Learning Guitar After 40? Here Are 7 Things to Expect

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Hey, folks -- are there any topics you'd like me to cover in a future video? LMK!

[@InspirationSessions]

As a returning guitarist who was taught classically (see other comment), the thing I’m struggling most with is strumming and strumming patterns.

[@flouisbailey]

Too much pressure and use of index has caused your finger problem. You need to see a chiropractor who adjust fingers, CBD cream rubbed into joint and traction applied may release the joint. Retired chiropractor here who started playing at 69, your MD doesn’t know not their fault just the MD brain. I’m very retired but would love to help you and others.

[@dagonmeister]

What great schools are out there if you have the budget and you are willing to spend considerable amount of time?

[@flouisbailey]

@@dagonmeister Julard (spelling) New York if money is no object.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

@@dagonmeister Would it be correct to assume that you aren't talking about guitar programs at universities -- where you'd need to demonstrate skill in order to be accepted -- but of schools where you can learn how to play guitar at a beginner or intermediate level? If so, once you're out of high school, there aren't many places which offer beginner/intermediate guitar lessons in a school setting. Community colleges, probably, but there isn't a list that I'm aware of that keeps track of the various CC guitar programs and ranks them. Most post-high-school beginner/internediate learning takes place in music shops, or private lessons, or community-based programs, or (now) online. If you're just asking about online courses or lesson packages, I've only used Fender Play, which has been decent -- but it doesn't teach music theory or jazz guitar. The ones I hear most folks enjoy are: GuitarTricks, TrueFire, Yousician, and Justin Guitar. Hope I answered your question somewhere in there! :)

[@yttkuar]

I retired at 70 with one unattended to goal from my youth - to try and learn guitar. I had no desire to play in a band or master Gilmour's solos. I just wanted to stick with it long enough to enjoy my own best skill level attainable at my age. I knew it would be a long journey, just as you have stated I every way. Patience and keeping the guitar right beside where I usually sit, has been the key to not giving up. I practice sometimes only 5 minutes, or until my Great Dane wants to be petted. Most days I get 5 here and 5 there several times, but usually 5 leads to 10 or even 30 before I know it. I'm still a beginner, but I having fun and hearing progress, and I am now 73.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome -- way to stick with it!

[@ricardojmestre]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@StratBurst92]

Just turned 69 and doing the same.

[@jimle22]

I just turned 73 also. Playing everyday and slowly progressing.

[@JakelikejakefromSF4936]

Awesome! Think of playing guitar this way. Rhythm you learn the chords and chord progressions of Pink Floyd songs you like. Then you can also try the solo aspect of playing. Which is obviously learning Gilmour’s solos etc.

[@MulderXfile]

I started playing when was 15. I got kind of good but never really took any lessons or studied any music theory. I lost interest at around 20 and never touched my guitar again for over 20 years. I'm 42 now and started again at the beginning of this years and my guitar has become my new passion.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, Fritz!

[@aintnothinbutdablues]

It takes two!

[@dasilva207]

Same with me !!!!

[@stoneglad]

Same!! 9 to 18 for me, then did not touch it for 25 years now for the past six years, I try to play every day and it’s my passion.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

@@stoneglad Right on, Allen!

[@StrokerNormH1]

Just found your video … And, love your humor & delivery! I’m 76 & brand new to guitar. I really appreciate the entertaining way you added a dose of reality to the journey. Many, many thanks!

[@johndavids4780]

Allow yourself to be a beginner. I am a 75 year old retired engineer. I started taking up wood working and after 6-7 years I an make a pretty good piece of nice furniture that people actually want in their home. But it just took some time. To expensive to heat the shop on colder days in winter and wanted another challenge. I brought a Squire Telecaster, s small Fender amp and a distortion pedal as I am into classic rock some stuff I found too difficult when I started 6 weeks ago are beginning to flow pretty smoothly. I can actually play Enter Sandman almost decently and I see improvement every time I practice. It is okay to suck when you first start. You will find yourself sucking less before you know it

[@joe19912]

Right. The one lesson you wish you could tell your younger self is "you have time, whatever you want to do, you absolutely can do, keep at it".

[@trottheblackdog]

I taught guitar for about 30 years. Kids were easy. Everything is new and difficult for them, so they never second guess themselves. Adults are different. They come with expectations and are shocked that the learning curve was the same as when they were five. Well it is. Just be prepared to put in work and have fingertip pain for a while. Daily. Hourly. Minute-ly.

[@jeffreyjones2857]

Love this video. I’m 50 and this is the third time I’ve started this journey. I gave up pretty quick the first two times. This time, the kids are grown and I can finally carve out the time to really commit. I just started lessons about a month and a half ago. I’m excited every time I learn one small thing. Everything you’re talking about is spot on! I subscribed and will go back and watch all your other videos. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks so much, Jeffrey, and congrats on sticking with it!

[@steveg.3022]

Same, except over 60 and 4th time. I’m four years in and it’s going well, although progress isn’t always so fast. Still, I’m enjoying it and I am determined to keep going.

[@txdave2]

Thanks for the very entertaining and informative video. I'm 68 and just purchased my first guitar. At this age, my mental clarity and ability to focus on a task are far better than when I was younger. I'm retired and have more free time to pursue those things I wanted to do in my twenties and thirties. I told my son that I think I'll be able to master Enter Sandman in a couple of weeks and start a Metallica cover band by the time I'm 70. I'M JOKING!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Hey, Dave! Congrats on your first guitar! > I told my son that I think I'll be able to master > Enter Sandman in a couple of weeks and start > a Metallica cover band by the time I'm 70. I'M JOKING! Hey, if you wanna get a bunch of other silver foxes together and start Gramptallica, I wholly support that plan!

[@kaysmith5495]

I decided at age 67 to learn to play bass. I also decided to learn electric guitar at the same time. I’m fortunate enough to be able to afford music lessons. It’s been very inspiring and fun. There’s so much to learn, amazing. I noticed that taking bass lessons improved my memory. Also gave me something to look forward to and enjoy outside of my busy career.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, Kay!

[@rayross997]

Great points. I really did not get serious about guitar till I was 54. Now at 65 it is actually getting somewhat easy. You have to play to have fun, to enjoy yourself. I recently began to teach my 10 year old nephew and doing so has caused me to get better. I see it as a journey that I plan to be on for the rest of my life. Don't give up folks, it is worth the effort.😎🎸🎶

[@nicholasmercorella5318]

I’ve been at it just over a year. Started at55 turning 57 next month. Wanted to as a teen but couldn’t afford it. My teen son plays, very well the little bastard, and it gives us something fun to do together. So I started. I’ll never be Ace Frehley, reason I discovered guitar, but getting slowly better. BUT now I noticed that after work, decompressing from stressful day, strumming along helps chill me out. It’s become something I NEED to do each day. Every Friday evening the amp comes out and gets set next to my dad chair and stays there until Sunday night.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Way to go, Ray!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

It's so cool that you're able to play with your son, Nicholas!

[@justinquinn4971]

I’m 71 and started playing 3 1/2 yrs ago. I played harmonica and sang in blues bands for years and tried to pick up guitar several times over the years but it always seemed like Greek to me and it never really took. There was a period in my early 30’s where I was motivated learn enough technique to play basic rhythm in a 4 piece band. It took practicing 30-60 min per day for about 6 months before I was ready to play onstage. It worked out pretty well and I did it for a couple of years on weekends but never could master any single note lead playing, it just wouldn’t take. The band broke up, I kept up the harp and vocals but let the guitar skills ( low level) fade into oblivion. Fast forward to my late 60’s ( it did seem like fast forward!), I couldn’t play onstage anymore because of a chronic pain issue. I missed it a lot so decided it would be a good time to try the guitar again. I had an old Guild student model elec. guitar and started on that, an hour per day. It wasn’t too bad, surprisingly. For some reason, it made more sense now and I was able to meet my one hour per day goal and on most days, two. I became obsessed and couldn’t wait to practice every day. Mostly I just tried to play along to You Tube mixes of blues tunes. I knew what it should sound like from my years in bands, it took time but progress was made. I think I’m at the point where I could do a band gig and fool a casual observer. Going by the 10,000 hr mastery rule, I should be a master by the time I’m 83 or 84… just keep going, play as much as you can manage and get a guitar that will inspire you to practice. After you do some basics every day, then just play along with recordings of your favorite style of music. Choose simple basic but good examples and have fun trying to fit into the groove. Keep going, do it every day and you’ll get better in spite of yourself!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Justin -- thanks for watching!

[@sanoj1969]

Hello. Wise words from you. I’m 53 years old. I started my journey when I had my 50fth birthday. I bought my first electric guitar a Harley Benton CST-24 Black Flame. I got hocked and started to look at KZbin videos and read all kind of material that had guitars in it. Love it and I’ll “play” almost every day. Now little more then 3 years later I own 7 electric,s, one base guitar and one acoustic and several amps. I have a plan that includes real guitar lessons but just for now I learning from KZbin. But the thing is for me is that I can sit down and put my headphones on and then I’m in another world for a while. Small progress gives a smile to me. And repeat and repeat again. You said it earlier. Learning a riff can take time. Practice and let the riff be for a while and then return again if it’s hard. I will never be real musician so I sit in my little “studio” and play whatever I want to learn. Okey…. That was much to read. I wish u all a wonderful Christmas 2022 and sending you a big regard from an old Swedish guy who just love guitars and music. Thank you 🙏

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thank you so much -- Merry Christmas!

