A Sincere Message to Older Music Students (and potential students)

-A Sincere Message to Older Music Students (and potential students)
Check out all my lesson vids at: www.the-art-of-guitar.com
Facebook: / fansoftheartofguitar
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Thanks!!!

[@jimmccall8030]

I started playing at 10, didn’t play for decades, started lessons at 66 and am having so much fun playing hours a day in my studio at age 71 ! 😊

[@teresathomley3703]

That is really really cool.

[@Ice-Fall]

Me too! Stopped playing in my 20's, then just recently got a guitar. All the chord shapes I could do back then, I started doing, almost immediately.

[@tosh96]

That sounds like my dream for when I have no kids at home and have lots of time to fill. 😍

[@termikes174]

@@tosh96 haha, same here! Edit: I do love having my kids at home and cherish every moment because time is flying!

[@matthewcantu3127]

@@Ice-Fall that’s cause you never stopped, you just took a long break

[@WalterAtkinson3D]

I am 68 years old. But I am way young. One of my best decisions in my life was to decide to learn to play guitar at age 64. It is a great joy. I learn my favorite songs, and create my original stuff. And I learned scales etc of course. I enjoy practicing. This guitar stuff led me to learn, and create a recording studio. This recording studio stuff led to me owning eighteen amazing guitars. Who knows what next!!! Rock on!!!

[@daniellarson3068]

Wow! You really got into it. Maybe the next step will be building a guitar.

[@TheJprose]

Rock on indeed! I'm right behind you and can hardly wait until I have 4 years under my belt as well. Right now it's only 13 glorious months.

[@suzannewagner9381]

Walter...did you take real lessons or learn on You Tube? I'm 60, just got my first guitar!

[@dalek6779]

I’m an older student. I’m 55. Started about a year ago. I worked hard all my life but my wife wanted a divorce after 30 years of marriage. I was crushed and lost. I knew I had to find something to focus on. I walked out of a guitar store with an Epiphone SG and an amp. I’ve only missed one day of practice with COVID. I love to learn new things. I’ll never be Angus but it sure is fun trying. It’s brought me out of a dark place. I learned many of my buddies also play and we all share different tips and experiences.

[@real0rocker0]

Another reason why adults have more motivation: We have to pay with our own money for our equipment and lessons. So we want to get the most out of it.

[@Slashturianu]

True!!

[@michelleinwi6919]

Absolutely. This was my first thought, too. If you’re paying for it you’re mentally AND financially invested.

[@kickinrocks6055]

And most of us have respect for other people's time. We also prefer to have good or meaningful conversations.

[@WalkerRileyMC]

That's not at all true across the board. I had to buy all my own stuff as my parents knew if they just handed to me I'd lose interest after a few weeks. You only hear about the lazy kids and the terrible parents, but honestly speaking the kids who really want to learn are far more widespread than the ones who don't.

[@MoneyBooBoo]

🤣

[@kjdavis1]

A few years ago I turned 40 and decided to learn guitar. Just fucking do it. Best decision ever.

[@brokennose2681]

Yeah!!! Keep it up. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Slashturianu]

Yes!!!!

[@suzannecoholic1467]

I played as a gigging musician till my late 20s - early 30s. Then I put it down for over 30 years. I went to pick it back up and became a student because my hands, wrists, and arms gave me grief. Yesterday, one of my physics students brought her guitar to class (I'll be a retiring high school physics teacher this school year). I got to play Boston's Peace of Mind (solo and all) for the class! Suddenly, I was a teenager again!

[@TheJprose]

I'm 68 and picked up my first guitar 13 months ago, to keep my brain sharp (both parents had dementia). I also needed to create a new experience after my husband passed. It was the best thing I could have done. So glad to have stumbled across The Art of Guitar's first lesson. I repeated that first lesson for 2 months. I'm probably slower than most beginners but love every, single minute of practice. It's the highlight of my day. Finally finished the apprentice lessons and have moved onto the practitioner level. Who knew I could do this?! It has instilled confidence, made my hands more supple and my brain sharper. I love my beautiful blue Fender Strat. Good thing I live in a rural area because the power chords blasting out the windows can be, well, loud............. Mike, each point in this video is so accurate. I can see myself in each one. For a young man, you have a great understanding of people and motivation.

[@Demiglitch]

Thats metal.

