How to learn and Play guitar Over 40 for Beginners

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Are you learning guitar for the first time, or coming back to it after a break? 🤔

[@latheofheaven1017]

Very similar story to you. Practically couldn't put the guitar down from age 13 to 20. But my first proper job left me no time to play any more. At 38, I had some more time and decided I really wanted to play again. Weirdly, I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch because I could remember what my fingers were meant to be doing even if they'd lost all strength and agility, and it only took me about 6 months to be right back at the level I'd got to at age 20. Been on a bit of a journey since, playing fingerstyle acoustic for many years in a contemporary folk-ish kinda band. Then had a hankering to get back to the electric guitar, and have fallen in love again. At 64, old age looms and I wonder how long until I start losing the battle against the physical aspects. But I was heartened last week when I saw Steve Hackett live and he's playing as well as he ever did although he's ten years older than me.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@latheofheaven1017 great story ! Thank you you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it 💪🏻

[@gazster]

41 here, used to play guitar for abit about 10 years ago lol but gave up as it felt so akward but most recently thinking about trying again, i still have my eletric guitar it's prs copy style guitar and i have a marshall mini amp, i also have a donner acoustic guitar aswel. i used to play keyboard and piano before playing guitar so music theory i have experience with but playing guitar for the 1st time was confusing for me at the start lol i like to have tab with the treble cleft music and then i can see what's happening there as i'm used to sheet music from playing piano.

[@guyshaffer6156]

I finally got clean and sober at the age of 60...after .living in thick darkness I emerged and say that life is awesome..so I'm back learning. Played a bit. Nothing great, honestly stayed at beginner level. Now I'm living life and playing music

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@guyshaffer6156 amazing 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@lisegirard4670]

I started playing guitar at age of 74. I took lessons with a private teacher and took lessons for 10 months. Since then I practice every day, with either acoustic, classical and electric guitars. The most difficult is dexterity and playing the chords can be frustrating. But with patience, determination, discipline and love to play, which I do, I will not give up. I can play 3 songs with notes, and 2 chords songs. I find it fun, a great hobby, and keep my brain sharp. I do practice at least 1 hr a day and with books, DVD lessons, and video. I also read guitar books and magazines. So if you want and have the desire, just do it. Life is less boring with MUSIC. Never to old to learn. Thank you for your advices. And let's play music .🎸🎸😜

[@govindarajrajkumar5701]

Thank you for the inspiration ❤

[@HeadbangersLocal]

You mentioned keeping your mind sharp. I think that’s super important. It’s something I thought about a lot. I also think it has great cognitive abilities. Glad to see you’re still in it. Keep going. Thanks for watching and commenting.🤘🏻👍🏻

[@tunguy]

I also started at 74! Practice every day and go for a lesson once a week

[@lisegirard4670]

Thank you all for your comments. I have a goal, by the end of this year 2024, I will play Amazing Grace on the acoustic. Guitar. This is a song with 3 chords, I can play it very well with the notes. My neighbors are waiting to give them a little musical evening. So it is what I want to do and put my mind into it. I'm just having a great time playing and pretty much relaxing. Stay tune for updates🎸😜🙏

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@tunguy 💪🏻👊🏻

[@wayneyeaw594]

55 now with Parkinson’s Disease - played when I was younger. Now, with the end of life coming quick - I’m more interested and motivated to play guitar than before. I’m a sponge trying to pick up as much as possible before I pass.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

I’m very sorry to hear this . I hope I can help you in some small, meaningful way along your journey.

[@BranAndsimple]

❤️❤️❤️

[@stephenpenniket9976]

You will be a great metal rythym player

[@greywolf556]

My story? Retired at 65, and was sitting around every day watching you tube videos, and being bored. My wife soon also retired, and decided to go back to playing piano, which she did as a kid. A year later, Dickey Betts, my 2nd fave guitar player after Duane, passed, and I decided that I would try to learn something I always wanted to play, but, as you said, life happened. I'm 68 now, and having a blast; and, with no delusions of grandeur, or expectations, look forward to playing every day for an hour or so. Thanks for the video!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s amazing to hear ! What song(s) are you trying to learn?

[@greywolf556]

@@HeadbangersLocal Like all/most beginners, I'm struggling with chord changes, so I have been using the Simply Guitar app, and have also downloaded beginnings of some southern rock stuff, like Green Grass and High Tides. also some metal like Amon Amarth. When I get frustrated, I change to Open E tuning and try and play slide, on "Feelin' Bad Blues".

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@greywolf556 one piece of advice I will give you with the chord changes (probably my next video as well) Learn/practice AC/DC songs . Start with High Voltage and work your way up from there . In my opinion there is NO better band to learn rhythm and chord changes from than AC/DC. Regardless if you’re a fan or not , their catalog is about 95% basic chords . It’s all in the rhythm playing . If you can master AC/DC songs you will fast track your learning curve exponentially.

[@mao92je15zhu]

Practicing new chords, scales, and learning solos diligently + patience will make one a better guitar player. Also, strumming correctly with the accurate rhythm when playing funk or rock or ballad. Making the electric guitar plugged into the amp sound right or achieve the tonality one wants is a problem for some (at least for me). A good electric guitar teacher can show or explain the toggle switch, pick ups, and treble, bass middle on the amp, etc. Back in the day, we only had fuzz tone, MXR and wah wahs gadgets, now there's a gamut of devices, a bit overwhelming for an ok, boomer like myself.

[@johnphilpott5102]

54 this year. Over 25 years since i last picked up a guitar. Now jumping back into it. Told my brain I'm starting from scratch so this may take some time😂 my choice of guitar was a les Paul, always liked them. So last weekend went out and bought one. No turning back now.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Nice! Welcome back ! Excellent choice on the Les Paul . For me learning has actually been easier as an adult as opposed to when I was young . Plus , I’m learning things I want to learn this go round . I hope I can help you in your journey .💪🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@werewolflover8636]

Same here! I took lessons as a teenager in the mid-90’s but gave up, flash forward to today I’ve picked back up playing again.

[@lucytupper69]

I’m 75. Bought a Strat - sunburst. All I want to do is play slow blues Peter Green style. I think it is important to stick to what you want to play instead of jumping all over the place. Good luck to all those starting out!

[@regandunn4850]

I just returned from ten year break and it's been a long road back but it's worth it took about 1500 hours to return I reckon it's better now tho I always played in my head and that helped 😊

[@-Madkrafter]

I’m 54 and have guitars and amps all around my place and I can’t play. I have more patience to build - acoustic guitars, electric guitars, amps, speaker cabs, & pedalboards! I’ve tried to learn over the years but it never sticks or I get busy building a new project (4x12 vintage Marshall cab & Strat are in the works and Dumble ODS is next) One day I will play!

[@davidorduno2968]

I’m 64 years old next February I will have 2 years playing the guitar. It’s like a dream come true for me. I told myself in the beginning yes this is going to be hard and thats ok I planed to work hard at it for 3 years and see where I’m at. I feel very comfortable with the guitar now I can actually play the guitar !! my family is amazed. I play almost everyday ( almost ) I never say I’m going to practice I say I’m going to play the guitar who the hell wants to practice anything. Just play and have fun , peace out

[@HeadbangersLocal]

💪🏻 awesome to hear

[@SalvadorOlvera-v2x]

Almost 60 , it’s been a year. Never played before, but always wanted to, keep telling myself don’t give up, listening to you is encouraging.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks ! I’m glad I could help you on your guitar journey in some small way. There will be a part two coming shortly.

[@alschryvers2802]

I am 81 just coming back. Left in 1968. Bought a Fender guitar and am just starting my journey back. A lot of time on my hands and I want to use it wisely. This journey each day is my goal.