[@grahamcomfort4312]

I started in April of 2020 in Covid at the age of 49. I love it and play guitar and bass now. And I have a serious case of GAS right from the start. I’ve averaged an hour day probably in the last 2.5 years and it has gone really well. I’m kicking my ass that I didn’t learn 40 years ago.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, Graham! Does GAS = Guitar Acquisition Syndrome?

[@astrofire68]

I’m 59 and started learning Guitar 8 days ago. I’m enjoying the process of learning something completely new and agree with you that the only way we can fail is to never start. I’ve already succeeded - and I only know three chords! 🤓👍

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Go on witcha bad self!

[@thetransformationalbabyboomer]

Keep going . Like me 😅

[@RAX1Music]

What a refreshing change to the usual videos I see on the subject! Done with warmth, humour and empathy - well done! I've actually been playing on and off (mostly off) for almost 40 years and still class myself as a beginner - OK with bar chords and not much else, but I enjoy it. With hands my size, I'll never be a lead guitarist but who cares. Looking forward to seeing your other videos!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks so much for watching, Kev!

[@rrrripbing]

I used to suffer from finger pain which was diagnosed as arthritis but as I progressed I relaxed my death like grip on the neck and now the pain has pretty much gone. It's worth practicing playing as lightly as possible.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Word. I've been keeping my left index finger off the fretboard as much as possible and playing as light as I can.

[@jimdeavenport9952]

I went thru several start-stop periods but the big stop sign was when kids were born and I heard one too many "Can you turn that down?"and not only from my wife but kids as well. What little I did play was always in the back den or even the garage and dont think I have my little Marshall Lead 12 very loud at 3. One Saturday afternoon I pick up my guitar and start doing some chords and attempting a rudimentary rythm and once again the "Can you turn that down?" from my olest daughter. And like before turned the amp off and placed it and the guitar behind the loveseat in the corner. That was around 2004 or so. Guitar just wasnt in the mix. That was the last time I attempted to play. I wasnt upset. Family was what was going on back then. Three kids give one plenty to deal with so I didint think about guitiar or miss it. Fast forward to 2017, 60 yrs old, I am divorced, no more chid support. Beginning to have a bit extra in the bank account. I have an old 1967 Harmony Archtop I had bought from a friend in need of $60 a year or so before. Never played it. Looking at it one day I suddenly decide to get a new set of strings for it I put them on. It sounded really good.and slowly over a month I started back up. Just turned 65. I am still only OK at guitar but as was said above, it's a bunch cheaper than a mid-life crisis Hot Rod hobby. I am glad it turned out this way to be honest. I have a good hobby. Have learned a bunch in the past 3 or 4 years. And I dont foresee it becoming boring in anyway.

[@davidhoskins3924]

Haven't played in about 10 years (age 64). So, I've decided this time to take a different approach. I'm going to start off by learning how to properly set up my guitar first. A proper set up can help a lot. Back when I was young, I tried to learn to play on a 12 string with high action. Really tore up my fingers. Unfortunately, I blamed myself not the guitar. Do yourself a favor and learn how to do the other adjustments on a guitar as well. They can make a big difference in its playability.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

I've taken two of my guitars in to be professionally set up and was impressed with the improvement. Don't think I'm quite up to learning how to do it myself at this time, but certainly something I intend to learn after I'm a bit more experienced. :)

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

These points are so accurate. I'm in my 50s and I definitely relate with this. I'm going to be changing my content to playing guitar and what I've been learning from other KZbinrs. Yes I'll suck at times, but I won't really care. I'm just gonna be having fun doing it.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, man!

[@steveg.3022]

Me, too.

[@bobboyle7629]

One good tip I gave my adult guitar students was to use a capo on the 3rd fret when learning new chord "shapes". That does two things. Firstly the capo will pull the strings closer to the frets, (lowering the action) and secondly, the frets are closer together a little higher up the neck. Essentially, it converts the instrument into a "child size" guitar, Once the muscle memory kicks in and a chord shape can be played consistently and with no discomfort, move the capo down a fret or two. Also a good teacher will "micromanage" left hand finger positions when learning new chords. a bad teacher will say " put your fingers here, here and here .. and that's it. Sets the student up to fail. A good teacher will help the student to "construct" the fingering of a chord. Especially the arch nemesis of budding guitarists, the F chord. As far as pain, if it hurts, something isn't right and a RSI (repetitive strain injury) can result. Hence the capo. I've been playing since 1965 and I now have crippling arthritis in my left thumb. At age 73, I can still play my beloved Tele in the Bar band, but the finger style and classical guitar repertoire is gone forever. Love the entertaining video. Subscribed.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tip, Bob! Sorry about your thumb, though -- that sucks.

[@scottbrower9052]

Three months in. Taking lessons. Working on learning theory online. Have reached the point where I'm not going to throw it out the window. 50+

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Scott! > Have reached the point where I'm not going > to throw it out the window. That point may come again -- just, y'know, breathe through it.

[@riadmiah3342]

Great points. In the guitar world I would be considered new old stock. I played in a band in high school, life happens, packed it up again, then stopped. Pandemic hit, and have seriously committed to it for the sheer pleasure. I could not agree more with getting the guitar you want. I always wanted a Gibson Les Paul. I got one for a milestone birthday. I love playing it, I play it every chance I have. Get the guitar you want, get the guitar your idols play and you'll want to play it more. Jimmy Page, Joe Bonamassa, and the man himself Les Paul are all players I've admired. The guitar you want will inspire you to stick with it.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

...So long as you can afford it! I gotta add the disclaimer lest someone come back and post that they spent their rent money on their dream guitar and are now homeless for the sake of gear acquisition. :)

[@rotbart1]

Thank you for this video! As one of those Gen Xers who learned to play guitar after 40, I can relate to everything you say here. Sure, getting to a stage where you play decently enough takes dedication and hard work, but the rewards are huge! I'm a Ukrainian living in Kyiv, and we've been learning to deal with those Russian missile strikes here, which is a challenging experience - but now playing my guitar at home always takes me to a different world during those very annoying air raid alerts, so I guess all the time spent learning has already paid off big time 🙂

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Jesus -- stay safe out there, man!

[@joshuagodinez5867]

54, been learning guitar just shy of 2 years and I play like someone who picked up the guitar last week (after about 200 hours of practice, 125 hours of ear training, and a few thousand hours of watching videos about learning guitar). What to expect: fingertips hurt for about a week or two - just put the guitar down if it hurts more than you want; if it hurts stop doing that - maybe push a little so you can condition your muscles but don't overdo it or you could give yourself problems; your fingers absolutely won't obey what your mind wants them to do - accept that and just practice anyway - you're just a normal human; it will take waaaaaaay longer than you think it will - chords? single notes? remembering anything? - yes to all of it; you won't be having fun a lot of the time - your expectations on yourself are too high and you need to lower them because reality exists and your expectations aren't reality; some days you won't want to pick up the guitar - it's like your resolution to eat healthier - you know you should but you don't really want to sometimes - that's okay and doesn't matter - just pick up the guitar as soon as you can and hop back on the wagon; youtube is super fun but not generally helpful - you'll learn more about how to play guitar by playing guitar than by watching someone tell you how to play guitar; if you can afford it then get a teacher - once a week or once a month doesn't matter - it's someone that will be waiting for you to have practiced which helps you motivate to practice; your crappy playing is actually fine - believe it or not anything that sounds remotely like intentional notes strung together is good enough because the more you play your crappy stuff the less crappy it will become; any practice is better than no practice - 5 minutes or 50 is up to you but anything is always better than nothing; play with somebody - anybody - your grandkid slapping a tupperware container or a pro that is obviously slowing down to accommodate you - playing with someone else just feels better in retrospect even if you were sweating balls at the time; write really long comments on someone else's youtube channel - that one is just for me

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tips, Joshua! > write really long comments on someone > else's youtube channel Achievement unlocked!

[@ChicanaPeach]

Very funny and helpful! I started back to learning here now in my mid 40s!

[@paulpapadelta7994]

I also wanted to say when newbies feel they may want to perform look around for an open mic night. They are generally friendly and supportive but don't compare your self to any other player ( unless they suck lol) but don't deride them either encourage and pass on any knowledge you have. There are plenty of people who discourage usually those that are to afraid to try. Ignore them and keep on playing.

[@wyliemitchell6442]

I'm 57 now, my dad bought my first guitar at 7, a Cortez acustic, played violin in 7th grade and have two Cortez acustics now, plus an ’86 Fender Strat.... Never took lessons and just plucked away all these years, learned by ear, busted my fingers up a time or two, got that arthritis thing going nowadays, and I even tune them a bit differently sometimes to my satisfaction to play my own sound, as I never been interested in copying others musical style. I always been pretty happy just making up my own chit so, to anyone out there, I say just have fun doing what ya do, how ya want to do it and to hell with everyone else or trying to emulate those guitar gods... it's ashes to ashes, dust to dust for us all, so, just pluck your heart out what ya love! Great video, MAGN, and yes, you're spot on with your advice!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Wylie!