[@billc3043]

I’m 61 and started playing eight years ago. Like many it was something I always wanted to do but raising a family and focusing on a career took precedence. Over the last seven years I’ve practiced pretty much every single day. I’m now in a band and was on stage a few times this past summer. I’m having so much fun. As time goes by difficult licks and songs become achievable. What I find really cool about music is development and goals are endless and growing never stops!

[@Prom-iu3mi]

I’m 23 but people make u feel so old for starting even in your 20’s as well 😭 I just don’t wanna die not being able play guitar. Your lessons are a game changer for me, love ur website, thank you Mike 💙

[@DC-no3vi]

Same, I'm 21 and was reluctant because it feels like everyone that's good started at like 12 but I had the same thought as you, "I don't wanna die without ever trying this"

[@RJ_Groot]

I wish I started at 23. There is never a bad time to start, stick with it!

[@perlundgren7797]

Just give it a few years of practice and see what they say then. 🙂

[@Nineathy]

Jack Black started playing guitar at 23!

[@robr2303]

Hanging around the wrong people.

[@weslester1119]

I am finding that at 50 I can actually learn better than I could when I was 17. Love guitar and your content is always good.

[@Driessens_Peter]

i have that feeling too at my 36, its like now i have the will to learn. kinda odd

[@tohaason]

Started playing at 12.. got a much better guitar at 14 and practiced a lot, got chords quickly etc.etc., and I never stopped playing. But it took me 30 years(!) to get my ear starting to work as I always wished. Now, nearly two decades added to that, I'm improving faster than before. Sometimes things take time.. it's fun though.

[@ipuya]

I'm an older student. Started at the pandemic at the age of 52. So it's been two years. Since then I've missed only 3 days when i have not practiced. I never wanted to learn guitar before but now I am addicted. I still suck but i love practicing. I don't even get bored doing scales and learning chords. I'm so grateful i started! My first guitar was a player strat, then a baja tele, then a classic vibe jazz bass and recently an epiphone Casino. My favorite pickups are definitely P90s, and my favorite style of music to play is blues but right now I'm learning to play green onions. My guitars are hanging in my bedroom and they are the last thing i see before sleeping and the first when i wake up! 😂

[@ReizokoRyu]

Awesome! Casino's are such a beauty. Real class. A little jealous 😛

[@dieteruff4569]

As 56 y old learner, that was very nice to listen to. I‘m in my third y now, progressing at a very slow rate. But despite still sucking I find it’s fun to practice. People around me are pretty generous in judging my abilities. But I’m playing just to have fun myself. Music helped me a lot over these last three years! Cheers from Austria! 👋

[@ipuya]

@@ReizokoRyu haha yeah I've been drooling over that guitar for a while! Got the olive green one on sale. Another inspiration to pick up the guitar every day! 🎉

[@ipuya]

@@dieteruff4569 sounds like we're on the same path! I keep beating myself up over the fact that I didn't start sooner but no point in that. Just glad circumstances lead me to pick it up finally. I'm even considering getting a little travel guitar so when I'm on holiday i can still get my hands on some strings 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@robertmckeon7953]

My story is similar to yours! Keep up the practice! Enjoy!

[@teresathomley3703]

A great musician is a perpetual student. I'm a good guitarist- but I'm still a student and always will be. Great message.

[@blargety]

I'm 34. Started bass lessons with a professional bassist 3 months ago after an over 15 year break caused by life happening after high school. It's been the best decision of my life. Not only does practice allow me an excuse to just turn the constant chaos of the world off for a few hours, the lessons are greatly accelerating the speed at which I'm able to learn and they help me stay accountable to my own practice schedule because I don't want the teacher to feel like I'm wasting his time week after week. I was initially hesitant because I figured I was just too old to get started now when there's so many people who have years and years of experience ahead of me and there's no way I could ever keep up. Then I realized, why should I care? It's not a competition. It's art. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Millenials, Gen Xers, Boomers, go get your lessons. You deserve them.

[@DaleChumbleyVancouverWARealtor]

I feel like this video was recorded just for me! I'm a 52 year old who picked up the guitar for the very first time last year. I found a wonderful guitar teacher who I meet with one hour per week. I practice some every single day. I feel like my guitar teacher would agree with everything you said. All of his students are kids besides me and one other "older" student. I absolutely resonate with all 8 points. Learning has been extremely challenging and VERY slow but I'm having a blast and loving every minute of it. One benefit of being an older student is being able to fully embrace G.A.S. I've managed to acquire a good number of guitars and it's been fun learning the differences between them. I just switched out the tuning pegs of my mother in laws 50+ year old classical guitar that no longer could be tuned this last weekend and put on new strings. It now plays beautifully and what a joy it was to give that old beauty a new life. Thank you for all your lessons. I really appreciate your style and have enjoyed your content this last year. Keep creating so we can keep learning!