[@alschryvers2802]

Coming back. Started in1963 near Big Sur CA and played folk music. Met lot of the folk singers back than, my favorite was Joan Baez and Judy Collins. I played a lot of Bob Dillon's music. Went back to college in SD and majored in voice. Got married in 1968 and that ended my guitar playing.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Amazing ! 👏🏻

[@keithgray4891]

I started learning Christmas 22. Purchased an electric guitar, fast forward to today boxing day 23, and I can honestly say, I’m addicted and playing fairly well.. and learned so much in one year…

[@BlueSun4886]

In my youth, I was a professional guitarist. I started at 12, had a union card by 15, played acoustic (1948 Martin D-18) & electric (1964 Sunburst Strat) and still have them. I ended up a studio guitarist until 25, when the long hours of work & travel around the country & the world as a consulting software engineer (and a marriage) cut off my professional playing until I hardly played at all. For the last 20 years, I rarely played & lost almost all of my muscle memory & chops. Now, at 76 (with the health & strength of a 50-year-old according to my last checkup, I am picking it up again seriously. I am at best 1/20th the player I was and in some ways I'm starting over from scratch, since I was self-taught & never learned some of the proper mechanics. I am picking up a Gibson ES-335 on Wednesday, and hoping the money I had to kick out for it is motivation to stick with it 😉. My advice, having taught beginners in the '60s is that first of all get a beginning guitar that is as easy to play as you can find. There is nothing that kills the beginning guitar player quicker than a guitar that fights you back. Today, there are $400 and $500 guitars that play as well and easily as the $1,000 - $3,500 guitars. Let the guitar store or KZbin instructors be your guide. You want a comfortable neck with even, polished frets (a tech can do the fret setup), proper relief & as low action as you can get without buzzing or dead notes. I started on an acoustic & a Strat (with small hands) and didn't find the scale length as much of a problem as this video indicated. You can always capo up a couple of frets & change the scale length & distance between the lowest frets. I wouldn't even worry much about tone in the very beginning as long as the tone is acceptable. It will come as you learn the proper techniques. You are trying to teach your hands & fingers to coordinate right to the brain & I wouldn't worry about learning songs until you have built a connection between your brain, your fingers & the fretboard. Always warm up before playing (lots of KZbin lessons), learn to play scales & arpeggios. If you can afford a local instructor (and one is available) use one. LEARN INTERVALS! Train your ear - learn "relative pitch." Beato has an entire course on ear training. Learn the basic chords & patterns like 1 3m 4 5 or 5-7th (G-Em-C-D or D7 or C-Am-F-G/G7). You can play hundreds of songs to these and learn how to subtly alter fingering to produce transitional notes from chord to chord. Learn how to hold & use your pick or right-hand fingers properly and get so you can change chords without having to worry where the fingers must move to (part of connecting the brain to the fingers to the fretboard). FInd simple practices at first & do them until you can do them properly, then speed them up a bit. Add complications slowly. Learn some theory (like the Circle of Fifths) so you know how normal progressions go in every key. Don't worry about bending notes or playing too high on the fretboard at first. USE A METRONOME WHEN WARMING UP & PRACTICING (you get get free ones on your smartphone). Keep records of the speeds you are doing your exercises. My first warmup starts at the 5th fret of the low E string (because half-tone intervals are smaller than at the nut). I simply play index finger on fret 5 (picking down), middle finger on fret 6 (picking up), ring finger on fret 7 (down) and pinky on fret 8 (up). You'll have some trouble with your pinky and possibly with your ring finger at first, but take it slowly & keep repeating it. Then you can expand to doing it up and back down, then to the 5th string, etc. It's the best warmup I've found & I know even pros who do this first thing before playing. Then you can experiment with more complex patterns like picking 5th, 7th, 6th and 8th string - always using the same fingering on each fret you started out with, or alternating notes between 2 adjoining strings, then 2 strings further apart. You are building the connections in the brain & muscles that you will build on for the rest of your playing life. Don't rush progress. Learn proper mechanics - how to hold the guitar so your left hand is not bent up over the fretboard (wrist & hand straight) and how to pick & strum primarily with your wrist, NOT your shoulder. Learn to hold the pick as loosely as is comfortable & slant it down when you pick down & up when you pick up. Keep the front of the pick slanted down so the pick isn't flat & perpendicular to the string so it doesn't get caught in the strings. Learn the right grip. (Pat Metheny holds the pick all wrong and could never be a shredder, but he makes incredible jazz nonetheless - but he's the exception). Be patient. A year later you will be amazed at how much progress you've made. But you are not going to be able to imitate Joe Bonamassa for a goodly number of years! My adventure started last month when I began working out with spring grips to strengthen both hands and a D'Addario strengthener to strengthen finger tips. I've been doing my warmups every day, waiting for my Gibson to arrive. It's already showing an advantage. Use the lightest strings you can - my recommendation for electrics is 8-38 (the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings will give you the best tone & clarity because the cobalt reacts better than any other string metal with the magnets in your pickups. If you tune a half-tone down, it's like using 7-37 strings as far as string tension is concerned. They shouldn't be more than $10.00 a pack. Order multiple packs & change as needed. Don't let them get grimy, clean them after every session with a microfiber towel. For later learning to play melodies or lead runs, there are plenty of backing tracks on KZbin or downloadable to your phone. Don't worry about perfecting your tone until you have the mechanics down right, though you should have good tone once you know the proper way to pick, finger the board, & hold the guitar. I've just begun this exact routine and I hope to see many of the subscribers still around next year. I'm going to take one more practice now.

[@Tsnor150]

Amazing comment. Too much to read it all, but saved so I can go back and re-read.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks for sharing this ! 💪🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@michelejp69]

Picked up the guitar at 54 - I went to see Def Leppard and Motley Crue and they were my inspiration. What I didn’t realise is how damn hard it. However, 10 months later, I’m still here and Ritchie Sambora is now my favourite guitarist. I know I’ll never be good, never mind great, but I really enjoy learning to play and I’ll carry on.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

I saw that tour too. “ I’m still here” . That , right there is the important part. Not giving up is key. Do you ever find yourself having those days where some days you actually play like Richie Sambora and then other days you feel like you just started playing guitar yesterday? I know that happens to me a lot thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cvandenhaute]

Almost 50. I always dreamed about learning but it always seemed too hard and life got in the way. I started looking at Fender Play and found it could work well for me and help me to learn basics and practice every day. I got a crazy deal (a year for $15) and jumped in, then got a really nice Squier Stratocaster 40th with a labor day special and started to learn. It’s been one year and I renewed my subscription, now learning slides and vibrato and start to feel more comfortable with some cool rock and blues songs. The way is still long but there are many rewarding spots in the journey

[@Alan-r7c3y]

Hi I'm 69. Started learning back in june, E. D. A. C. are my first chords, and changing chords, yeah my fingers hurt but give it a couple. of days there ok, but I'm gonna crack this, I want to be able to play something by christmas, late evening practicing chords exactly as you said, watching a movie and checking my placement, your absolutly correct, gimmics are exactly that, a gimmic, Imagine Keith Richards or Hendrix etc sitting at home with this stuff.. Really, Theres no short cut, determination and enjoy what your doing....

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Perfect ! That’s awesome that you have a goal . That is super important. I have a Christmas song on my channel as well if you want to check it out . Thanks for watching and commenting 💪🏻

[@valenciaetc]

Nice

[@frankdardano3182]

You ran through every dstail needed to progress. I grew up in the 70s, we had Bloomfield, and Clapton, Santana. I practiced two hours, after seventh grade. I did EVERYTHING you said to the exact detail,self taught. By 1972, WE WERE OPENING FOR VELVET UNDERGROUND,FLEETWOOD MAC. Listen to this articulate gentleman, and if I can do it, anyone can, promise!