[@bobbyvasseur894]

I’m 26, turning 27 this month. I have the goal of starting a band. I’ve been playing for about a month and have made a lot of discoveries about myself. I always wanted to learn when I was younger, and played drums in my church band, but always was afraid of failure. I’ve been progressing fairly quickly, learned A minor pentatonic scale mostly but am struggling with it. But even with the frustration, I have been enjoying learning. I’ve been learning on my sister’s acoustic, and am saving up to get an electric. And I’ve put a lot of research into the instrument and the ins and outs. I want to actually understand the guitar on a deep level, and I’ve learned that I have more dedication than I could imagine.

[@masteryoda498]

As an older beginner myself, this video certainly strikes a chord with me (no pun intended ). Back in February 2016 (I was 47 at the time), I took up the electric guitar as an older beginner. Fortunately, I was able to find some excellent teachers on KZbin, where I was able to learn the rhythm part (lead guitar is too hard for me), of many mostly AC/DC songs. The guitar is a hard instrument to learn, but very rewarding and fun to play. Great video, greetings from Australia.

[@thetransformationalbabyboomer]

Thanks for such an infomative video. I lost my other half last year in May. Decided to 'lessen" my grief 5 months later and the guitar is now my '2nd wife!'😂 Played a few chords when i was 16 but gave up because no one there to teach me and couldnt play even 1 song! Been playing everyday now learning from youtube and can now sing and play at least 20 of my favourite songs. I am now 68. Have short fingers so have to find ways to 'avoid' the difficult chords and licks. Been thinking of setting up my youtube channel to motivate myself and to let ithers know that we can still playbtue guitar with shortfingers! 😅 Looking forward to your wonderful videos. Am now ansubscriber.

[@zippybanana2691]

Strings - look at Superslinky, guitars usually come with Slinky (0.10 on the top) Fingers - it's all Finger strength, using a Computer keyboard is easy because pressing the keys is easy, needs less "hit" Chords - great way to start, can play songs quickly, play along with the music Acoustic- much more forgiving to start

[@Bumper_jed]

I started playing guitar at 60, now 6 years later, still playing

[@drkrm]

Hell, I’m 71 and just started. I’ve played drums since I was 8, not great, but I play pretty good. I picked up harmonica at age 45 and play it better than most. But, I always admired guitarists. So, I’m still recovering from knee replacement and wasn’t going anywhere so, one day, I decided to start looking at guitars. I bought a Harley Benton Sunburst Les Paul. I figured if Duane Allman liked Lesters, who am I to argue with his logic? I love this ax, but, I don’t know any better. So, scoot over Derek Trucks, I’m comin through! I love your sense of humor, so, I liked and subscribed. Now, teach me sumptin.

[@CMDRFlyAuburn]

Started playing at 29 and put it down at 35 after getting frustrated with my lack of time and progress. Just picked it up again at 46 and started taking lessons. I’m finally starting to make progress! Thank you for this video.

[@johnf.r6658]

I can say that of you want to star playing guitar, go for at least a Squier affinity strat/telecaster, test it, try to put your hand in the neck and if you feel good about it, buy it, it's great for that price, I paid a lot more than 200 in my country, but my Squier strat it's 13 years old, still playing it, made a record and many many live shows, most people would say it's only a good beginner guitar, but if you find a good one, you can do pretty much everything with it (it may need some adjustments and set up tho) don't go cheaper or Lower than a Squier affinity

[@kevinedw2002]

Thanks for the video I'm 56 and have just started guitar. I'm still finding it impossible to get my fingers to form chords without considerable effort (and my chord changes are even worse), so it's nice to see that this is something all (or at least most) beginners have to go through!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Hey, Kevin! Yep -- aside from a handful of prodigies, I'd be willing to bet that everyone who picks up a guitar for the first time struggles to make their fingers do as they're told. You're in good company!

[@dnguyen787]

There are more than one way to from chords with your fingers; so, you can always find the way that make it easy for you. Have fun! 🙂

[@grassblade63]

I'm 59 now, but I got my first guitar, a cheap Yamaha acoustic, on my 40th birthday. I loved guitar, and still do. I think the first time I played with a band, as a walk-on guest guitarist where a blues band was playing on a bar stage, was about age 53. Nowdays, I play as a lead guitarist and co-singer in a local bar/club band. That means I get paid (not much, but I get paid) to play my favorite instrument! My advice? Teach. You learn so much by teaching others. Teaching guitar at the Memphis VA hospital was where I learned that I could sing, and I learned a TON about playing. Rock on, y'all!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome -- congrats!

[@ElectricalEcho]

Did you have that moment already when you came drunk from a decent party at 5 AM and thought "screw it suns already coming out", then opened the window, put your Master Volume to 100% on your 100w tubeamp and played literally the best solo you ever heard without having a clue what youre doing at all? If not, don´t worry. The moment is close and noone will ever bring it up, cause it just simply was the best solo on earth in this moment :D

[@LitzysDelight]

That wasn't the best song in the world - it was just a tribute ;)

[@jhors7777]

Thank-you for posting this helpful video. I am 63 and I need a hobby and I am going to try to learn.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Nice -- best of luck!

[@RichardCalder67]

Point 4 is SO spot on. I have a friend that wanted to buy a guitar, and kept asking me what is a good cheap beginner guitar. I told him not to do that, go to a pawn shop, or search the classifieds and buy a decent used guitar. Used was unacceptable to him, he never understood that a bad guitar will make him not want to play, and guitars generally get better with age. Also PLAY the guitar, or take someone with you that can play it and put it through its paces. Unless you want to throw more money at a luthier to set it up for you, and yes this applies to new guitars too.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Hey, Richard! > Used was unacceptable to him, God, I wanna be there when he learns about the vintage market...

[@RichardCalder67]

haha another anecdote. When I was a kid, I had a friend that decided he was going to buy a 59 Les Paul. Figured he would just up his credit card limit. Comes back to me a week later, with a 59 reissue, after finding out a beat up real one was $15k US at the time xD

[@groverlclark]

Love your show. I just started 4 months ago. I just turned 69, and wanted to try to start playing guitar (after watch another AC/DC KZbin special). I have already bought 4 guitars (from a 1931 Kalamazoo my parents left me, GC was nice with what they would give me). So, I have a Les Paul (1959 Epiphone), a SG (Epiphone, not too good), a Fender Strat (Mexican), and a Gretch Jet (love it). I do take lessons. I take lessons on the Jet (because it is light) and mainly play the Les Paul because (with the Gipson pickups) it sounds like heaven. I have a Spark, which I really like, as an AMP. So far, I agree with everything you have said. My fingers did stop hurting a few months ago. But, I still either play the notes ok, or I stay in sync, but not both (ever). But, after 4 months, I can tell when I am out of tune, hammer, pull on, read TAP, etc. The Fender classes were not good for me. I tried them for a couple of weeks and when right to lessons at GC. I may take other lessons as well. I only have so long to get good. My instructor did tell me that if I wanted to get good, get a bass. Oh well. He did says that, after 4 months, I am almost a beginner. I wish you all the luck in the world with your guitar playing. I may never comment again, but I will keep watching!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Grover! > My instructor did tell me that if I wanted to get good, get a bass. > Oh well. He did says that, after 4 months, I am almost a beginner. Jeez, that guy sounds like a dick! Don't get me wrong -- I love the bass, and its focus on rhythm and groove can be a major bonus to students of any instrument -- but you so clearly enjoy playing guitar that it's hard to understand why any teacher would say that. Maybe there's another teacher around who might be a better fit? Keep on jammin'!

[@SteveWeltman]

Not overwhelmingly helpful for technique but FRICKIN hilarious! This guy has really good comedic timing, superb ironic examples and idiisms and some fun filming cuts, zooms and decent advice. I loved the 'guitars sound best at full volume.... just not for beginners; and may be limited by your neighbors, and potentially law enforcement.'. Great work! You're on to something. Keep up the great work! --Steve

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Steve! Yeah, I have very little to say about technique at this point -- it'd be like me giving advice on doing triathlons: I'm impressed by folks who can do it, but I'm nowhere near being able to coach. :)

[@3dartstudio007]

These are all great tips. Kudos! My tip is a guitar "package" that just comes with everything. There are some very surprising choices under $300 and you even get a gig bag! They're user friendly too, the last one I got came with an amp that had one jack to plug the phone audio in, and head phone out jack. Playing along to tunes over big studio headphones has kept me married for YEARS now! Happy playing!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Whatever it takes to get someone to try playing, y'know? Personally, I'd just as soon have a $300 guitar and no amp, but if someone's holding off on taking the plunge because they need a whole rig for >$300, and they don't want to buy used, those packages are certainly an option!

[@michaelbarrass629]

I'm 71 with copd and oxygen connected I've been learning for 10 years. This is the best lesson I have ever seen THANKS.....

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks so much, Michael!