[@Ice-Fall]

The main reason for learning a musical instrument, at any age, it's better than watching TV.

[@SergioKoolhaas]

Or endlessly scrolling on your phone (I am guilty of this.) I really want to pick the guitar back up and take lessons again after 2 years because of rotating shifts.

[@Mindboggle100]

MIKE, I genuinely think you are one of the most natural tutors. I enjoy watching your own enjoyment when you teach. Of the countless KZbin tutor channels, yours is one of the most sincere. For a young guy, you have a lot of understanding and consideration. I'm one of the old guitar hacks, still trying to play well! Thank you for not being an ageist... Recognising that beneath the wrinkles and under the greying hair, we still feel the music, with the parts of our heart that still beat young. Thanks for being a true inspiration and Gentleman.

[@chesterburnett3466]

This is one "geezer" who appreciated this lesson. It really rang true. I'm 75 now (just learning bass) and have been playing guitar, and taking lessons since my late 60's. I can't tell you how glad I am that I finally started. It's the main reason I get up each day, and is my passion. The most fun I have had over the years, is jamming with friends whom I met thru my Craigslist ad . We can play together for hours, and it will seem like 10 minutes. I have never felt that way about anything before in my life. As a person who gets easily frustrated by things, for some reason, that is not so with learning music. I can play something over and over until I feel like I've got it. (Good thing I live alone). I'm always preaching to people I meetif the subject comes up, that they should start learning guitar (or piano, etc) now. I always remember the story of the woman who thought she was too old to start college. Her friend asked her: "how old will you be in four years, if you don't go?" Sorry for this rambling comment (but then again you're used to them). Thanks for all the great lessons.

[@TheJprose]

I'm right there with you. I've developed some anxiety during Covid but when I pick up the guitar, everything bad melts away. Hours pass calmly and happily.

[@glenbateman5960]

I got my first guitar in '75 and now, at 61, I'm finally at a point in my life where I don't have to sell a guitar to pay a bill. The last 2 years has been an exercise in progress. I'm learning Theory, ear training has grown almost exponentially. I'm finally able to attempt and master riffs, licks, and songs that have been languishing on my "Man, I want to be able to play that someday" list for decades. I have issues with depression, chronic insomnia, and PTSD, and being able to sit down and play music is my form of mental health medication. "The Guitar is my Xanax" has become my mantra. It's never too late to learn music. I've learned more in the past couple of years than in the nearly 5 decades before. To my fellow geezers, if you've been thinking about wanting to learn an instrument, you can, so just go for it. You won't be sorry.

[@garywebb5058]

I appreciate this message. When Eddie Van Halen passed, it hit me hard. At 51, I told myself that I was going to learn to play some of his stuff. No matter how hard it was. I started with 316 and learned that. What a feeling of utter joy. I cannot begin to explain how learning various Eddie riffs just makes me happy. Now, I just bounce all over the place regarding songs by various artists. I learn parts of songs here on KZbin and move on. I should probably start focusing more on getting complete songs down, but I’m having fun. Again, thank you for the message!

[@BM5556]

i just keep boucning around on youtube learning riffs, but I would really like to start learning intire songs XD

[@edkork]

Gary- you are my twin!! I’m 54 and started with 316 as well. I’m all over the map- I play riffs from 100’s of songs but very few complete songs. Who cares?! So much fun to learn to Eddie and Randy Rhoads riffs!!!

[@markrogers7304]

I'm guilty of learning partial songs, mainly riffs that sound good.

[@HipsterEatinShark]

@@markrogers7304 There is no shame in that. First off, it’s a heck of an accomplishment. Some people don’t get that far. Second, we all were there, which is to say it is natural to have a playing level where you don’t concentrate on the “whole song.” Finally, it is a point in development… you will naturally want to play the little fills & things as you go on.