[@jjgalletta66]

57 and just started playing two months ago because I’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time or energy. I’m an empty-nester now and was starting to experience the typical depression that comes as a result. Picked up a used ‘92 Squire Strat (MIK) and a Fender LT25 amp from a serious musician who wanted to defray the costs of his recently purchased Clapton model Fender Strat and tube amp. Guitar came set up perfectly. Started with basic 7 open chords practicing a few days per week. I’m playing every day now and even learning music theory. Totally loving it! Meeting new people who share my newfound passion. Learned that some of my friends and colleagues secretly play and added that dynamic to those relationships. EVERYTHING described in this video has been my experience EXACTLY. Great job! Subscribed.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow, thanks for that comment! 💪🏻. Yeah it is interesting as you start talking to people who are your friends are colleagues and they are secretly play guitar too. That’s happened to me more times than I can count. Nice gear you got too. 🤘🏻

[@richardcounsell7976]

Great video thanks

[@cerealkiller5688]

I gotta chime in here. First off I dig this channel and I hope you get tons of subs.. You appear to be a true garage player that loves to get through the daily grind and then spend time jamming in the man cave. I can totally relate. I'm 56 and started playing at 51 on a whim. I did not leave the house that day planning to buy a guitar. it just happened. 5 years later I can play tons of songs that I grew up listening to and it still blows my mind. I never thought I could do any of this. I'm also very much a lefty and I've learned to play right handed. So if that's what you want it can be done. Billy Corgan and Mark knoppfler are both lefty playing backwards. Regarding, will you accomplish learning to play or will you quit? For me the realization was, do you enjoy practicing? It's that simple. If you find that you are looking forward to getting the daily obligations taken care of and are yearning to grab the guitar there's a good chance you will follow through and not be one of the 90% of those who quit. Like headbanger says the short practices will quickly become as long as your free time allows. Also, if you're like me there's no one to help with gear purchase decisions and starting out mistakes will be made. I made many of them 5 years ago. Some I still live with, some I'v moved on from. It's all part of learning. Don't ever give up. Enjoy the Pyric and micro victories. They come slowly but they do come. One last thing, don't place expectations on yourself. It just sets you up for defeat. If you're a talentless hack like me just take it as it comes. All it takes is little dogged determination. Just enjoy playing. One last thing. I have found that practice times practically erases the problems, setback and disappointments that come as part of everyone's daily grind through life. The guitar is a great escape from the thoughts in your head.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Extremely well said my man! 🤘🏻 Thanks for the compliments and for watching! I really am just a regular guy in his garage having fun and trying to share it with the world. I’m working in a few song lessons to come out next week . Stay tuned !

[@hankcarter2112]

I agree I believe this guy has brought it down to a simple as possible and still jamming and I would really dig the s*** out of that !

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@hankcarter2112 thanks 🤘🏻

[@shanewalton8888]

Disagree a bit here. You’d be a much better player if you learned to play with your stronger arm. Most lefties who try to learn righty end up quitting. On the other hand lefties who switch to their proper hand end up playing better than ever in a year.

[@ismaelramirez6689]

I havent played since i was a teen. Im 36 now, was in the attic and saw my fenders and opened it, just brought back memories. Been playing for a month now and i love it again!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s awesome 👏🏻. The universe works in mysterious ways.

[@robwilkguitar4458]

Hi I've just watched this video and I felt that I had to make a comment. I retired early, sixty three. Whilst working for nearly fifty years I was always full on, the job had become my life. As a result retirement became really hard especially come winter. On the second winter of my retirement my grandson received a new Les Paul guitar, stunning white with gold fittings, I then realised that may be this was something I could learn, weather conditions limit your horizons in the UK. My journey started weeks later when I bought a copy Les Paul, bad choice. Anyway here I am just short of ten years on and fourteen guitars, but hey, best thing I've ever taken up hobby wise. One other thing, your one hundred percent right in everything you note in this video and, for anyone thinking of starting, what this man says is right, stick at it. My percentage was more in line with one percent a week rather than a day but that was fifty two percent in my first year. I've subscribed as my thirst for improvement tells me this is a good place.

[@arnold1329]

Probably one of the best guitar related KZbin videos that I have seen so far. I am over 50 and have been learning guitar by myself 2 years now. Patient is the best tip. Thanks a lot!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks for you comment. It really means a lot to me. Yep. Patience is KEY. I often tell people : " what if you just could 1% better than you were yesterday? In a year you would be 365% percent better !" Probably even more . Simply because the better you get , the more you want to , and enjoy playing. I hope I can help you in your journey . Thanks again.

[@frankdardano3182]

I really appreciate your recognition of how important the beginning guitar you learn on.I am 72, and learned on a Stella that sold for 12.95. That is twelve DOLLARS, NOT TWELVE HUNDRED! It made my fingers bleed, but since I am self taught, thought that was normal, until 1967, and by then I had a telecaster, and someone gave me super slinky strings. It made my playing so easy I improved immediately after putting them on, still use them, only use a 008 for e set. You will need a little more volume to make up for light strings, just physics. There are so many videos, but yours has salient information that I know for a fact is completely true, from more than 60 years of playing, paying rent, insurance, food, by playing the electric guitar. I NO longer think that it's possible to make a fairly good living playing guitar. Things are unbelievably different, than when I started in late 50s, early 60s. EVERYTHING YOU STATED IS 100 PER CENT CORRECT, VERY UNIQUE FOR ANYONE,QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT, YOURE OPEN, HONEST ARTICULATION IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. YOU ARE INDEED A TREASURE FOR ALL PLAYERS.

[@HakuniAkutu2488]

I was 16 years old learning guitar but I only depend on songhits back then. I took a break because no one taught me amd asked to. But now Im coming back and now Im 44. There are lots of videos teaching guitar. Your videos are one of them. Thanks from Philippines.

[@gazster]

i'm 41 and getting back into guitar recently, i'm from the uk. i still have my electric guitar and marshall mini amp and an acoustic guitar hanging up on the wall 👍 i'm not sure wether to self teach or go for lessons, i'm sort of thinking about it recently.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

💪🏻 awesome. Glad I could help

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Either one is fine just do whichever one you think you’ll be more disciplined at one piece of advice I’ll give you is I would try to find a teacher that’s at least interested or likes the style of music that you want to learn. Every teacher can be good, but I found over the years that teachers that don’t at least share some of the same passion for bands that I like it’s really hard to learn from them just my opinion.

[@Mister_EL.]

Great tips! Some of them are really intuitive and I wouldn't have thought of them!

[@PaulPass123]

I’m a self taught player. 52 been playing now for a good 6 years. I too watched that video about the lighter strings. I now only play with 8’s and it totally changed everything for me. I was breaking the high E string tho so I bought a bunch of singles 9 high e strings and now just replace the high e 8 with a 9 and all is good. Playing is so much more enjoyable for me now. Bending is a piece of cake along with vibrato

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Good thinking on the 9s ! Thanks for watching

[@JeffLevyForPresident]

GenX here. I began playing at 14, and played for about a decade. I hung it up until 48. I'd pick it up from time to time, but other distractions were always there. My 14 year old kid, now 16, picked up my LP, and got be back into playing. After about 10 months, my key takeaways: 1) My fingers are just as slow as they were decades ago. Just more arthritic. 2) My scope of musical influence is much, much larger. I think I have a better ear now than I did in my teens. Anyway. LP #2 is coming in mere days. I just have to pick out the one I want. I've added a Martin and a Tele. Finding / Making time is the only real problem.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Nice ! I feel ya on the finger pain 😩

[@joshuagoss6896]

I'm going to be 50 shortly, and learned to play the cowboy chords when I was 20 but that was about it. I got a divorce in April after being with the same person for 25 years, it left a big gap in my life. So I thought about doing something I always wanted to do, but never seemed to have the time. So I bought an electric guitar! I figured out since I now live alone, I can play as long and as loud as I like. I knew I would have a good time and learn more easily than before, just because of the glut of electronic information on guitar that exists now. I remember trying to learn stuff from a book, and it was boring. Now I can watch cool videos like yours, and instantly apply the information to what I'm doing. There are also TONS of great budget guitars now, I was amazed when I started researching. Thanks for the video!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Glad it helped 🤘🏻

[@jam-roz7780]

I am 50 years old and i am just about to get my first guitar . This is very motivational video with lots of good tips . Thank you so much .😎

[@ratwynd]

played when young for about 15 years, cowboy chord level but had a gibson j50 I bought new in 1971. EVERYONE played SOMETHING in that time before even the walkman. I put it down for 40 years while career and kids, then retired. took it up again at 68 after retiring and i was very frustrated i could not really advance. also had a major wrist injury on my fretting hand snowboarding years before with 5 surgeries, hardware and grafts. took a long time but i got full strength and range of motion back so I could play again someday. i was struggling for a bit. then i got lucky and found a teacher/mentor. he told me i needed to play in front of people and taught me to find my voice and key range. now i play regularly at open mics and people seem to like it when i perform. i did not know theory and wanted to understand it so he taught me that. It is INCREDIBLY important to full understanding of how and what to play in any situation. The next most important bit is to play and practice every day. He also helped me stop some bad playing habits and learn to play better as a result. It is the road you must follow if you want to KNOW what you are doing and well worth the effort.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Excellent post , thanks for sharing!