[@peterludlow9847]

Brilliant, I am 59 next and started learning couple years ago. I don't have much time to learn so progress been very slow. I find riffs which don't have cords because my fingers will not stretch due to my arthritis in my fingers. I have learnt how set my guitar up and tune it. I have changed the pickups and electrics in my Les Paul, and I have gone from boss katana amp to bias fx2 which find much better for home use and having the elite version so many pedals and amps to try which I could never afford. I have total respect for guitar players it's not easy , I might not of got far but it puts a smile on my face when I pick my guitar up and play odd riff. I need to put more time into but there is so much to learn and I feel you need to get a tone close to the riff you are playing or I don't enjoy it.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Peter -- thanks for watching!

[@danielfazekas2790]

This is the best advice I`ve seen on just about any of the channels I have seen on the tube. Great sense of humor, and everything you touched on makes perfect sense. Hence you have a new follower. Great advice not just us older folks but any beginner. Good luck to you.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Daniel!

[@ag3nt_green]

I started playing at 15. By 20, my life was too busy and it just drifted away. I was not a good player by any stretch of the imagination. I played mostly punk, and grunge songs, and really only learned the riffs I liked. Couldnt name a note on the fretboard, couldnt transition between open chords. I could play power chords and down pick like a champ basically. 13 months ago I bought a new strat and started just messing around, seeing what I could remember. Then one day, I decided I wanted to really learn to play the guitar, and music theory along with it. I really committed to it and applied myself. Today, after those 13 months, I can improvise over entire backing tracks, understand and navigate the fretboard, play new.things I hear by ear. Your age isnt the primary factor in learning to play. Its a matter of your time and effort. Its is hard. Youll wanna quit, think youll never be able to do it, youll refuse to even look at the guitar some days. Persistence, patience and discipline are key. Certain things will discourage you. Bar chords were rough for me, and it took months to become reliably competent with. Breakthroughs are the drugs of playing guitar. There is no better feeling than conquering a technique or concept you struggled with, and your playing improves radically during these breaktheough periods. If you wanna do, do it. I was absolute garbage, had every excuse to why I couldnt do it, but I pushed through and it has been absolutely worth it. Its good for your mental health, keeping your brain active and learning, and it keeps your fingers and hands strong and agile. Get out there, grab that guitar and get to work.

[@lyciumchld]

Appreciate the humor here. Informative and entertaining!

[@barbaralewis4919]

Dear Guitar Noob thanks for the reply I just finished today restringing ,cleaning ,adjusting and tuning thanks to 2 good tuners I also learned how to set up a Floyd Rose/Shaller tremlo on his old Jackson they all sound and look great but the Jackson need pots that is the next job, leaned allot from watching Stew-mac utubes well thanks again T-Man

[@RobG-KD9YBZ]

I started down this road in 2015… I’m 51 now. I can play a hand full of songs from memory. I’d say the best part of learning at our age is that we can afford the toys we couldn’t when we were younger. Also, there are a lot more ways to learn than the Mel Bay Method. Rocksmith got me going. Now there’s a lot more apps that can get you down the road to playing fast.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Nice! Yeah, I mean I can't afford the toys I want *now*, either, but at least I don't have to ask my mom's permission to own them, should the requisite amount of cash come my way.

[@mikedr1549]

Mel Bay Grade 1... I didn't get much past Red River Valley back in the 80's. If we had had KZbins back then I might have stuck with it. Now (at age 59) I'm finally getting to the point where I can play some stuff and it's a lot of fun. Shame I didn't figure it out 40 years ago.

[@RobG-KD9YBZ]

@@mikedr1549 if we had KZbin and Rocksmith… I’d be on stage getting panties thrown at me by now…. Lol

[@georgeday6574]

I retired at 68 with one goal to try and learn guitar I just want to play a few songs before I kick the bucket. I have no desire to play in a band I just wanted to stick with it long enough to enjoy my own progression at my age. I knew it would be a long journey, keeping the guitar right beside where I sit, has been the key to not giving up. I practice sometimes only 5 minutes, or until my Hands start to hurt. Most days I get 5 mins here and 5 mins there a few times, but usually 5 leads to 10 or even 30 before I know it. I'm still a beginner, but I having fun and hearing progress, I have only started playing for the last 2 months and your comments have given me hope that I can play a couple of tunes in not a to long a time Thanks

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, George -- stick with it!

[@cathybroadus4411]

I’m 64 and my journey is identical.

[@bradpeters8841]

I am 42 and I started to play in Oct 2020 for the first time. Stuck with it playing every day for at least 15 minutes. Now I have 8 guitars, several amps and pedals. Definitely addicted now!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, Brad!

[@normbarrows]

Been playing for 44 years. When I started, I would put band-aids on my fingers when they started to hurt and kept on playing until even that hurt. Learning to play with band-aids on my fingers definitely made me a better player - more precise. Other early challenges such as 12 strings, classical acoustics with small frets and flat fretboards, nylon strings, and junk electrics with bad setups also made my learning curve harder, but made me a much better player in the long run - able to play almost any type of guitar. As for cost, I used borrowed or gifted gear for the first 9 years. I learned Eruption by playing the album at 16 speed on a turntable.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Norm!

[@BovinaSancta79]

I played s little bit of guitar when I was in my early teens (about 30 years ago now). But never played it much at all past that point. A couple of years ago when my father passed away due to cancer, I inherited his very nice steel stringed acoustic Fender. Since then I've been playing fairly regularly. Sometimes with longer breaks, but I quite enjoy it. Speaking of noise. One of my favourite things to do is play Johnny Cash's Hurt while simultaneously listening to the KZbin video. It just feels awesome. Really enjoyed the video. Liked your sense of humour!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Sounds like the guitar's been a nice gift from your dad, man. :) Thanks for watching!

[@alexbaxter8291]

I played drums for forty years, hauling a ten shell kit, stands and cymbals and playing for a couple of hours at a time without any health issues. I decided to teach myself guitar six months ago and now have RSI in the tendons in my left arm, my left hand resembles a claw, I have constant neck ache from looking at the fretboard and such a sore back that I bought a hollow body Gretsch to rest my back from the weight of a lump of mahogany swinging from my shoulder. I'm having a blast though. Oh, Thomann have just opened up in the USA, so shipping should no longer be an issue, check out the Tube 15 as it has a 1 watt attenuator button which'll help with the tinnitus.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tips, Alex!

[@benderc.moriarti3419]

Devorcee here. Sorry and congratulations. Guitar playing has been a critical part of my grief management and I wish the same upon you. I salute you, good man.

[@myrightsgone]

Wow at 48 this video makes me feel great ! I was in a band in my early 20's lost it all after raising 2 boys . I love the easy way of saying let it go and have fun . Music is what you make it others may not love it but if it makes you happy Rock on PEACE ALL ! Rock it love and play it ✌🤘

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for watching, Mike!

[@myrightsgone]

@@MiddleAgedNoob New sub I love the honesty and fun from this video true and sad but just have fun ! Have a Happy New Year to you and yours ✌️

[@lonewhitewolf7772]

I took lessons for years as a kid , it was great kept me out of trouble with drugs , not too much drinking, and no children as a teenager, then I quit playing for about 20 years and started up again 6 years ago. I am loving it. I have some extra money now for equipment much is a lot cheaper and better quality than when I was younger, I am a big fan of Squier classic vibe guitars and Behringer effect pedals, yes a good tube amp is still expensive enough but at least they usually have an attenuator so you can put it to half or 1/3 the volume for at home. Back then you had to buy expensive top name brand equipment to have something decent not so much now. I play and learn songs I love even write one sometimes record on just a simple recorder , its lots of fun, plus it makes the longer winter months here in Canada go by much faster. Enjoy and keep playing.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

> Back then you had to buy expensive top name > brand equipment to have something decent not > so much now The quality of inexpensive gear has gotten so much better, hasn't it? I remember guitarists getting mercilessly dragged for playing a Squier; now it's a legit choice if you want a Fender without the price tag. Thanks for watching!

[@G60syncro]

I'd add find a good luthier!! A friend of mine once got a brand new Squire Thinline custom for 200$!! Sure it wasn't the best but it wasn't bad either... Now taking that to a luthier willo change that instrument and turn it from something you have to fight to something you can actually play!! And a proper luthiter won't snob a setup job... Wether it's a 10K Les Paul or a 200$ Squire, it's the same gig of setting up the truss rod, leveling a few frets and fixing the intonation. The point is if he gets that guitar in check, he should know you'll keep playing it. And if you keep playing it, then you might get something more interesting in the future!!

[@paskariu]

I might not be quite the intended audience (being well below 40 years old) but i just wanted to say that your calm and realistic take has been both grounding but also encouraging. I tend to get frustrated and discouraged if I don't grasp something immediately but then I try to think back to your words in this video and manage to pick myself back up again. I also loved the small jokes dispersed throughout the video. They managed to get a chuckle out of me.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for commenting! I'm completely the same way when it comes to getting frustrated if I don't grasp something immediately. The whole "don't get mad at yourself when you discover you aren't a prodigy" thing? I didn't get that from a survey -- it's probably why I didn't learn more than a couple chords when I got my first guitar at 20. Learning to focus on the process is something I only figured out later in life. It's a big reason why I chose to speak to the over-40 audience -- although (just about) all ages are most definitely welcome! -- when you aren't able to pick things up as easily as you could when your neural pathways were nice and flexible, it can be humbling. And it takes some humility to persevere at something that you can't master through natural aptitude or force of will. But you've caught on much earlier than I did -- and that's awesome! Glad to bring the chuckles; that's a reward in itself. :) Thanks for watching!

