Old Age And The Guitarist

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

In the year since I made this video my left hand has fully recovered! Praise the Lord!

[@peter7624]

I found myself nodding in agreement. "The pain doesn't go it just moves around" - How true!

[@randalldaniels3915]

Came here for a guitar lesson, got a life lesson instead…priceless! Hope you keeping well John. You’re funny as you are wise. Blessings from Oz

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Randall, you too!

[@johnmitchell1614]

Tempus fugit John.You're attitude does us oldies proud. ( 64 ) Please don't stop making your videos, cos you're a blast. Best regards.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks John, I am finding it really difficult to sell anything these days so my supply of new toys to review has dried up!

[@karolyattilahunyadi2410]

You are forever young, John!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My stiff old bones thank you!

[@SeanDS1989]

Love this guy, thanks for all the great videos :)

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My pleasure.

[@BonFireSale]

John, thanks for being this amazing person you are, you're an inspiration for a young Brazilian musician (me). Thanks for all the guitar reviews and lessons, but most importantly, thanks for all the life lessons you teach us! Sincerely, Paulo

[@JohnDavidCoupland]

Thanks Paulo, I really appreciate that.

[@thefray123]

I appreciate the wisdom John! Thanks a mil.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My pleasure David.

[@mtwseneca]

That was great when you got to the 12 string with the top sawed off. When I got my 12 string 5 decades ago- I could barely play it, so I took off all the octave strings for several years. Now my playing has finally progressed enough to be able to play it. Mike

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Rock on!

[@alexwalker67]

Hi John. I really enjoy your content. My 94 year old grandfather played the organ at my ordination in 2019. He's still banging out tunes at home. Great vid. Many Blessings.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Alex, yes I am really looking forward to the Rapture and that new body!

[@mtwseneca]

@@JohnCouplandguitar Me too. Think about this: Only 2 times in history parallel this time of attempted mass genocide by the elite-> The flood of Noah, and the Exodus. Justice is coming for the wicked, and the obedient watchful Christians are leaving. Mike

[@defaultcity]

John, I feel I'll be coming back to this video over and over again! Thank you so much! Too damn right about the pin that wanders around yoir body! Luckily, it never splits to TWO places at once!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad it helped.

[@plutogamstrumframe]

John , I’m 74 , Diabetes Free so far , I’ve got a very light small guitar an Ibanez Talman ,,,,and a Washburn D Low action electro acoustics ,

[@winm382]

I didn't reach your proud age yet, still a lifetime to go, but I will keep everything in mind you tought me. Thank you, John, I appreciate listening to your angelic voice :)

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You are very welcome

[@johnj.flanagan-hymnsoffaith]

Great insights, John. I started playing an acoustic guitar in my sixties, because I wanted to play Christian songs and hymns, and found a piano or keyboard too hard. I started learning the guitar, and now I am 76 and a half, still love this instrument. I own two Martins. For me, the guitar is an instrument for me to share faith in Christ with others, and it is my main motivation. I will keep playing for as long as the Lord allows. God bless you, my friend, and thanks for sharing your advice today. Warmest regards, JJF

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Good to hear that you are still praising the Lord.

[@ProthoPectore]

"It takes great courage to grow old gracefully". - unknown

[@Kenbur]

I've watched for many years John enjoying your videos but never got around to commenting for whatever reason. Thanks for this video. I too am 69 and learning how to 'cope' with getting old and playing instruments. Great tips, great humor - blessings friend.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad it helped Ken.

[@graham5000clepto]

Each and every one of us are all different but John makes some pertinent observations and ideas on how to cope with health issues once we reach our older ages.The bookshelf idea is pure dead brilliant John,you know where I’m fae lol.I’ve got the arthritis on the fingers and play for as long as I can quite happily,no more two hour concerts for me.We will all adapt as musicians because all we want to do is play for our own enjoyment,and if,per chance,we happen to bring joy and happiness to others then the more the merrier.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Aye, adapting is the way to go Graham.