[@hankbizzle5282]

Was obsessed with the guitar as a kid, had a little acoustic and wanted an electric guitar more than anything else. Never did get one for various reasons. Forgot about it as life happened over the years. 43 now and decided I was gonna get that electric guitar I always wanted! So I'm not a total novice but haven't properly played a guitar for best part of 30 years 😂

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Yep . Me too. Same time frame. Welcome back !💪🏻 I hope I can help you on your journey in some small way

[@TheAndrewmcnelis]

Your SG is looking really great man.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks man! I’m still really digging it. I’ll be doing a setup video on it this weekend 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@colinclement2752]

I'm 39 and hadn't played in maybe 12 years. Started playing again about 18 months ago and I'm better then ever.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Me too 🤘🏻💪🏻 thanks for watching and commenting

[@TruthFreedom1776]

I have three guitars and always keep at least one in sight. The one I always keep inside is of course my brand new Ibanez RG 470 DX seafoam green matte with Floyd Rose. What a sexy guitar. Absolutely beautiful

[@paulreynolds2898]

I have practiced guitar since about 6yrs old, I am now 67yrs old, have two guitars in sight, have just ordered a new electric guitar, first time in about 25yrs, I'm really excited !

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Yes ! That’s awesome 👍🏻💪🏻🤘🏻

[@paulreynolds2898]

@@HeadbangersLocal Three guitars in sight, happy bunny 👍

[@emisor73]

Amazing video. All true, this is exactly how I learned to play bass, it took me a year to get the basics and now my life is all about enjoying rock in an other dimension. I’m 51 and I just bought myself a new Les Paul to start a new journey parallel to bass. Thank you. Subscribed! You are legit.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks ! I’m glad you enjoyed it ! Congrats on the new Les Paul 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@icalexander]

Just found this video today and while I'm not over 40 yet I do have a family and full time job etc at 39. I tried to learn guitar in my early 20s but didn't have the patience for it. I contemplated buying a guitar for several weeks and finally this morning went and got myself a used amp and a brand new Jackson JS11. Got on the web and found a website with all the basic choof which I remember, most of which I did not. Spent the afternoon practicing just the basic chords. My fingers hurt a bit but I feel accomplished and I think this time I'll stick with it as I feel a bit more connected having spent nearly $400 today to get myself started.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Welcome back !💪🏻💪🏻🤘🏻

[@dionwalsh1089]

Excellent advice and extremely inspirational thank you I am a new 60 year old guitar player

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Glad I could help ! 💪🏻 thanks for watching and commenting

[@guyg2005]

Glad I found your video. Have a 1965 Fender Mustang that I received for Christmas in 1965. Played through college then got a job. Now I am retired and have plenty of time, so broke out the Mustang and took it to Guitar center to get setup. Looks like new. Trying to get my fingers and memory/chords tuned up. Watching a lot of you tube videos to get caught up on all the terminology. My friend at Guitar Center showed me the Fender Acustasonic and I fell in love. Will watch your videos. I practice daily.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow! Original 65 Mustang! That’s amazing 🤩 Glad I was able to help you with this video . I wish you success in your journey and hopefully I can help along the way 💪🏻

[@jimbalcombe4184]

I had always played since my teens on and off, but it's been about 12 years since I picked up a guitar and I am 60 now. My marriage broke up earlier this year and only yesterday went out and bought a new guitar and now I've got time to myself I am starting again from scratch and found this channel and already it's a great help....so sir you have another happy subscriber......thank you so much..

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks ! Welcome aboard 🤘🏻

[@olev01]

Hey @headbangersLocal - what a great, down-to-earth, no BS, inspiring talk! THANX! 65 now, playred a bit 50 yrs ago, roadied 35-40 yrs ago, started guitar again 4 yrs ago. Continuously falling off the rails and then climbing back up... Seeing this helped me get back up! 👍🎶🎸❤️👍🎶🎁❤️🙏

[@HeadbangersLocal]

My pleasure 🤘🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.

[@MADMOGtheFrugal]

These are great tips. Make it easy easy on the hand and finger joints, muscles and ligaments. That way you can practice for longer periods of time and get better faster

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@Cbridges499]

41 here just order my first guitar yesterday. Fender telecaster. Hope I love it 😂

[@m.vonhollen6673]

First learn how to INTONATE and TUNE it. Also find a good teacher and set up a daily practice schedule.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Nice purchase. Welcome to the guitar family !💪🏻🤘🏻

[@eduardorivera1757]

Thank you for this video brother, I'm 28 and i just bought myself sn electric guitar and look forward to starting my journey. You've inspired me to practice every day 🙏 Much love from Arizona

[@HeadbangersLocal]

🤘🏻 glad I could help ! In AZ too 💪🏻

[@DadLearnsGuitar]

Cool video. I’m 36 and picked up guitar on June 3 of this year. Previously I played guitar at 18 for about 6 months. Practiced very little and didn’t learn very much. Now at 36 I practice for hours a day. Just whenever I can. I have started uploading some shorts to my channel here to track my progress. I play a certain piece and put in the title how many days it has been since I started. Hopefully I can look back and see how far I’ve come. Thanks for the tips!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s awesome ! I’m gonna check out your vids . Glad to have you back amongst us guitarists 💪🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting I hope I can help in your journey.

[@danhusband6154]

61 here…started at 55 when I retired. I started off with an Epiphone ES339 as I told the sales guy I love the jazz tones of George Benson and Wes Montgomery… I’ve since sold that and have an Ibanez jazz box , a Hagstrom jazz box and an Ibanez semi acoustic nylon string guitar. I can say that learning theory has sharpened my ability to think and playing every day keeps my mind and hands in a positive place.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great 👍🏻 🤘🏻 thanks for watching

[@tinezorec7409]

Hi, new guy, just starting out... I have always wanted to play a guitar but never had enough money in the family for me to really start (back then there was no internet to learn from). Now, being over 40, with kids and all of the things ocupying my every day I just wanted to try. I new that my sister owned a guitar that our father bought for her and she wasnt using it so I asked to borrow it just to see if I get hooked.... She said it was in mint condition (but not really). I have cleaned it, repaired it and restring it (the guitar had over 40 year old strings on it). I then turned to the internet to find lessons and how to play simple cords.... By the week 3 I was hooked... Since then I have played every week at least 3 times per week for whatever time I can squeeze in and I love it! I am now learning for 6 months and I have improved alot (still not able to hold all the basic cords, but I will get there). My advice would be: Do it, try it, go slow, use the youtube/yousician or any other App, use the knowledge of others and just stick with it!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great advice 💪🏻. That’s actually kind of how I got my first guitar when I was about 14 I was over at my uncles house and he had this old guitar from the early 70s just sitting on a stand in his living room. He didn’t play and I asked him do you play guitar and he said no it’s just for decoration. I asked him if I could borrow it, he said that I was hooked just like you🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@RevGerryRM]

I studied guitar for a couple years starting when I was 12 years old. I learned to read music and played songs. Fast forward to 64 years old, I bought an electric guitar and started learning to play again. This time, I didn't learn to read music, I learned to read tabs. I'm 69 now and feel like I'm still learning, for example, I started studying theory. Wow, there is a lot of information to learn. I have slowed down the studying since my wife has become ill. She is 77 now and I have to spend more time helping her.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Sorry to hear about your wife . 😞