[@iamayzil8105]

One of the first songs I tried was Every Breath You Take and thought I should just quit then and there. Glad I kept at it.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

@@iamayzil8105 Oof -- that pinky stretch on "Every Breath" is murder.

[@charlest2341]

Picked up the guitar a little less than one year ago and in that time I have learned so much that I didn't know before. My first guitar was a Squier Affinity Series HSS Stratocaster and it is a great guitar. Feels great, sounds great, excellent construction , and it's beautiful. Since then I have acquired 25 additional guitars ranging from a stunning Halo brand custom shop beauty...my favorite...to a couple of Schecters, Ibanez, Gretsch, three PRS guitars including an American made semi-hollow body. I have a a couple of wicked looking BC Rich monsters that scream rock and metal. I have a Godin Radiator, a Fender Mexican Strat, Hamer American Arch Top, an Xavier Les Paul style, and a handmade Les Paul style crafted from the parts of 4 other guitars and gifted to me. I practice with a different guitar each session so I can be familiar with various neck and body shapes. I didn't tell you about my guitar collection to be boastful. This is what I have learned from my collection. An electric guitar only sounds as good the amplifier it is plugged into. A beautiful custom made guitar with the highest quality pickups will sound like crap if it is plugged into a cheap, lousy amplifier. A low cost guitar will sound great if it is plugged into a high quality amplifier. I have several amps, but my favorite is the PRS MT15 and 12" cab combo. It has beautiful cleans and rock star dirty channels. It is a tube amp and every guitarist knows that tube amps just sound better than the digital amps. The Digital amps are great too, but I have learned that there is a real difference in the sounds of a tube amp and a digital modeling amp. Invest in a good quality amp. A guitar in any price range will sound amazing in the hands of a skilled player, but will sound terrible in the hands of someone who has not yet developed those skills. Playing the guitar takes time and practice and there is no way of getting around that fact. The only way to learn to play the guitar is to actually take it in your hand OFTEN and play it. Explore the fretboard and remember where the notes you like are found. Just sit down and try different string combinations and strumming patterns. It is during these free flowing exploration sessions that you will learn so much about your guitar and the amazing sounds it is capable of making, even in your hands. I also discovered that price doesn't reflect the quality of many guitars. I have a $300 Xavier guitar that looks like a $3,000 guitar. It is beautiful, but more importantly, it feels and sounds amazing. Look at a site like GuitarFetishdotcom and check out the guitars they offer. Their guitars and pickups are amazing and won't break the bank. The quality is top notch too. So you can get a guitar at a great price that also sounds and looks amazing without spending a your life savings on a big name brand guitar that will sound or look no better than the $300 guitar. Check out SLICK guitars also. Holy cow! They are low priced, but the quality is insanely good. I have no clue how they can sell them so cheap, but I'm glad they do. The main thing about learning the guitar is to have fun doing it. If you don't want other people to hear you practicing and hitting wrong notes, which will surely happen a lot, then buy a micro-amp like the Fender Mustang. Plug it into your guitar, plug in your headphones and play as badly as you want. Only you will hear it. A lot of larger amps also have headphone ports. Use them when you are first learning. Everyone else will be glad you did. Don't get discouraged. This isn't a race. This is a journey...a musical journey. It's your own personal journey. You are in control. Make it a great experience or a stressful, lousy experience. The choice is yours. Just don't give up because you suck at playing. All great players sucked at the beginning of their own journey. You're no different. Sign up for a site like UltimateGuitardot com and get the TABS to your favorite songs. They have thousands of songs in every genre to choose from. Learn to play a few of your favorite riffs or entire songs. They also have courses available on the site and for a small additional fee you can access ALL of them. Some of the courses are just okay, but others are REALLY GREAT. There is a also a site called Songsterrdotcom. On both sites you can speed up or slow down each song. You can isolate the various guitar tracks, such as bass, rhythm, lead, etc. So many options to play with and it's fun. I hope this helps you if you are a beginner. I plan to stay a beginner, meaning I want to always have the attitude that I can always learn something new about the guitar. It is such an incredible instrument and one of the most expressive I have ever encountered. It will become a part of you as you learn to make it sing. The guitar is like a human voice in many ways. There are so many ways to change its tone with bends, vibrato, tremolo, pedals, lines, etc. Learning to play the guitar is a life-long journey. Enjoy it. You're not alone. There are many others out there on the same journey. Many will give up. Don't be one of those people. It's worth it.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

> Since then I have acquired 25 additional guitars 😮 Holy crap, Charles -- that's a LOT of guitars for > 1 year! > buy a micro-amp like the Fender Mustang. I got a Spark Mini shortly before I shot this video, which is ideal for apartment living and lets me explore a ton of different amp and effects styles without committing all my discretionary income to the experiment. But I mostly just play unplugged. 🙂 Thanks for the tips!

[@charlest2341]

@@MiddleAgedNoob Yes, the Spark Mini is a great little amp too. The reason I prefer the Fender Mustang is because os the ultra compact size. I can literally put it in my shirt pocket and take it with me anywhere I go. Yes, I'll admit that I have a lot of guitars for only one year, but I love them all and enjoy playing a different guitar every day. Can we really have too many guitars? That debate rages on.

[@MeltWithU]

New guitar players, you want this for your starter guitar: the Ibanez S521. The blue color is best. In any case, the guitar doesn’t weigh anything… meaning under 6 pounds. Which makes it easy to pick up and hang around your neck. It comes set up with incredibly fast, easy playing action. And it is a quality instrument that you could play out with if you wanted to. Which I have. For the money, you are not going to get a better guitar. the different neck positions, you can really tell a difference between all of them. Position 4 makes it sound like an acoustic. It’s nuts how good this guitar sounds and plays. You can get them on any music site for $399. It will be the easiest guitar to learn from, and it stays in tune. It’s the only guitar I play anymore and I have a bunch of them.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Nick!

[@MeltWithU]

@@MiddleAgedNoob no problem man. Great channel and I love your energy and humor. It’s going to serve you well, and I’m sure I make this channel very popular.

[@GaZonk100]

for the first few months, concentrate on physical not musical...do two days hard 'on', and two days of NOTHING...the other thing is to never pick it up until you know what you are going to try...the first note must be intentional

[@KipH57]

Wow, what a timely video for me. I played for years when i was a teenager. Got okay, in a garage band most of the 70’s. Had a lot of fun. Sold my last guitar in the early 80’s as I wanted money for other interests. So fast forward almost 40 years. Just bought a new Taylor 200 series. Like starting from scratch. I’m really committed to doing it right. All of your advice is great advice and so true. Thanks for the great video.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thank YOU, Kip! Massive respect for coming back to the instrument after all this time!

[@guyincognito320]

If you're just playing by yourself for enjoyment I suggest Travis picking, because then you're playing real music. Guitar is like piano, it's a whole band in one instrument.

[@NunchucksHabit]