[@theskidmarkoforion4829]

Same for me. I tend to learn the bare bones of a song and then use the chords to make my own stuff up. Love it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️

[@raiderjohnthemadbomber8666]

"I never doubt the flames of ambition ." The best, most poetic way of saying you're a true educator. You have my admiration sir.

[@blogsfred3187]

I started at 18, then stopped, started again at 30, then stopped, again at 40, but at 50 I broke through…for me at 63 it’s all about getting emotions out and engaging others.. really respected how you discussed older students with such grace well done

[@xbman1]

I’m like you. Lol😂

[@speedweaver5266]

I am almost 60 and am an 80's metal head. I played back in my early 20's but never took lessons. I knew barr chords, harmonics, etc... but I never really understood even the basics of guitar. 2 years ago I picked up the guitar again (my kids are out of the house finally) and started with lessons and it's been awesome. I can now play dozens of the songs I grew up with and I'm constantly challenging myself with learning more. This video made me think of MY guitar teacher who is about 30 but loves 80's hard rock. He enjoys our time together because I keep bringing in songs to learn from the 80's and he's loving it. I was his only student who ever asked to learn Crue, Poison, Priest, Scorps, Michael Schenker, etc... And I think he's now an April Wine fan! And now HE knows those songs and can play them.

[@ATWyattWest]

I am so excited about beginning guitar lessons as a 73-year-old young woman! It’s great to know that even at my age I can pursue my dreams to hear and feel my guitar come alive in my arms. I am so much more relaxed about this journey after having heard your message today. My boyfriend has been playing all his life and is thrilled that I’m beginning lessons. I was in college in the late 60’s and strongly connect with the folk song genre of that era. I look forward to becoming another woman folk!

[@jameslanclos568]

I'm 67 now and although I had a guitar (Gibson ES 125) at age 15, I really didn't start to learn until 1984 when I bought an '84 Gibson SG Special. I decided to play drums instead for a few years. I had quit playing guitar for over 10 years and sold my collection of various vintage and new guitars, amps and effects. But a few years back, I had an Ischemic stroke (minor stroke) and decided to start to play again because I felt that it would be some beneficial therapy for my brain. In short, you're never too old to play guitar unless you're thinking of becoming a rock star or whatever. It's strictly just for fun with me.

[@dandavis1023]

That is the most mature and humble compliment I have ever heard from the younger generation. Makes you a special person and happiness will follow you young man as long as you maintain that characteristic ingredient. God Bless!

[@matcoffidis1135]

I started when I was 16 learning guitar. I'm in my 40's now. My motivations have changed. Now it's just a hobby. That but about not being distracted is true. I've been so busy lately I have to carve out time to play. Sometimes I just noodle for a bit or stumble across something cool. Other times it's less productive or I find myself distracted. That's ok too. Just like any new skill, it takes time. Yes the callouses hurt to build up, but it's worth it. I've even had people say I have a gift. I don't see it that way. I worked hard to learn chords and riffs. Now maybe I developed an altitude for music/guitar, but I still had to develop it. Anyways, great video. Don't get too bogged down. It's slow at first, but then you learn a new chord and now the door opens to so many new songs....it's new and exciting. Enjoy the journey...❤️

[@SquirrelDarling1]

I played for a year back in 05 and then life happened. 17 years later I’m back at it again. It’s funny how caught up you can get and the years slip away. I’m taking lessons online and trying to make time to practice, mostly I get about a half hour in a day due to being a truck driver. Luckily weekends I can devote more time to it. Having fun with Jingle Bell Rock since it’s that time of year-Merry Christmas!

[@phoenix_13]

Kudos to any older students out there! As a "younger" student, but still not incredibly young, I feel a lot of the pressures of people who say "well I started when I was 3" or "you should've started when your brain wasn't as developed to get better," so I can't imagine what it must feel like for some of you older students to have doubts about your abilities. I just want to say that, even though I don't know you personally, I'm proud of you and you'll make it far! I get so happy whenever I'm at my guitar lessons at my local guitar center and an older person comes in for their lesson with such joy and life in their eyes

[@tubbers20]