[@garykidgell6636]

Glad I found your video, Had guitars for many years, start to learn give up and so on, bought a cheap strat at 59. Upgraded a few things on it, I’m learning stuff slowly life gets in the way. But I keep picking it up, I’m going to keep checking on your channel see what it can help me with. Cheers you’ve given me a bit more inspiration to get this done. My main thing is to pick off some Pink Floyd my dad is fanatical, like myself. He is 80 next year I’d love to set up in front of him and play a pink Floyd song in full.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

I’m glad this video helped you! Remember, repetition is the mother of skill . It doesn’t matter how many minutes per day, just try and pick it up at least 3-4 times a week if possible. I hope you’re able to learn a song for your dad . I don’t have any Pink Floyd lessons in here , but it’s not a bad idea 🤔

[@magiclar18]

I don't usually comment on videos, but this was super inspiring. I have never learned guitar. I am 42 and always wanted to. Had lots of friends growing up that did. I played the Viola in third grade and then switched to chorus. Sang from then on out all through grade school and high school. Joined my colleges all male A cappella group. I have always been a performer, getting into magic at the age of 8 and started performing at around 12 or so. Fast forward to now and we have an 8 year old that had a quarter raffle in school and there was an electric guitar as a prize. She wanted to win it and to our surprise, picking her up from school a few weeks ago, she was standing outside for pick up with a green Bullfighter guitar. Well, last night I had the idea, after watching this video that I would suggest to her that I would get a guitar and learn with her. She and my wife do Tae Kwon Do together and I thought it would be great for us to have something to do together as well. So last night, we went to Guitar Center and I picked up (well paid for, because it is still on a police hold as per a state law till Friday) a used Epiphone SG Standard, a Fender amp and a stand for myself. Thanks for this video and excited to begin this journey!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow 😮 that’s is awesome !!! I’ve been trying to get my son to learn with me too. He plays trumpet . I’m trying to get him to learn bass so we can jam together. He comes out sometimes to play , but he’s not as into it as I am 😂. Thanks for watching!

[@pepelucho355]

I started playing at the age of 36. One of the best decision I've ever made. I vouch for the Boss katana mini amp. It souds great and it's so portable, affordable and convenient. I take it to the couch and practice for hours.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Awesome 🤘🏻

[@JohnWilson-hb7qx]

I am 65 and i still love playing. I quit for a few years because life got in the way, So now i am trying to play every day now !!!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Awesome 💪🏻

[@mr.bluenotedoobop]

Wanted to play as a kid but parents couldnt afford lessons. Started playing at 18 but just basic power chords. Had to sell my stuff at 22 because I had no money out of college. Made a promise to myself that I’d pick it up again. 38, started play bass during covid with online course. Had a blast but wasn’t quite scratching the itch. Signed up for private lessons and I’m still doing it over a year later at 42. Everyone is surprised how good I got, but private lessons really opened that door for me and I look forward to spending my time with my teacher every week. I’m hoping to start a little band when I retire eventually, so I’m trying to get as good as I can be now 😁😁

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Nice ! 👍🏻

[@masteryoda498]

Great video, and speaking as an older person myself who took up the electric guitar back in February 2016 (I was 47 at the time), this certainly strikes a chord with me (no pun intended). I’m only a rhythm player (lead guitar was too hard for me), and I learned to play mostly AC/DC covers, by downloading on line tutorials from KZbin. I practice about 1.5 hours every single day, the guitar is a very hard to play, but very rewarding at the same time. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Well , I don’t want to string you along ( pun intended 😂) . AC/DC is probably THE best band to learn rhythm guitar from. In fact , an old teacher of mine when I was young told me “ go learn AC/DC. Start with the first album and work your way up from there . I you can master those songs you can master rhythm guitar . “ thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏻

[@whoshotjohn13]

Cool vid. 62 and just getting back at it. Thank you keep up the good work

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks ! I appreciate that 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@ryanrowland2625]

I always thought you needed to have some special wiring in your brain, natural talent to play a guitar and also long fingers, mine are short. I always dreamed of playing but thought I never would. Well a while ago I went to rock of ages show in Vegas and after the show they had one of the guitars they used for sale so I bought it. It sat in my house a few years collecting dust and finally about a year ago I picked it up. I really needed to see this video right now because I have learned some chords and stuff but was thinking I was never going to get it. After seeing this video I'm not giving up and when I think about what i know now compared to a year ago when I started I am getting better. So I'm going to keep going. Thank you for your video, I'm a new subscriber.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s AWESOME to hear !! I’m glad you are sticking with it . I always thought the same stuff too when I was first starting out . “ I’ll never be able to play that fast . “ thanks for commenting and subbing 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@rogercastilho19]

Nice video. I used to play drums as a kid, now I'm 38 and picked up a Jackson Dinky also!. Just want to learn more about music and play songs that I enjoy. Nowadays there's no shortage of free content to help learn, so I figured there's no excuse if it's something that I really want to do.

[@peterbruno657]

Started at 42. Im having a lot of trouble stretching my fingers. I've been at it for over a year and I can now play and switch between Em, C, G, D, and Am. I'm working on adding A to my arsenal. I'm just getting to the point where it's fun to play.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Playing 3 note per string scales REALLY upped my finger stretching abilities . Have you tried that? I have small hands and it works quite well.

[@eddiesironworx6831]

I got my first guitar early 80s, learned and played but got busy with life a short time after. Now 57, I'm determined to finally commit and get it this time around. unfortunately, back in the mid 90s while framing houses I was assisting a coworker, and he happened to lower his unguarded circular saw atop my left wrist severing through it 95% I was fortunate enough to have a great surgeon that put it all back together, however, it did make it a little tougher to bend my wrist and use my fingers normally. either way KZbin folks such as yourself give me the reassurance that olds dogs like me can get it done. Thank for the great video and hopefully I'll be sheddin like EHV in a few years.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Overcoming adversity. 💪🏻 love it .thanks for sharing and watching 🤘🏻

[@berniehodges812]

I’m a drummer 55 and always wanted to play guitar. So I went and got me some gear its been fun and frustrating. But one thing you’re right about is get the guitar setup, I did that and im progressing a lil made it much easier.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Absolutely! 👍🏻. Everyone’s playing style is unique. Kind of like a seat in a car . You gotta get it right for you to be able to operate it . Thanks for watching and commenting 🤘🏻

[@dgperforms1]

80's Metalhead here. Im 57 and gig regularly. I watch anything and everything Guitar on YT. The good ones i will like, comment and Sub. I did all3 here. Good job Bro. I teach needy kids myself and us your EXACT method

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s awesome to hear ! I used to teach freshman college Economics and use similar methods that I taught there over here . It tends to have a better reception rate . I really appreciate you commenting and subscribing 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@xLostMeKeys]

45 and just bought a Fender Telecaster Acustasonic and loving it. I used to play guitar and bass as a teenager

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Awesome! 🤘🏻 welcome back . I hope I can help you in some small way on your guitar journey 💪🏻 thanks for watching and commenting.

[@steveb3]

Thanks for posting this video. I totally agree that finger strength is not the point, but flexibility is. As someone who is right handed, my left hand didn't have the ability to spread my fingers when holding the neck; it was a claw. It was the biggest hurdle for me and it took a lot of stretching, day after day. So concentrate on flexibility, not strength. Good luck to everyone. :)

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great tips 🤘🏻💪🏻

[@RoadRunner1980]

I was about 12 when I started to learn with a professional teacher. I was making really good progress but for various reasons going on I quit after about a year. I never picked it up again wich I regretted for a very long time. Now I'm 43 and have a relatively stable life. I just picked up an acoustic to start over again thinking about how good I would've been if I've been playing for the past 30 years.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks for sharing your story. It’s amazing that if you go through the comments and read other people‘s stories, you’ll see that we all have similar pasts. That’s another thing I love about KZbin everybody from around the world who’s never met each other can all gather around one concept..