I might be able to offer some valuable advice for 'older' beginners that might not jive with everyone else's: I started playing at age 48 (2018) & have been playing I'd say an average of 4hrs daily since. Not all practice, just noodling & some learning. I've owned & sold over 20 guitars since I started. I've installed some pretty complex (for a beginner) hardware & can do my own setups & upgrades. I own 6 guitars now but I'm saving up for a REALLY nice one. Which guitar to buy? I know most any guitar will do, since sweatshop brands are improving a lot. Most bang for your buck is likely an indonesian made Ibanez or EVH. HOWEVER, for your first guitar, if you can afford it, I would go back in time & advise you go 'big' - an American made Strat, preferably with HSS config. It's comfortable, feels great with light strings, it has fantastic resale if you end up quitting (I made a profit when selling 2 American guitars). If you spend $2k on a Fender Pro2 for example, you'll almost get your money back. Pick one you like the look of. Another plus to getting a good one: they come with good hardshell cases. Another reason for the Strat is, incredible aftermarket parts/accessories. My American Performer Strat HSS has more aftermarket parts than OEM. Reason for the HSS, you can still play single coil, but you've got a humbucker too. Purists will say a SSS is every bit as raspy as a humbucker & the coil-split takes something away from the SSS sound in a HSS, & they're somewhat right - but you're gaining more with a humbucker than you are losing with coil splitting. Random bits of advice: * Just because most of the classic songs you'll want to learn were done on single coils or humbuckers - do NOT overlook the sound of the P90. I much prefer the sound of a Fender P90 to the Gibson but that's preference. * Start with light strings. I started with 8's, which won't last long but they're easy to use. I loved 9's for a while, I'm up to 9.5's on my Fenders but my Gibson/Epiphones all have 10s. My preference is Ernie Ball 9.5's for Fender, and Ernie Ball 10-46 for the Gibson & Epiphone. Heavier gauge strings is not the measure of talent. Billy Gibbons uses 8's, BB King did too. * If you're a lefty & are absolutely beginning: Buy a right hand guitar. Selection, price, availability will be on your side. * I play 99% sitting down. Get a foot stool to raise your lap up a bit if you do too. * I play thru headphones almost exclusively. My amp has Bluetooth (Boss Katana Air) so the guitar is wireless & I can watch movies/TV on my computer & play at the same time. * An unpopular opinion: It's 'sloppy' to use your pinky to 'anchor' your right hand while playing, but I still do it & actually recommend it. The amount of strain that takes off your shoulder is worth it. As you improve, you don't need to anchor as much, but it still makes things easier. * If you want a Les Paul, get it. It's not as uncomfortable as people say & if you get the right pickups, you can't do better than that tone. Note, however, Gibsons typically have a 17 degree neck angle (Epiphone Gibson copies have 15). If they drop over on their backs, the neck can easily break. That can be fixed, but it ruins resale value. I found with a Strat or even better, a Telecaster, you drop it, you pick it up & keep playing. * I'm comparing Fender & Gibson, but there are so many brands out there now, you don't have to fuss with either. I just like to think I know my demographic. You can play Van Halen on a Gibson, you can play Slash on a Strat, there are no rules. * Tonewood, unless you're spending like $5k, isn't relevant in an electric. * Amps: The 'Positive Grid Mini' is my favorite amp. It's $300 for just a wee thing, but you can dial in almost any tone you want, and it's accurate. IMO, gone are the days that you'll need pedals unless you're performing. Just switch tones with your cellphone. They don't offer wireless yet. * Wireless guitar transmitter/receivers instead of cords: Yes. Just get them. No lag, even on the cheap ones. Just make sure they'll fit on your guitar. I've had some that wouldn't fit into my Strat. If it's on Amazon, ask questions. * If you want to sell, I'd go with Reverb. They aren't cheap to sell things though they do guide you through the process. * Buying used? I wouldn't recommend it unless you know what to look for. If you're buying a guitar that is supposed to be worth money based on its vintage or limited edition, you're taking a HUGE risk. An appraisal is expected if someone is selling a vintage guitar. * Get a 'Snark' or whatever you can clip on to your guitar to help you tune it. Don't get Robo-tuners. They're more work than regular ones. I owned 2 different kinds. Cool gimmick, but not close to being ready. * There's some pain you can play through (fingertips will become unfeeling nubs of leather). There's some you shouldn't. Shoulder issues, neck issues, and hand issues. I've had them all. Stretch your wrist each way & hold it for a good 30 seconds each way. The carpal tendon is like a big, thick elastic & needs to be stretched longer. Stay hydrated. Aleve is great for inflammation & making it easier to play, but young or old, you need to stretch your neck, shoulders, hands & take breaks. * If you replace an OEM part with an aftermarket part, especially on a US-made guitar, keep the OEM part, label it. People buying a US made guitar will almost always want to retain the guitar's 'stock' equipment. Maintenance: * The most you can improve any guitar for the least amount of money: Get a TUSQ (GraphTech) nut. If you have a trem system on your guitar (e.g. Strat), you'll want stability of tune. Next is locking tuners. They prevent you from needing to wrap strings around the posts more than once, improving tune stability. Somethings might seem like gimmicks but really do work. If you have a Gibson/Epiphone, getting a GraphTech nut & a 'String Butler' can drastically improve tune stability. Next up would be to upgrade to a 'rolling' bridge. Learning & links: Nobody has taught me more or better than this guy: www.youtube.com/@MartyMusic . Sorry to plug his channel in the middle of yours, but some channels are indispensable. Marty is pleasant, helpful, obviously a nice guy, uses proper lighting (important!) and steps thru things very slowly. Remember, you can play any KZbin lesson as low as 25% the speed without losing tone. Accessories/Advice: Darrell Braun [www.youtube.com/@DarrellBraunGuitar] is a fellow Canadian who showcases every new part you'll want to buy. Most of my Strat (and 2 of my Epiphones) is made of stuff he recommended. I don't work for or profit from selling ANY of the hardware I suggested. I just know the amount of money & time I've devoted to this hobby since 2018 & it's all advice I'd give my younger self.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tips! I've been following Darrell Braun for awhile and he's absolutely a good resource for gear info. :)

[@jeromeleoterry]

I started learning guitar at the age of 40, on May 8, 2018. Wanted a new hobby and noticed a few people around the office bringing in guitars, so I decided to learn. I play nearly every day. Even started taking singing lessons 2 years ago. Learning to play guitar/ sing takes a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Indeed, Jerome. Indeed. :)

[@CR3271]

Combining #7 and #6... Learn electric FIRST. Yes, you have to buy more stuff. HOWEVER, the strings are thinner and lower to the fretboard. That means less effort, and that means less pain.

[@wwilker1]

Dude! I loved your banter! This video was soooo entertaining. Please keep the videos coming. I am subscribed!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Will!

[@TyroneDamShewlaces]

Additional silver lining to picking up guitar at "sunset"... just being old, the people you know start expiring. I inherited a mid-quality guitar from a friend who passed away last summer. I used to be a musician & teacher about a hundred years ago on "useless" woodwinds. I always wish I instead picked an instrument which was included on the music I actually listened to, but never gave it a shot. Since I'm old now, I no longer care a whit about other peoples' concerns too (i.e. "get off my lawn") and I'm trying to make something positive of my friend's absence by trying to turn his gesture of guitar gift into a worthy one. It's frustrating and painful, and yet it's also still quite fun. I have a few advantages since I had a pretty strong music background and I thank Dog for that. But probably the main one is an understanding that this is a long, slow road and the frequent frustration and downright disgust at my sound is something I've experienced tons of in my past. Thus I'm more inclined to keep on trudging than I would have otherwise. Anyway, I hope you're still playing & stuff. If so, it would be pretty cool to see you make a current video talking about (& hopefully demonstrating) how far things have come over the past year. I'd like to hear you talk about whatever surprises, both good & bad, and a story or few about struggles and victories you might have experienced in the past year. I would be surprised if you didn't go through a fairly long period where you didn't play at all and maybe came back to it. What thoughts did you have through that ? (just for instance) Good on you. Enjoying this video and I'll check out your other ones.

[@davidconboy5822]

Love the video. Great points and great sense of humor. Retired and figured, why not learn guitar now that I've got the time. Coming up on my 65th birthday. Already have acquired four guitars so I'm all in. Just subscribed and looking fwd to more videos. Thanks. :)

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Man, that's great, David! How's it coming?

[@barbaralewis4919]

I started playing when I was around 15 being instructed by my older brother who had started playing in the 1950s at 7 he also learned banjo and bass to say the least he was good and enjoyed it he later played in bands ,me on the other hand did not care about playing plus I had no musical talent in my later years I smashed my left ring finger in a dump truck tailgate,fast forward to today I am 65 and my brother is in his mid 70s and very sick thanks to being a guitarist in the 1960s, he decided to send all his guitars to me which I now have.Thanks for your frank utube for I am going to try again to learn. T-Man.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Wow -- that's a hell of a ride! Sorry your brother's sick. :(

[@dixee6498]

Just stumbled into you in a feed within a feed. Glad I found you as I've been in the same boat for years. Immediately liked. Immediately subscribed.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Glad to hear it -- thanks so much for watching!

[@markpulliam5240]

I really enjoyed your video. I am 67 years old have always wanted to play guitar. I just ordered a Donner 152 that is due to be delivered today and I thank you so much for the info and encouragement!!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks so much, Mark -- wishing you many happy hours of playing with your new guitar!

[@ChrisPuckett]

Playing guitar is like playing basketball, you need to practice making shots. A lot of musicians won’t say this, but much of playing music is a physical activity, not too much different than playing racquetball, golf, or squash. You need to practice, putting in the effort of moving your fingers, to a beat. That’s all it takes. And to make it fun, play along to your favorite songs. Not a lot of musicians or instructors are going to tell you that in the first few years of playing, 99% comes down to you just being able to move your fingers into different shapes on a fretboard , which is all physical. I’ve been playing guitar my entire life, both of my parents were musicians, and I’ve been playing literally since I was five years old.

[@61nightfly]

My friend, as an old "old newbie" guitar player from over the pond, I really enjoyed your very witty honest approach . Rock on 🤘.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Hey, if I can't be good at guitar, I can at least be honest about it, right? :) Thanks for watching!

[@onedominant]

When I was ten and my older brother got to get a guitar and take lessons, I was immediately drawn to the instrument. But, mom thought the girl in the family (me) should play piano instead. I couldn't even reach an octave on the keys with my small hands (and still can't at 56), so that went nowhere. At 16, when I had a job and the money to get things for myself, I still wanted to get a guitar and learn. But, my hands were still small, my fingers short... and I was still a girl (I did not get a good reception in the music stores then... and it's still hit or miss now). At 16, I was discouraged at every turn - told my hands were too small and my fingers too short, told I could learn on a 3/4 or maybe even a 7/8 if I risked injury with some serious stretching and exercises but that I would never find a really quality instrument in that size to upgrade to later. I gave up. Flash forward 40 years, and they now DO make some quality instruments in smaller sizes. So, here I am, just beginning at 56. Yeah, I'm a little bitter, but I'm turning that into a stubborn determination now instead. Now, I've got a Squier Mini-Strat electric and a Luna Safari Vista Stallion acoustic, both 3/4 size, 22.5-inch scale, ready to go, along with the Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar Expanded Edition course. I start this weekend. "When" I've earned it, I'll haul this little Mini-Strat to a luthier and tell 'em to gut it and upgrade all the components to the highest notch possible. If that's not possible, I'll have a guitar built from scratch, 3/4 size, 22.5-inch scale, just for me - a retirement gift to myself. For 40 years, this world told me what I could not do. It's now my turn to talk.