[@richardharding9975]

Found your videos today. Terrific. I started playing guitar six months ago when I turned 65. Having a lot of fun, even if it goes slow. How true what you said. Something hurts all the time. That's what we get for working for a living. Anyway, excellent videos. My goal is to be not terrible. Be well and thanks

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I like that goal.

[@jasonjay732]

Love this

[@nelsonreymusico5635]

Dear sir, I use the translator for what I want to express to you, as my English language is not very complete. From what I could understand, I congratulate you for the manner and the comments in the treatment of the subject you are dealing with. Everything that is said is truly real. I am almost 65 years old. Kind regards from Argentina.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Good to hear from you.

[@scapularwingingrecords]

Thank you for posting this.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

You're welcome

[@mikewebb2638]

Right behind you at 68. Thanks

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Ah, just a boy then.

[@horatiodreamt]

Excellent vid.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Horatio, much appreciated.

[@kevinjackson4237]

Hi John, I love all your reviews and your humour! 37 years ago I cut my left thumb off (don`t try this at home kids) & have been waiting for the onset of Arthur Itis since the Hospital stuck it back on. So far so good but thanks for the great tips, you have made it clear that I need to futureproof by buying even more Guitars. Now off to tell my wife & see what gets cut off next!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Don't blame me if she gets mad at you!

[@chrismcturk145]

Hi John I started learning the guitar again after many years because I became inspired when our small church only had 2 musicians and after visiting our local music shop and trying out guitars to fit my budget bought discovery DBT SPCE BW similar to what you have reviewed. I am 66 and enjoy learning to play. Thank you for your inspirational videos. Chris

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

My pleasure.

[@forgottencas2272]

There was a sad tone to this video. Hope you're doing OK John. Love your content on here.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Things are improving. The tingling sensation is less and sometimes not there at all. Thanks for asking.

[@Thoracius]

you can knock the gloss off a neck down to satin with a scratch pad or fine sandpaper (or 0000 steel wool if it's not an electric guitar).

[@amybach8368]

John you are great.I love your comments and your humor. Forgetfulness is another thing, but music in particular is memory training because you still Do something and you are distracted by the pain. I love to hear more from you. Kind regards from Germany

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Amy, yes if you can get over the initial discomfort you will get lost in the music,

[@אריק-צ5ר]

I started with Osteoporosis and pain at 33 years old. I went to a Cordoba 55fce. A thin authentic sounding Spanish made instrument. It is actually amazing how the 55fce sounds just as good as a full thick guitar. I am 51 now and one might think I was 81!!! LOL... Never quit!!!!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Absolutely!

[@billmiller9763]

Some other things I've learned in the over 50 years of guitar playing myself is ! . You can change string gage to lites. OR You can detuned to D (easy ) just tune the E 6 string to your D 5 string. Then tune the guitar the rest of the guitar like you always tuned the guitar to itself. Play it like that and put a capo on 2nd fret to play back in E . Doing that lowers the action more OR get a nylon string guitar. My plan B is also playing a square neck resonator which use a steel bar in the left . Im trying a ukulele rigt now also just for Strumming. Aspercreem before playing helps.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Good advice Bill.

[@tramlad2]

Such sad news John, always a favoutite of mine, keep well , hope the hands get better in the warmer weather, i have a bad back also and sometimes i go into a spasm sitting playing guitar, it's painful.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Adapt and carry on is my motto.

[@theblytonian3906]

Smiled at this. "So that's why I dislike Dreadnoughts!" :) thought I. Not really, merely the physical size. Only a couple of years shy of you John. Honest words, albeit as difficult for youth to comprehend of themselves ever becoming "that old?!!!" as it was for us in our day. I recall only too well listening to Sgt. Pepper's "When I'm Sixty-Four" in June '67 somewhat dissociatively detached other than from the aspect of bemusement, the incarnate self then unable to relate meaningfully of its ever "'being" that age beyond acknowledgement of its inevitability as logic and arithmetic must determine should I 'live so long'. Sixty-four has been and gone now. Inner observer is the same if the body isn't, the point of observation and thus perspective altered somewhat since that perception of -yesterday- so long ago. Cheers 'me ole china plate'.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

As a boy I remember working out that I should peg out around 2022. Let's just say my warranty is about to expire!