[@Vittrenatt9883]

I started about 10 months ago with the acoustic guitar and after two months I bought my first electric guitar. I play on both of them and practice every day. Great to feel that progression every time. I do not take fysical lessons but I follow the Justin.Guitar course, great one.

[@barondavis5692]

Which guitar do you gravitate more to, acoustic or electric? Thanks

[@TorrentFiend10]

Sadly I stopped playing guitar around 2005 just as KZbin started........ I have returned to it in the last year after a couple decades break and I'm happy to say I'm learning at least one song each day thanks to the many wonderful instructional channels on KZbin.... It's been really rough find an accurate instruction because a lot of people don't get it correct when they are supposedly showing you how to play it, you learn a wrong way to play if you're not careful about what sources you learn from. But there are a good dozen or so channels with very accurate correct way to play the song and you always compare it to live footage of the actual artists playing to see if they are playing the same chords you learned from some channel..... I'm happy to say I'm now over the hurdle of conquering bar chords, I still need to work on my fingerpicking skills because they are severely lacking but I'm struggling like a pro and currently on a Major Tom Petty binge learning about a dozen songs of his in the last week..... I'm also proud to say that I basically had the song who won't back down figured out from back around the year 2000 when I originally stumbled on the four magic chords that make up that song of e minor, D, G, C. Howard Stern has recently been very inspirational with his own journey of being 76 and learning to play for the first time. He mentioned something early on that really stuck with me about the scientifically backed research showing how critically important it is to make sure you consistently play at least a half hour or an hour every day no matter what or you won't improve. I am proof that playing at least a half hour every single day has skyrocketed my plane ability in no time. Along with bar chords recently I've finally conquered Dm, B7, and some other tricky to play chord shapes. They are now muscle memory for me and I can look at most anything lately and is silly pick out what they are playing and reverse engineering it on my own. Sadly I still and stuck with the two guitars I had decades ago which is my fender HSS strat and Yamaha F-310 (no cutaway beginner guitar but a quality guitar still). I'm now at a level where I definitely need an acoustic with a cutaway, might have to go guitar shopping. Not only do I have short fingers but my pinky is not quite normal size because of DNA that I cannot help.... Nothing freakish or anything, just not quite as long as others seem to be. The main advice I have for anyone getting into guitar playing today, seek out good channels on KZbin that show the correct way to play songs, that does not include Marty's channel although he was popular he is very very often very very wrong..... Keep trying those bar chords, you will eventually get them, play songs you like, songs you want to learn, songs you have always wondered how to play, just literally do a search on how to play x song on guitar and BOOM lessons galore.... Find the quality instructors, compare the videos to each other, compared those videos to the live version the artist actually plays, watch as many live versions of that song as you can find to try to get all of the perfect camera angles for every bit of the song to see everything happening........ Definitely get a capo, they are cheap, that will open the door to a whole world you're missing out on if you don't have a capo. Don't rely on the capo too much, learn to play songs the correct way if you are able to, if you are not able to then work and practice on the correct way to play those songsTo get better. Don't avoid the bar chords, go towards the bar chords because you want to practice bar chords so that you overcome bar chords. Good luck all. I know so many songs now I can't believe how many....... Practice them over and over and over so that they become muscle memory. Otherwise after a few days or definitely a few weeks you forget them so practice practice practice.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow , thanks for sharing all this 🤘🏻

[@28raghuram]

Your humility and simplicity made me watch the entire clip. Thank you.

[@CRAZY6256]

53 here, bought a guitar Ibanez 2 years ago. Wasn't able to get in the groove. Practice was very hard to find the time. Now im want to recommit. Hopefully ill be able to make it stick. Too many hobbies.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

If you can carve out 10-20 minutes a day you’ll get there . It will take longer but you can still do it .

[@jotwea]

When I was 7 years old, I had some guitar lessons on a nylon-string guitar that was so bad that my guitar teacher recommended that I put steel strings on it. That's how it all started. When I was 21, I no longer had time for it; family and child were more important. I also broke my right wrist in an accident at work. That was the end of playing the guitar. At the age of 65, I started again, have been playing in 2 cover bands since 2023 and live with the small limitations I had as a result of the accident. I can't use a pick with my right hand. I only play lead guitar and solos with my fingers and am already on a CD with some solid rock songs with the Peter Maffay Tribute Band. If you love music, you'll always find a way.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great story ! Thanks for sharing it. 🤘🏻💪🏻👊🏻

[@peterflynn9123]

I'm getting back into playing after a few years. All good advice - especially keeping the guitar ready to use works good for me

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Glad it helped ! Thanks for watching 🤘🏻

[@VolkerPocket]

Started 3 months ago. Very motivating and true sentences. Thank you and Merry Christmas from Germany 🎄

[@timcastle1844]

All good advice. Thanks.

[@MrLawDawg]

Great tips. I had some medical issues come up when I turned 40 and I needed to keep my mind occupied. I always wanted to learn guitar so I picked one up. Here I am 10 years later playing better than I could have ever imagined. Guitar tabs and KZbin has really helped me with what I can play.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s awesome 🤘🏻. I often wonder how many bands would have been created and lasted had you tube been around back then 🤔. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@malasdahnakpk]

Life begins at 40 they said. I've just picked up an acoustic guitar and maybe an electric soon. My story was just like yours. Coming back after so long ago, and still trying to get better at it. What you have said in this video make a lot sense. I'll subscribed to your channel to learn more about it. Thank you for the advise. Keep on rockin' in the free world!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

💪🏻 glad to have you aboard I appreciate you watching commenting

[@simond914]

Really interesting lesson. I started learning harmonica, blues mainly during lockdown, then I realised I liked the sound of the backing guitar and thought I’d try learning guitar, again mainly blues. Daddy Stovepipe was the guy I watched which is mainly finger style along with travis picking lessons and Paul Simon’s finger style songs and that was enough for me, I never thought I’d be able to play Kathy’s Song or April Come She Will but I can now, not perfectly but pretty well. I’m trying to master Never Going Back now. I think half the problem of learning a new instrument is knowing where to start as there’s so many styles and songs but I’d say learn one challenging song you like and see where it takes you, Blues is great as it starts simple, the fundamentals of the chords are straightforward initially, but you can go as complex as you want to take it. I’m 55, it’s never too late to learn an instrument, it’s incredibly rewarding and very good for your heart, soul and memory.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great story . Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻

[@CarolNeilson]

I started at 65 with an SG because of the access to the upper frets. I use D’Addario XL .09-.42 I also recently bought a PRS Swamp Ash Special. Both have been great.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Great choice! I love my SG as well!

[@irish_ladd4]

I just came across your channel. I am 52. I was talking to a friend about guitars. A couple of days later, he said he bought 2 guitars and was gifting me one of them. He said it is a Hamer/Hammer. Right now, it is at one of his friend's where he is making good to go for me. My friend is giving me the guitar with new strings, picks, and the interface to learn to play the guitar. I told him I owe you a couple of beer. I am also a photographer, so another reason to take self-portraits. 😃 Until my guitar is ready, he is lending me his Ibanez to start practicing.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow that’s awesome 🤘🏻 great friend

[@irish_ladd4]

@@HeadbangersLocal Yes, for sure!

[@simoningham1736]

Hi, great video, with good advice. I tried playing guitar in my teens, it was hopeless! I couldn't even get it in tune. Decided to try again at 54 years old. Decent playable guitars are available and at great value for money. Also electronic tuners, tuning apps, lessons on you tube, all make life much easier for beginners. I bought a new harley benton telecaster style guitar, and a second hand Blackstar amp, 150 English pounds in total, then I focused on easy punk songs, green day, ramones, sex pistols, using power chords, it's unbelievable how many songs can be played with that simple technique.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Yeah, just like you why I was playing guitar when you were a teenager so much harder than it is now lol I have no idea😂

[@bobwhisenhunt7085]

Great job brother. I have been trying for years to play. I always give up. I see these young kids on here shredding and can’t figure out how they got so good. I overthink everything but you got me motivated to try again. Thank you.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

💪🏻👊🏻 glad I could help !