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I started today. Man, I suck. 55, prostate the size of a grapefruit. 50 lbs overweight and my KZbin channel reviewing knives sucks too. Let’s give this a try. Subbed.

[@chucklee347]

You may have experienced them by now. But I'm the world record holder of being the longest beginner guitarist. I've been a beginner for 6 years now. I have two firefly guitars. 1 double cut P90's. And a les paul style. They are amazing well built guitars with goto tuners they stay in tune really good. 220.00 dollars shipped anywhere in America will get you one. But if you know nonthing about basic setup you would want to take it to a Luther. Once dialed in hard to beat for the money. Most people compare them to a 6 -8 hundred dollar epiphone. And yeah that's about right.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Chuck! Six years, huh? Way to stick with it!

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Ok so I am halfway through your video and I had to stop just for a moment to tell you how much I am really enjoying it. You sir, have exactly my kind of humor and I can understand and empathize with you very well. I am in my mid 50's and just started learning acoustic guitar 2 weeks ago. I also just started learning piano two months ago which I love to play. Unlike all my friends growing up, I have NEVER been a guitar person or wanted to ever be in a band of any kind, rock or otherwise. If the rock gods themselves came down from the heavens and snapped their fingers and made be as good as Hendricks or Slash right this second, I would still have no interest whatsoever in playing in a band. It's just never been one of my dreams. I would be happy just to play like Harry Chapin, Gordon Lightfoot, and other folk singers. I want to play Celtic music and pop songs for friends and family and at the occasional renaissance fair. As an ex-martial artist who studied for 30 years, I don't mind the pain of callus building for the guitar as that is something I had to do to my finger tips and knuckles in the past and I am used to it. I do have other people living with me in my current household, but I can play my acoustic quietly and nobody is disturbed by it as they watch tv loud enough downstairs to drown me out. I also have loud noisy neighbors so I don't care if I am loud enough to disturb them. Oh and my acoustic guitar the Yamaha FS800 only costs around $230 US and it sounds fantastic as good as a $500+ Martin. So not expensive for me at all. By the way my wife also left me and went to live halfway across the country last year. I also wanted to bring her up to let you know that your doctor needs more time studying medicine. She was born with rheumatoid arthritis and has suffered with it her whole life, and now in her 50's she has also developed both osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. So let your Dr. know he is misinformed as she has all 3 types currently. I hit the like button to this video and subscribed to your channel. I look forward to watching all your other videos after I finish watching this one. Keep up the good work!

[@evilcartmensolo7198]

I got lucky. I found a guitar teacher who has the love of the same music I do. I have to admit if I didn't get a guitar teacher I'd have quit already. He keeps me motivated and I'm happy that I keep going so if you can get a teacher do it! My other problem starting so late is asking why. Like learning tabs it seems upside down to me and asking why do some notes have a note that's a flat and a sharp that is the same position but use different note on sheet paper. It just is old man and live with it. The guitar world isn't going to change for us. But its worth it, been playing for four months so far at 51.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

I'm actually trying out teachers starting this week. It'd be great to find a situation like the one you've got!

[@YanaBana79]

I began playing Ukulele at the beginning of the Pandemic (at age 40), and now I’m planning to transition to learning guitar within the next year. Great tips!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Very cool -- you got this!

[@gregmaurer5284]

I'm 54. Wanted to learn guitar. Bought a Squier Telecaster a year ago ( $150 equals my expectations of my abilities!) You get me. And now I am a subscriber.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

That's awesome, Greg -- welcome aboard!

[@EEC498]

Wanted to start a lifetime ago, but life is life. At 51 I’m learning with my 15 y/o son and I’m hooked. I suck, but I’m hooked and having a great time. My son got a Taylor acoustic and I got a Martin …now we’re looking at electric guitars and amps. There are worse addictions.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Ye gods, but that's wholesome! Seriously, that sounds fantastic, man -- wishing both of y'all many happy hours of father/son jamming!

[@johnscarr70]

Wife bought me an acoustic guitar for Christmas. Fingers have almost stopped hurting, chords are making sense and I have just started recognising the chords I have learned in songs I know well. I'm confident I'll stick with it this time.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

You got this, John!

[@sunpointstudio4472]

Started playing in my teens and even built my own e-guitar. Showed it to a pro guitar maker who laughed and gave me a job in his workshop for about a year. I also had a Framus 12 string. Later after family and moving to Europe, I sold them and didn't touch a guitar for many years. My son took it up however and is now a producer. A number of years ago however, I bought myself a Variax guitar and a VGS bass and doodle around now and again. I've built myself a soundproofed project recording studio in the cellar and now that I'm retired, plan to put more time into playing - just for my own vanity.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Nice -- sounds like quite the journey!

[@geraldcurtis121]

54 yrs old and just learning to play acoustic. You hit what I been feeling on the head. I have found having an accountibility partner helps. Thanks for your channel. Ps my wife is patient on hearing my playing. Thanks...

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Gerald!

[@DGRussMB]

Im a 47 year old (divorcee) and I’m about on par with your time line. I started a year ago (Feb 2022), and you speak truth. I go for 10 minutes, at least,every day and I’ve stuck with it. I’m amazed at what I’ve learned in the past year! I just heard you talk about the midlife crisis. I looked at my accumulated collection, and laughed! What’s one more strat? …its not a corvette! lol Just found your Channel, and its nice hearing from someone that’s on the level.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Russ -- thanks for watching!

[@michaelthomas9991]

Very good episode! Your relaxed demeanor is perfect for this dilemma.

[@Barbarapape]

Having tried to learn as a teenager in the early 70's on a very bad guitar with a warped neck i didn't get very far. Now i am 68 and started to learn again 2 years ago, and i am still learning, why because my finger joints hurt after about 15 minutes, i have found that warm up excercises help but you can't stop the pain at my age! Re beginners guitars, please don't buy one, find a good guitar shop and buy a good brand with a neck that you find comfortable and have the store setup the action to make it easy to learn on, or it will soon be under the bed. The rest is down to you, as said in the video, it will hurt, and you won't play clean chords for a few months, but keep at it until you can. This is the best video i have found on KZbin, you have to go through it all to know all the pitfalls of trying to learn. You have a new subscriber.🙂👍

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thank you so much, Allan! For this video, I tried to keep in mind that not everybody has the disposable income to invest in a quality instrument, especially a new one -- but I definitely agree with all of the above, provided it won't break the bank. I've seen a lot of guys pick up the cheapest thing they could find just because they aren't sure they'll be any good at it -- then stop playing because the quality is so poor that learning's twice as frustrating as it needs to be. I reckon the most important thing is to get a guitar that you're excited to go home and play -- whether it's a vintage beauty or a beat-up punk rock workhorse. That excitement is the key to a good learning experience, as far as I can tell... but I'm obviously not an expert. :)

[@Barbarapape]

@@MiddleAgedNoob Todays bad guitars are similar to the good ones in the early 70's they are not ideal to learn on. Everyone wants a Fender or Gibson guitar, but they have never been realy affordable for new players and when i could afford one, i was shocked at the poor quality, and recent samples that i have seen are no better. As you say, if the guitar does not say "Play Me" you never will learn, i was loaned a well used Ibanez RG, it looked rough, but the setup was very easy to learn on, and i now have several Ibanez and Schecter guitars with slim wide radius necks that suit my small hands, Fender necks are like baseball bats to me. I will keep following your channel, there are plenty of tutors on KZbin, but most seem to start at the intermediate level, and ignore the issues that new players have to cope with.

[@JenniferKrisLong]

I'm 49 yrs old, and just started two weeks ago on a $180 LP Epiphone electric. Been trying to put in daily 1 hr practice, and despite the index finger pain and the continual mistakes/reminders that I'm rubbish on the guitar, I'm having fun wailing on that e string (using Gibson app, going through the beginner skill steps). I started playing to learn a new fun skill and keep the mind and hand-eye coordination sharp...won't be selling out stadiums. Like dating a 20-something yr old girlfriend, I'm having fun and keeping expectations low.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Having fun's the important thing -- thanks for watching!