[@PeteAxeShields]

My dear friend, Steve Mitchell said to me " Have you noticed, when you are getting old, everything seems to be just that wee bit further away " :) I love tuning into your channel John. For the content, the great advice and especially the humour ...... and your fabulous voice. You really should have been a radio DJ ( in the Ken Bruce mould ) Have a wonderful week John .... and remember, you are actually younger than Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney :) ( You young Rocker you ! ) x

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Peter, I can't wait to trash my first hotel room!

[@PeteAxeShields]

@@JohnCouplandguitar Ha ha ha - my friend, Martin Stephenson said he and his band The Daintees were never cut out for the Rock n Roll lifestyle, instead of throwing the Tele out of the window, they would give the room the " once over " with the Mister Sheen :) ha ha ha

[@vincentryanborres]

hello John, lovely advice. Also I got a DIY kit strat and my workmate spray painted it blue. Paid him £10 for the paint and labour. Bargain! Also that keyboard stand is genius. Wanted to buy a Casio CTS-300.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Vincent, God bless.

[@vincentryanborres]

@@JohnCouplandguitar God bless too!!!

[@FoxysGuitarShow]

Hi there John, I absolutely loved this. Some very practical and useful suggestions. In fact, it inspired me to respond via my own channel and chip in with an additional idea. Thought I'd let you know out of common courtesy. Kind regards and keep up the good work :-)

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@whssy]

I'm not even old and wing chairs are one of the best inventions mankind has ever come up with.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

John I'm there with you on all those aches and pains. I did a lot of damaging things to my body in younger years and paying for it now. I have all the aches you mentioned and a few more. There are days I wake up with stiff hands as you put it. I drop the pick often and it won't stay straight between my fingers. But I too trudge on because I don't know when it will become to difficult to go on. I see you also use a pillow for back support as I do everywhere I control my sitting options. Keep on keeping on old man as I'm doing the same. I find ways around limitations as best I can as you do. All the best

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Yes, the secret is to adapt and be thankful for the good days.

[@skippertheeyechild6621]

This is something I've been curious about for a while. Thanks for speaking about it, it was really informative.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@StuartRussellsynths]

This has happened to me at 56, after spending my 20s and 30s leaping up and down, My solution is to sit on a stool like Robert Fripp, I still play a heavy guitar (Gibson Les Paul) but a good stool that helps the right posture, combined with a wide strap solves the problem for me

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks for sharing Stuart.

[@pmd7914]

I'm a late guitar starter but similar age to yourself. I realised injury & pain was affecting me playing so designed & made an ergonomic sit guitar. It has made a great difference, I play everyday now. Perhaps play is a bit of an exaggeration!

[@rossgill7462]

Thank you for this John. I can identify with what you are saying as I turn 69 in another month and have various aches and pains too. I'm thinking about getting a smaller guitar with a shorter scale length as one possible solution - maybe something along the lines of a Taylor GS Mini.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I reviewed one of those when it came in for a few adjustments, I was very impressed.

[@rossgill7462]

@@JohnCouplandguitar I'll look it up.

[@Shepetunka]

Greetings from Mars !!!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Wow, I didn't know YT went that far!

[@content-appreciator]

"Things aren't gonna get better, they're gonna get worse" Exactly. It'd be wise to switch to a lighter string gage (now there's halves: 10.5, 9.5, etc) in anticipation (around 40-50 years old maybe?) instead of wait until your fingers hurt at 60. Just a thought.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

A good thought J.

[@nicelynoise6457]

I am 🎸ist of 50 yrs olde(47 but i just round up),..i plan on Living another 100 yrs-really...i sometimes picture myself in a rocker playing Satie's gnossiene 1 as i take my last breath...

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

While I wish you luck with that you may, like me, come to the point where you waken up and think, 'Damn I'm still here!'