[@cavalierwiththetruth]

Three recommendations from me: 1) Buy a reasonably good guitar you'll want to pick up & keep it nearby on a stand. 2) Buy a cheap modelling amp with all the pedal sounds available through an app. 3) The internet is your friend - find a good YT channel with a series of lessons so you can progress at your own pace & also look up free tabs for anything that motivates you. I bought a £50 guitar off a mate at school in the 90s - pretty crappy with crackly electronics and worn down frets, but enjoyed playing along with bands I like (from Pink Floyd to Helmet). I made no real progress that way until I found all the free lessons on YT. That encouraged me to buy an EVH Wolfgang as everyone says it's really easy to play, and I've played it pretty much every day since I bought it, learning chords and the full fretboard which I should have done 30 years ago. YT didn't exist. A fairly cheap modelling amp gives access to all the pedal sounds you could possibly need as a beginner, which keeps the interest when trying to play favourite tunes too. If you git gud you can upgrade the amp and buy actual pedals you'll want to use. I bought a wahwah during lockdown & still haven't used it properly yet. About a year ago I decided to learn fingerstyle, so I restrung an old nylon string classical guitar and have improved loads by watching and rewatching YT lessons. Your Guitar Academy has loads of free courses that suit me, but I've picked up tips from others too (Andy Guitar, Lauren Bateman, Guitar Made Easy By Tony), though many famous KZbinrs (Bernth!) are far too advanced for me, or don't structure their lessons for a good stretch of progression. Had I gone to a live guitar teacher, they would have got sick of me asking them to repeat the previous lesson! Whenever I have 15 minutes spare, I'm back on it.

[@videoforentrepreneurs]

So cool to hear you’ve come back to guitar. I used to tour back in the day and haven’t returned to guitar yet.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks 🙏🏻. Yea it’s a lot different as as middle aged adult 😂. The good news is I have more money to spend on gear . The bad news is I have more money to spend on gear 🤣🤘🏻🤘🏻 hope you come back and I can help you the same way you helped me !

[@Tiago_007]

Started playing at 15, then in my early 30’s I stopped. During the pandemic, at 42, I picked up the guitar again and never looked back. Practicing more than I ever did before, 4 hours a day, not doing it as a choir but because it actually turned more into therapy, lowered my stress, improved my concentration, my memory, dexterity, etc. It’s important to enjoy it and have fun with it. I’m now at a level far more advanced than I ever thought possible. One thing to note for sure…DO NOT start playing with an acoustic guitar. The electric guitar is 10 times easier.

[@geirbroholt5726]

i have just started guitarlessons. i have an Starfield SJ LTD. A great guitar.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Very nice!

[@cmac1445]

Great video, bought a guitar at 16/17 but never stuck with it. 40 now and getting back into this. Thankfully I’m fully aware it’s going to be a long road and have set my bar low and just concentrating on practicing the fundamentals and likely going to get some lessons once I can feel I have my hands working together.

[@stevekean8254]

Sounds like learning guitar is a lot like learning golf or skiing, pretty steep learning curve to get to the point where you can apply some skills to get into the flow zone. I jumped on this video because I'm 66 and have tried to learn guitar several times in the past. All great suggestions here, some I wasn't aware of. As a skier and a golfer, I know what has to happen here and am psyched to give it another try, I will get there. Subscribed. Thanks

[@docf.n.t.2310]

I had achieved "B Circuit" playing/touring level. I went for about 10-15 years without any serious playing, but in recent years, I came back to it. I don't need tutorials or pointers, though I will listen to some since new ideas have emerged since I last played pro. I'm in my 60s, and entertain no plans to tour again, though I might take on a local once per month scheduled bar band. I am trying to get back "in touch" with more modern players and playing techniques (some of which some are very foreign to me !). I typically have a guitar in my hands 1 - 3 hours per night, while watching TV or KZbin, far more than the average player. (I still have that "Pro" dedication). I tend to be a lot harder on myself than any beginner should ever be, because I DO know what I am / was capable of... My fingers still want to fly across the fretboard like Malmsteem, Skolnick or Gilbert, but neither my left hand accuracy nor my picking technique allows that anymore, forcing me to repeatedly having to slow WAY down until I get a lick "down pat". I also notice that my left wrist is not so flexible anymore, requiring me to hold my guitar higher, so as to not have to bend my left wrist so far. My declining health has required me to switch from Gibson Les Pauls to ESP - LTD EC series guitars and from Fender Strat and Teles to Squier Bullets, due to weight on my left shoulder. My new choices in guitars weigh much less, and with hardware and pickup upgrades, can sound just as good. (I am no fan of 4" wide guitar straps) I also opt for modern pedal boards that can go through the front mixer - into a transmitter - to an "In ear" monitor system, removing the need for heavy tube amp, and heavy speakers cabinets to transport. Note to new bands ; Setting up a stage this way - along with getting a drummer with electric drums, (big electric sets are available, or you can assemble large kit piece by piece, then acquiring a large drum computer [used if necessary] removing extreme volume related problems from the gig dilemma list. There is no reason for a drummer to be beating his drums to death, causing a volume war on stage. When you keep stage volume down to a minimum, the front sound and total sound quality improve exponentially. If a "murder drummer" says he MUST use acoustic drums (beating them violently), then he does NOT have the bands best interests in his agenda, he is playing only for himself...- replace him. My last 2 bands in the 1990s used every modern asset available, and our small bands rivaled the "big boys" of the area in sound quality with far less investment. This also gives the soundman total control of the mix, which is a HUGE asset !!! These are a few pointers I have picked up on over the years that will greatly enhance your sound without breaking the bank !

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Excellent post ! Thanks for sharing 🤘🏻

[@johnsmith970]

I'm 40 with two kids and never had the time or money to invest in learning guitar. I'm divorced now so plenty of extra time and no woman to spend all my money on haha. Last Christmas my son asked for a guitar so we went to guitar center and he picked himself out a Jackson Rhoads V and I got a cheap used Ibanez so we could learn together. I totally caught the bug, got myself a 7 string because I'm a millennial and need to play Korn riffs and now I'm looking at getting myself an ltd or charvel with a floyd rose. Playing is so relaxing, its like a nice reset after work. I should've started years ago :)

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Charvels are my favorite guitars! I have like 4 of them. They are amazing guitars. Thanks for watching and commenting.🤘🏻

[@johnkehoe5950]

Very Good advice. Thank You

[@doingstufforatleasttrying4843]

This is so crazy that I found this video. I just turned 55 last April. I use to play in my teens and did the band thing and then came life at 26, new house(needed tons of work) new job,. Once my first daughter was born that was it. I think I picked it up like 2 times in 2 years before. Anyway every 6 months or so I look at it and sometimes Even play a d cord or a g with a d. I have now started again about 2 weeks ago. I’m still in the painful finger stage. I also have really bad rheumatoid arthritis so I am really pushing through. Anyway I saw this video and I now have more hope. To be honest I have been pushing through but I have been really frustrated. I just found my old DigiTech rs5 . Got a power supply and it makes it more enjoyable. I think I will buy a nice guitar and try to get back to where I was. Thanks for giving me hope again. I am a new subscriber. I will also post some progress. Thanks again..

[@HeadbangersLocal]

THATS AMAZING 👏🏻👏🏻 . I’m glad this video helped you . That’s interesting that you mentioned digitech. I actually just found my old Digitech Rp-12 I had in a box stored in my house for decades . I remember I bought it in the 90s . Mine still works , but the foot pedal is jacked up . I have a lot of beginner videos on my channel and have some more coming ! Yes, please do update me on progress . Thanks for watching, subbing and commenting! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@doingstufforatleasttrying4843]

@@HeadbangersLocal I think I am going to stop by guitar center sometime this week. I sold everything I had several years ago. The only thing I held on to was a really nice Ibanez acoustic and then I found the rp-5. It’s funny because when guitar center first opened they were giving away free guitars to the first 100 people in line. I forgot what time they opened but we went and walked into the store and they gave us these free guitars. I guess no one showed up for the opening that day. So that’s what I have been using right now. I can’t keep it in tune and the neck is really bowed. I will probably keep it on the cheap side for now. I see Gibson makes a nice beginner model. I don’t plan on playing any shows anytime soon 🤣🤣🤣 I have my good days and bad days. I actually just ordered some lighter strings because they have acoustic strings on this thing. I was really about to give up soon but, after watching this video I am definitely going to stick with it.👍 Thanks again….