Old dog here at 72. 😊 My Dad played guitar and mostly country, but I remember him playing some Segovia 78's back in the 50's and I never forgot Segovia's sound with his vibrato technique. As a teenager I gravitated to drums and played them off and on for a while. I recently bought a brand new Roland TD17 kit from Sweetwater. I've loved the electronic drums ever since I tried one out at the EMP in Seattle way back in 2003 or so. There's just so much to play with on this kit. I did take guitar lessons back around that same time (age 52) and decided to give classical a try. I was able to learn and play a lot of the short studies, but I knew that I was really never going to be able to advance past a certain point and eventually laid the guitar aside. Along with the Roland kit I now have a Squire Telecaster and mini-bass that I record through a Walrus Slo pedal and Focusrite interface. I like to piece together classical studies and post them on Freesounds. I just heard a classical guitar version of 'Arabian Dance' and it's beautiful. May give it a try myself. 😊

[@brochg]

I'm 52, and one of my best friends passed away last year. He left me his guitar and amp collection, and I felt that I owed it to him, and myself, to learn to play these beautiful instruments. I have played bass my entire life, and have enjoyed the transition over to guitar.

[@peanutbutterpandapuffs]

I'm an older student (somewhat ? In my mid 30s ) starting guitar and it was something I always wanted to do. Just have fun with learning, it will be hard, it will be frustrating, it will be painful ( the calluses). But the fact that you ask yourself should I start or not, it means deep inside you WANT to play music and you have a passion for it. I struggle, I cant play bar chords, the chords dont seem to come out right for sometimes but just remember you will feel that sense of joy when you play a song and it comes out as MUSIC for the first time. Don't give up and just enjoy the process!

[@patrichaddix7897]

I'm 28 been playing for almost 2 years. But something that helped me with bar chords is using the side of your finger to bar instead of the flat part. And also pull the head toward you with your strumming arm and push forward with your bar hand. But they get easier. Hopefully that helps. Keep rocking 🤘

[@peanutbutterpandapuffs]

Yea ! I have it on my list of things to learn, honestly its only been around a month and I've acknowledge that it takes time, patience and practice so I'm taking everything one step at a time. What seemed like a struggle at first to even form basic chords have been getting easier day by day! Even playing regular chords at the start felt impssible and my fingers kept touching the other strings but I noticed that with practice and time things just eventually worked, hopefully its the same with the bar chords haha

[@netten47]

haha you're actually too old - you got to be kidding?

[@HannahCope88]

First off, congrats on 769k Subscribers! I always wanted to learn to play something as a kid. I even found an old school report, I must've been abut 12, where I had actually written something like "I want to learn to play guitar, it'd be cool to be in a band". Alas I never got the chance, my school had barely any time dedicated to music lessons and my family were never well off enough to afford to get me lessons of any kind. Music and my love for it has always been with me, for as long as I can remember I've heard it and I've carried it with me, I had my CD on my paper route which I did 6 days out of 7 and I had the radio and music video channels on the TV, my parents also gave me a pretty awesome musical education with artists like Elvis, T.Rex, Bowie to name just a few. I finally decided to stop waiting and go for it after seeing Def Leppard in concert for the first time. I looked up at the guys playing on stage and thought, screw it, i'm done waiting, what am I even waiting for, yeah i'm an older learner (and that has had its up and downs) but i'm gonna start learning, one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only am I learning to play, but the people I've met, gotten to know and have become friends with along the way are just incredible, I'm so glad they're part of my life. I have definitely had some physical setbacks, in the beginning I almost stopped learning several times as I got frustrated my hands weren't stretching a lot, but I didn't stop and I kept going. I knew it was gonna be different for me as an older learner so I just accepted that and looked for ways to adapt and keep going. Recently I had a couple weeks where I was getting severe wrist pain, thought I was getting carpal tunnel, I rested it and it seems to be okay now, thank goodness! I do still have a little fear of failure, but I know that to learn I will have to fail, in fact I want to fail so that I have the opportunity to learn from it, it's gonna happen so I might as well embrace it and use it in my journey. I'm very much in the camp of wanting to learn attainable music, I mean it'd be insanely cool for me if I could learn some cool Vai or Satriani type stuff but I'm so happy just to learn some Clapton, Led Zeppelin or AC/DC songs for example and learn them well, like that's enough for me, just as long as I can play. Play songs I heard growing up and that bring my mind back to perhaps simpler and better times, just good memories ya know. I have started writing down the odd thing lately with the view that they could become a song eventually, maybe even perform them someday even if it's just for close friends and family. When I talk to some people I often say that I want to find my voice and to do it with the guitar, sometimes I find it difficult to talk about things and I would love to be able to express myself, if I can't find the words, with the guitar instead and talk through the instrument. I also want to help a friend achieve a goal of being able to play a song at her Uncle's graveside, she regrets not learning it while he was still with us and she's been my friend for a long time, since school and it would make me heart so full to help her do that. I loved the lessons I was taking when I eventually got to taking some, a few in person from a friend and the others online. I hope to get back to them as soon as I can. but in the mean time i'm just gonna keep chipping away at it and never stop learning ♥