[@nicelynoise6457]

@@JohnCouplandguitar ..maybe, but all things considered...this beats the alternative.🍃

[@chris9650]

Hope you can get yourself to see a physio John to see if there's exercises to delay the onset of your problems and to see if there's stretches you can do to help a bit with the pains etc. P.s. if your diabetics well managed, fingers may be a sign of problems. Also check is your pulse regular or not, see Dr of it's nt regular.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I have both a physio and GP phone appointments coming up so perhaps that may shed some light on the problem.

[@chris9650]

@@JohnCouplandguitar fingers crossed John, want to catch these things now while they are an annoyance and not a majoylr problem. Best of luck.

[@elGa_tUrRo]

19 and counting; already feel old tho haha

[@studiodw12]

How do you explain for rheumatic and osteoarthritic pain that you did not feel any pain while playing and even for some time afterwards. drive for a day, take a shower and play your favorite songs for 2 hours, fatigue will be cut in half, I noticed it on me The guitar is first of all waves that we generate my questions can harmonic waves slow down aging and degeneration? especially those of classical wooden instruments? the most passionate are found here. Natural sounds are certainly the most beneficial, less for analog, and now, doesn't digital take away all those benefits? Finally the best sound I have heard in stone, wood and earth constructions with a vault (like an old farmhouse, a church, a cathedral) the harmonics, especially those of the pipe organ, are sublimated, they take you by the guts

[@RickDanner]

Joh Im 62 and been playing for so long 45 years and all of a sudden 4 years ago Im getting these cramps in my fretting hand when we play gigs they go like cripple on me i hope I dont have a muscle disease becuase Im still kinda young , have you ever got hand cramps

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Not so far. As for normal leg cramps, I take a glass of diet tonic water with my lunch. The quinine in that does make cramps less frequent. I thought it was just an old wive's tale but it really works.

[@gourabshow3993]

👍

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Gourab,

[@TarzanHedgepeth]

I was thinking to myself that you've been through the days of using overly expensive guitars at some point. At 38 years old, I'm in a position to potentially get a more expensive guitar. Have you learned that going that way is a waste of resources, or do you think it is worth the season to do so? Thank you sir, in Christ.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

An interesting question. Once we have ignored the cheapest of the cheap a higher price does not mean a better guitar. Something around 3-400 seems to be optimum. Above that you pay for a fancy finish, rare materials or a fashionable name. You also have to ask yourself which is more fun, a £1500 guitar or that cash spent on several guitars? Even if you do go for an expensive model, you may not want to take it to a gig. The two guitars I use the most are £900 Alhambra classical and a £99 bowl back acoustic fitted with flat wound strings!

[@TarzanHedgepeth]

@@JohnCouplandguitar Thank you very kindly. I think you're right, sir! You've helped to steer me in a better direction.

[@MartinJG100]

0:50 :). Brilliant. Now, the big question is, what if you did not quite manage to avoid the drugs, booze and...the Scottish mist.....hell beckons I guess.

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Perhaps but there again pickling works for onions and beetroot.

[@MartinJG100]

@@JohnCouplandguitar :).

[@seamusbrowne4909]

You'd think to listen to this Guy he was Fucking 90!!!😂🤣😂

[@forgottencas2272]

Have a bit of respect for John please.

[@pmd7914]

You forget to mention the need to relieve oneself more often, say like at 5:55 😉

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

I have started keeping a plastic bottle in the boot of the car, just in case!

[@francismaloney8775]

👍💯🇮🇪

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks Frank.

[@francismaloney8775]

@@JohnCouplandguitar very welcome, thank you 💯

[@gertvanpeet3120]

Easy playing....an ibanez is too small at the nut...so that's why in have an Hartwood Novella...is 46 mm, and is a lot better! Having arthritis in the knies for 4 years, rest is important and... Multi vitamin pill...type 65 + and last year..better...And had a TIA..some 8 years ago...gave instability..could not stand on one foot for more than a second or so. Last november..i got healed from one day to the next...Giving God the glory...wonders happen!

[@JohnCouplandguitar]

Thanks for sharing Gert. Yes the Lord still heals, I had ME and got healed overnight 18 years to the day after catching the flu that kicked it off.