[@exposurebyanjum]

I am 53 and I am a keyboardist and have a small home studio. It was my desire to learn how to play a guitar but the keyboard was an easy instrument to learn and I lacked good advice around me in my growing up days. Now I have three guitars an Epiphone Les Paul a Japanese made strat type guitar and then a Yamaha F 600 so I am hoping to learn it at this age with the help of KZbin videos adiós

[@TheJpmaree]

I started playing at 37 after a breakup during mid-COVID. It has been an aspiration of mine to play the guitar for years, but I had always been postponing it due to the age factor. I am now just over 5 years into my journey and trying to get two hours of practice in every day-100 minutes before work and 40 minutes after. Weekends can see stretches of up to 2-3 hours (initially started with 20 minutes a day, 7 days a week). If I reflect on my progress, I admit I have improved quite substantially; nevertheless, I often feel a bit frustrated at the level I’m at (even taking your patience tip to heart). I guess I’ve kept going due to the relaxing effect I experience from just working through my practice routine. Great video, and thanks for giving us 40+'ers some tips and motivation! One thing that definitely helps me is having a structured program that breaks my training session into four parts: Warm-up, Technique, Drills, and Repertoire. The latter takes up about 40 minutes every day. I try to gradually build up the level of complexity in each section and spice it up with various workouts (revise it once I am bored to death repeating the same stuff) that I get from great KZbin channels. The aim is foremost perfection of whatever I do, then repeatability, and lastly musicality. I guess I’ll still be tweaking after 20 years.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Yeah, I hear you on repeating the same old stuff. What kind of worked for me to get inspired was to realize what was the reason I started playing guitar when I was a kid. I went back to some of the old songs that I really loved when I was a kid and that really inspired me and decided to learn all of those, coincidentally made me feel like a kid again learning all those songs from you that I never did found a new inspiration to keep going and learn new things. Thanks for the comment and for watching.🤘🏻

[@jasongarcia3943]

Started during covid. Love it.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s great! Nice profile pic! I grew up in Philly🤘🏻

[@Barney_rubble983]

I just bought a enya go sonic, just getting back into it. I can't wait until it arrives 🎉

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Ohh the anticipation! 🤘🏻

[@faroukfaisal6968]

Just turned 50 last month, bought the same model last week after not playing for 20 years. My fingers hurt now 😂

[@Barney_rubble983]

@@faroukfaisal6968 do you like the guitar? I'm still waiting on mine.

[@xeres14]

I came back after a long break. I picked up an Ibanez with the floating trem as a reintroduction. Now, I'm better at servicing my guitar and getting low action and intonation than I am playing.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Coming back and getting a Floyd . Risky … but obviously worth it 👍🏻💪🏻

[@Dodgyguitarist]

Started at 38. 42 now and regularly upload on here and tiktok. Still learning and got so much to get through. I’m a theory dodger, time is precious to me so I feel I don’t have the time to study etc. I just wanna play. It’s great to read comments on here and hear peoples stories. Great video and will definitely help those just getting started. Could of done with this, I bought a Floyd rose first 😭😭😂

[@HeadbangersLocal]

"I'm a theory dodger" 😂 Me too. Yea, I made the floyd mistake too back in high school. It was like the 3rd guitar I ever owned. BIG MISTAKE LOL. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@six_texas903]

At 56 I bought a Jackson king V and a powerful orange amp and fuzz pedals and learned doom metal. With RA I can’t play fast. Still enjoying it. Good video.

[@frankdardano3182]

72, this year, the best overall video for guitar, not based just on music, but learning effectively many aspects, from learning to advanced, all explained in easy to comprehend detail, on what and how, quite an accomplishment for anyone to partake in, with just enough info you need to learn the easiest way possible.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Wow ! Thanks for this! I truly appreciate it. It means a lot 💪🏻🤘🏻👊🏻

[@markellis8347]

I played when I was 14 up to 16. Now, I'm coming back to it with a vengeance at 61 and love the instrument.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That's awesome to hear! Are you finding it more enjoyable as an adult? Thanks for watching!

[@markellis8347]

@HeadbangersLocal Actually, I am. It's a different approach. My fingers aren't as fast as they once were, so I am much more methodical in my timing and realizing that staying in the pocket is king.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@markellis8347 nice ! Are you working in the speed , or happy where you’re at with that?

[@markellis8347]

@HeadbangersLocal Unfortunately or fortunately, I'm not a person that's just ok with being ok at something. So, I use a metronome with chord changes and playing scales. Currently at 100 bpm on both. I try and up 5 bpm per week without making mistakes and then go up another 5 bpm. I must say its been humbling, but I see progress!

[@HeadbangersLocal]

@@markellis8347 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@jameswilliford5478]

Excellent points and video. I'm 65 and find there are no real short cuts. Practice practice practice; repetition is key. For those with arthritis and hand issues like me soaking your hands in warm to hot water and finger stretching helps tremendously. I don't like to use a pick myself and the soaking seems to even help the string tone. Get a guitar you love and as stated in the video get it professionally set up if needed. Nothing is worse than trying to learn on a guitar with action so high that it makes it harder to fret the strings or so low that they buzz and sound like crap. Make sure it holds tune well and it's intonated so you can get the best sound possible from your guitar. A good sound goes a long way in helping you stay motivated and feeling like you're accomplishing something. I like acoustic fingerstyle myself, but also enjoy electric guitars. I also use guitar stands that I use when practicing, but use good quality wall hangers to keep my guitars out of small children and pets reach. If your home stays too dry or too humid you may also want to consider keeping your guitar in a case with humidi packs to keep the humidity at a optimal level. I use humidifiers and keep most of my guitars out for easy access.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Thanks for sharing ! 💪🏻

[@mae1813]

I have my strings at a 9 and i had to dedicate an area to the house for the guitar so i could bypass the setup of my area. The taking it all down and resetting it back up was a problem. With it ready to go on a moments notice helped me out alot to get motivated to practice more.

[@HeadbangersLocal]

That’s what I’m talking about! 💪🏻👊🏻🤘🏻

[@voyagersa22]

Thank you for your video. Most of it rings in my own case , I’m on that journey 😊 thanks bro, god bless. From a friend in Colombia 🇨🇴🙏🏻

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Glad it helped 💪🏻🤘🏻👊🏻

[@takitobutface6805]

nice one, i was like that too, when i was 15 i play guitar almost every day, 3-5 hrs, memmorizing tabs, then i have to work, kids, bills, mortgage, havent touch my ephiphone les paul for 25yrs, now i forgot a lot of it, and back to learning again

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Glad to hear you’re coming back 💪🏻. The funny thing is ( at least for me) I find it more enjoyable as an adult then I did as a kid .

[@annegpsy]

Hello thanks. Well I was attracted by the title as I am learning bass at almost 60. Well I can say... everything you wrote would apply to anyone whether they are starting at 4 ou 40 or 80 :) that shows age does not matter in most things, it is the dedication you put in anything and applying good methods. Oh and btw bass is even more physicality challengeing try to find a 24 range bass well that is a ukulele :)

[@dgperforms1]

Spot on Bro

[@cassettedeck-walkman-repair]

Its been 40 years since i picked up a guitar and now learning again together with my kids , thanks for the encouragement and you have a new sub 😎

[@HeadbangersLocal]

Awesome! Glad to have you aboard 🫡🤘🏻. Thanks for watching and commenting 💪🏻