[@Nobddy]

You should always stretch before practice to prevent injuries. Look up warm up stretches for guitarists and happy jamming

[@jroelofs12]

It really moved me to hear you articulating why you were having so much pleasure in teaching older students. Reading the comments, you’ve struck some strings with more of us.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

Love your channel. I’m a case study, I started four years ago at 55, I practice daily, play weekly at Church, and started a KZbin channel for newer players. I’m deeply grateful for all of this.

[@suspect794]

I started 3 years ago at 28. Ive been learning by myself, still dont really understand much, if any theory, but I do play every single day. It doesnt feel like a chore, its something that I look forward to every time I wake up. I believe its called passion. Cant see myself ever stopping tbh

[@davidorduno2968]

Love your work here , I’m 62 years old I’ve been a rock vocalist my whole adult life I always wanted to play the guitar I tried at 13 years old and my wrist would hurt I had no one to show me proper wrist position. that desire stuck with me all these years. I retired last year and at the start of this year I bought a new electric guitar I already had an acoustic guitar , I took lessons twice a week for a few months they got me rolling without any bad habits. Today 9 months later I’m killing it !!!!! I’m learning faster than I ever have I’m amazed. The key is yes I suck right now and that’s ok I’m supposed too suck in the beginning but what’s hard for me today is much easier tomorrow. Today I own 5 bad ass guitars lol

[@lcdesigns6145]

Great video Mike! I’m 73.5, female, played first instrument (the Cello) at 68. Stopped formal lessons during Covid. Remembered how bass young female player (at church no less) jammed. Now that we are “free to move around” I decided why not return to group music. After watching so many videos of guitarist, as young as Ellen Plays Bass and Helen Ibe music, I Enlisted a guitar teacher before buying my Bass, have now met another guitarist, one year younger who is interested in playing together, and can now play “Under Pressure” in very slow mode. Oh the joys of KZbin and Sr-hood! 😊

[@hamburgerhelpertastesbad]

I have to say this. Thank you. Just, thank you for existing.

[@cc_1983]

I fell out of things and back in towards 40. I went through a period of avoiding the guitar cause I’d avoided it already so I was gonna sound rusty and then you end up in the cycle of just doing nothing. I feel like I’m playing better than ever now! Your channel has also helped fuel my desire to be better and push through frustration! 🤘🏼

[@LPS-mh8kx]

I’ve found that sometimes a break can make you come back renewed and your brain has absorbed something you didn’t think you had or could. Short breaks, not long tho.

[@chris_2714]

As someone turning 50 next year, I would agree that a lot of things at this age that I pursue as a hobby are for me and my personal enjoyment. I really don't care to try and impress others. It's a very liberating feeling.

[@JROC2112]

I had a load of lessons last year after playing in and off for 30 years. Best thing I ever did. My playing and technique has came on leaps and bounds and I play all the time and do a lot of composing now. It's brilliant. 🤗♥️

[@phyllispierce6146]

Thank you for this video. As someone at 63 who just picked up a guitar for the first time six months ago, it was great to hear some of the positives of being an older student. As a matter of fact, my teacher (who is at least 20 years younger than me) has told me that he looks forward to me coming. He calls me his seasoned student! Music for me has been a jealous mistress. I sang in church when I was young, took vocal lessons at 28 (and stopped) and now music has returned and I can't afford to ignore her anymore. It's time to go all in!!

[@brianmcandrew719]

I’m 55 just bought a new Acoustic -Electric excited to get back into playing . I took lessons in 1988 yikes but love music of all kinds especially the heavy shit. It’s time to Rock Jack Black style just have fun and hopefully get to play out with some old friends who have been in bands and still are playing out on weekends for many years. Always wanted to know enough to be dangerous and use my creativity to figure out the rest. Love your channel keep up the inspiration!

