learn theory.

[@sunwentai1]

Fascinating. I'm 46 and have just begun learning to play guitar two months ago. I've been praticing chords and scales for 2 months, but now, I know it's time to start learning to play songs I want to play.

[@wizardmoto]

Damn this thing makes me miss my cheap Epiphone 12string. It disappeared a couple of moves ago sadly, however the cosmos delivered that guitar to me for free so i like to think its continued to be handed down unintentionally to bring joy to others. Great guitar.

[@dfrescatore]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing!!