[@Thrive-Off-Grid]

Ok Im going to chime in here as Im a bit of a unique situation. I am both a noob guitarist and a 30 plus year guitarist. Let me explain, I broke my ring finger just above the second knuckle on my fretting hand. (left hand for right handed guitar) This involved a super hyper dog, a dog collar and my fingers. Yeah dog spun around and broke my finger! Well after healing it did not heal straight and it made it very difficult to play. So l re taught myself how to play left handed. So have a unique insight as re learning left handed is like starting completely all over again. Ok so your first guitar lesson should not even involve the guitar. The first thing you need to learn is to STRETCH! This will catapult you many years ahead for a number of reasons. First is the guitar is not ergonomic at all. It takes many years for your body to adapt. If you simply dont have the Physical ability then skill is irrelevant and this lack of physical ability will hold you back. The sooner you can adapt the faster you will build your skills and stretching is the only way you will achieve this. Stretch all your tendons, fingers, and your wrist in every possible direction and also radially. If it is painful to hold a chord somewhere this is an area you need to work on to loosen up so it dont hurt. The more comfortable you are the faster you can learn. Keep in mind I know what a guitar should feel like playing right handed for 30 years and this was the first realization I had switching to left. Next is too now learn the basics and building blocks. Learn all the strings E,A,D,G, B and e. This will come in handy later when you learn new songs from KZbin teachers. Many will call out the string and then the fret number and you will know exactly where to go fast. They may say; hit this note on the "G" twelfth fret or the "B" on the 15th fret etc. Then learn all the notes along the fret board for each string. I start with the "A" string with my students. Hit an open A then proceed along the fret board on this same string moving up the scale(A, B,C,D,E,F,G and then back to A at the twelfth fret) Once you know the pattern you can then do this same thing for all the rest of the strings. Once you can do this, you can now find every note on the fret board. You will learn more methods to add on to this later as you go. But this will give you that foundation. You will learn what a whole step is and what a half step is; along with flats and sharps. For instance when you go from B to C or E to F; they will always be half step apart. All the rest of the notes are whole steps apart and anything in-between will be a flat or a sharp. So you will learn the basics of music theory without really trying to learn music theory. Next is to learn the linear scales, most typically start with the A pentatonic scale. Again knowing the notes will make it easier to learn new material and to communicate ideas with others. Start using that pinky finger asap and focus on making that finger strong. Also learn to manage that finger keeping it close and to hug your ring finger. Typically that finger likes to hang out behind your other fingers, you want it close the fret board like your other fingers so its more eficient to use that finger. Bad habits are more difficult to break versus correcting at the learning process. All you have to do is keep that finger with your ring finger it will feel awkward at first but will feel more natural very fast and you may notice the stress in your hand is relieved. So you will have some incentive to do once you feel this stress relief. If you get into lead guitar playing and bending notes; four fingers pushing up on the string will always be stronger and controlled with four fingers than two or three. As you learn scales always alternate pick, straight picking will just come natural so no need to work on that. Learn to alternate pick and you be much faster and more eficient in your playing. Practice strumming and picking with both a closed "loose" fist and anchoring your lower fingers on the pick guard. Most teachers, teach anchoring only. Dont listen!! Learn to do both as those anchor fingers get in the way and you will look stupid with your fingers flopping all around as you play faster strumming techniques. You can also alternate pick way faster and eficient with a closed fist, but you must learn to anchor your wrist instead the lower fingers. My first 30 years was playing with my lower fingers for an anchor. I am now after 2 years on left far beyond where I left off on right hand and do not use my lower fingers to anchor my hand to the guitar. They need to stop teaching that. As you are learning all the scales do not just learn the patterns, actually say or mentally note each note as you play and learn the notes. This will lay the foundation and give you all the building blocks to take you to the next level of your learning in the direction you want to go. :)

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tips!

[@culmo80]

I taught myself how to play when i was a teenager. Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, etc. Then I moved on to heavier stuff: Deftones, Sepultura, Metallica, and so on. I'd get together with a few friends who also played but they never really took it seriously. I used to play everyday for at least an hour. Then I went to college and the military ... no time for guitar at either place. I sold my ESP, sold my bass, sold my old Squire but kept my Fender Jazzmaster until I ended up selling that about 8 years ago when my first kid arrived and we needed room. Now? Now I realize how much i enjoyed music. I still have an old acoustic that isn't the easiest guitar to play (or keep in tune) but it gets the job done. Before I commit money to this midlife crisis of mine, I'm going to relearn the fundamentals. Correct finger position, learning the chords, maybe even the scales ... all that. Oh, yeah, and toughen up my fingers because man I forgot how much it hurts to play this thing! If I stick with this old acoustic for 6 weeks, then I'll give myself permission to put down real money. And best of all, my wife is fully onboard!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, CW! > I taught myself how to play when i was a teenager. > Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, etc. Then > I moved on to heavier stuff: Deftones, Sepultura, > Metallica, and so on. Heh -- you got into the same bands as I did, just in the opposite direction. I was in thrash bands -- occasionally doing Metallica and Sepultura covers -- before grunge came along. When Alice in Chains put out "Man in a Box," hardly anyone outside of Seattle had heard of "grunge" as a genre -- my initial impression of "MitB" was that the music was cock-rock-y, but the vocals were weird and the words I could make out didn't seem designed to attract throngs of groupies. What was weird is when, after "Teen Spirit," all these preppies and country boys started growing out their hair and going around in a Pearl Jam shirt and cowboy boots. Six months before, these guys were the sorts to call guys who looked like me the F-slur if they spotted us at the mall or something; suddenly they were blasting "Jesus Christ Pose" outta their lifted pickups.

[@DrUBashir]

could't relate more. Started during covid lockdown aged 42. Went headfirst - 2 hrs minimum up to.6 hrs a day. So you could blame me when i say that since then i've given myself wrist tendonitis twice in fretting hand. I have hurt nearly all tendons in my fretting fingers at least once, and am now just recovering from bilateral tennis elbow. I think I've spent about half the time in last 3 years not playing because of these injuries! now going super slow, just 20 minutes a day. Not giving up and hopefully playing on a stage some day! I think for physically active older people you also have to factor all other contibuting factors to hand fatigue such as your job, other forms of exercise, and take longer breaks

[@mauriziocampese8577]

Fun video, have started at 50 yo, now 3 years in, took a break because live happens, now keen to restart! Keep it coming!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Maurizio -- thanks for watching!

[@PamelaKOrr]

I know this is a guitar video but I'm an RN and have had a knee replacement due to osteoarthritis plus came down with polymyalgia rheumatica. Rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are the two most common systemic rheumatic diseases in adults. So, yes can can have both. Thanks for the video too.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks, Pamela! Another viewer set me straight about that a couple weeks ago. Definitely going to bring it up to my doc -- if he's going around telling folks they're immune from one form of arthritis because they have another form, *somebody's* gonna take his BMW. :)

[@arguescreamholler]

*Never Turn Your Amp On Full Blast!* Still learning how to play at 66. But have a lot of knowledge. *Set Bass At 1/4, Mid At 100%, Treble At 50% - 75%, VOLUME AT 50%, GAIN ADJUST FOR CRUNCH: VOLUME LOW, 1/4, GAIN 50% - 100%.* With a multi tone pedal you'll have sonic force. *I BANDAGE AREAS OF ARTHRITIS USING OINTMENT TO REDUCE SWELLING.* (foam rubber bandage. Not too tight. Snug but loose.) Worked better than I imagined. Finger was stiff. Now almost full movement as if nothing is wrong. KEEP PRACTICING TILL ACCUSTOMED TO USING THOSE MUSCLES. *I have pain from my fingers to my neck after practicing finger picking.* Very bad pain.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Thanks for the tips, Lonnie!

[@tombstonesparanormalaus]

😂😂😂 I love your sense of humour keep it up by the way I'm 46 and decided to learn guitar keep the humour coming it's great with the information your sharing All the way from the land of Oz ( Australia 🇦🇺) thanks mate new subscriber here 🐎🐴😎👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@samyeomans6710]

Electric guitar is the second instrument I learnt (1st being ukulele) I think the first thing you need to do is learn ukulele. It’s easier than upguitar and helps when you change to guitar. I started learning guitar when I was almost 14 years old.

[@tjsogmc]

I started and stopped many times over my 54 years. But a few years back I decided to fuck-all and just have fun with it. It was then that I started getting really good. I delved into music theory, which really boosted my learning curve. So yeah, everything you said is spot on. I just want to emphasize that if you aren't having fun, then you're doing it wrong. And if you want to gig, but don't have any real skills, then in addition to a guitar and amp, buy a silver cape and a flamethrower. People will line up to see that.

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

> if you aren't having fun, then you're doing it wrong. Word, sir.

[@shannonrhoads7099]

I started with saxophone as a 12 year old. Unfortunately, the saxophone my parents could afford was 30 years past its prime, and needed hundreds in repair work. After two years in junior high school band as last chair, I gave up. I eventually donated the sax-shaped hunk of metal to a charity after realizing I was never going to be able to fix it on my own, but it would get a second life. I attempted to pick up guitar and bass at different times in my past, but always ended up in money troubles. Since I was unable to eat the dang things I would sell 'em off. Recently, I resolved those issues, and picked up a very nice used Thunderbird bass a few years ago, but I haven't used it much until recently. On the plus side, some new strings and one of them tuner things, and... Well, I am still at the 'noise' stage. But the noise is in tune! Progress! Way I see it, at 50 I still got half my life to get it right!

[@MiddleAgedNoob]

Right on, Shannon! Those Thunderbirds are smooth-lookin' machines.