[@williamburrows6006]

I have always wanted to learn the guitar, like they say, life got in the way. I am 66 years young and retired. I started taking lessons from my next door neighbor, who is a fantastic musician. It has been slow going, but I am having fun with it. I try to practice daily. There are days when my hands are stiff, but I fight through it. I am determined to get better and better. Thank you for your encouragement as well. 🤘

[@toniweber-rice5977]

I first started playing guitar when I was 12, but mostly gave up because I couldn't figure out Jingle Bells. I gave it another try when I was 16 and still play guitar 16 years later. When I was 16 I remember people telling me I was too old and that I could never learn being left handed. The thing that got me to take the leap was finding an old guitar in antique store. 2 weeks later I went to get my first electric and the owner of the music store showed off for me, playing a big fancy solo. That got me obsessed with pursuing guitar. Even now 20 years later I still feel like a learner getting into new things and relearning past things.

[@EddyHabits]

Happened to see your video really early, so I thought I'd drop you a comment to say how much I like your content. This video was particularly great. I started seriously learning guitar at 48. After a year of practice, I joined two bands, and earlier this year, I played a gig covering Metalica songs. It was a dream come true.... playing Master of Puppets and all the other clasics in front of a crowd. For all those thinking of learning guitar, I cannot agree with ArtOfGuitar more. Just start! The journey will be amazing.

[@davidjoiner2309]

I was self taught in my youth, mostly rock and metal, and returned to playing after about 30 years of very little playing. When I started playing again I was having a lot of tendinitis, so looked into lessons to improve my form and reduce pain, which did get help with that, but also have really enjoyed learning to play new styles I probably would not have played in the eighties. Really enjoying learning classical and jazz styles now.

[@shootsnscores-cja]

You hit the nail on the head with guys like me (61 yr old beginner, on the verge of retirement)! Decided to take up my long-desired hobby, for all the reasons you mentioned in the video, as I ease into retirement. Have been a youtube channel and website subscriber of yours for about a year since. It's not my goal to be a rock 'n roll star and was initially worried that you might have that expectation for your students, but I was definitely wrong, and this video just confirms it. Thanks for all you do.

[@brianrowland55]

I didn't expect to see a video about older students - thanks for this! I'm 67. Here's another long story for you. I started with piano at 10 and continued until high school where I took trumpet all the way through. That ended with university days. I tried to learn guitar on my own when I was in my teens but it was too difficult. I found it so much harder than piano. Then life, like building careers and family. So at 50 my head was getting above water. I had my chance, I wanted to learn guitar. I can't say why, I just wanted to. It was difficult at first and almost gave up but eventually it started to make sense. I took lessons for 10 years and now I just practice and learn on my own. I still find it difficult at times but that's the learning process. An important part of the learning process is learning how to practice efficiently. I'm glad I never gave up. I have these ah-ha moments and sometimes I learn a song that works beautifully. It's these few moments of ah-has and playing a tune that gives me such pleasure that it makes all the hard work so worth it. Getting older sucks. I've just recovered from tennis elbow (thanks to doubling my practice time). My message is, I wanted to continue when I retired to give my brain a work out. Also I can tell everyone you're never too old to learn. Music is like another language but it's not impossible. Guitar is another skill but it's not impossible. It's not rocket science, if I can do it anyone can. Just learn how to practice, it'll save you time and grief. Anyone at any age can learn it enough to get by to the point of your ambitions.

[@liverloop123]

44 year old here. Started playing when my kid wanted guitar lessons at school 3 years ago. I actually found my original passion for wanting to play guitar myself. Unfortunately my kid moved on and I'm still loving learning and playing guitar. I find the time each day to play for at least an hour and to learn basic theory. KZbin is a blessing and your channel has helped me play so many things I never thought I ever could within 3 years!

[@homeiswheretheharpis.u.]

I started learning the harp 4 years ago, been wanting to be able to afford a harp forever. Finally got my harp, now making big gains, thanks for making this video! You’re never too old to enjoy and learn to play a new instrument! ❤️

[@jstanph]

Played for a few years in my teens. Didn’t have patience for practice. Started playing a couple years ago after 20 year hiatus. I love it all….doesn’t feel like practice! I now realize that my guitar goals are attainable and I am loving the journey!

[@talltodd]

Played some in the 90s but then life caught up to me like you said. So after nearly a 20 year absence started lessons again. Finding a teacher that’s a good match for an older student proved more difficult than I would have thought. Finally landed with someone that’s working out for the most part. Trying to understand music theory too and not just patterns. It would be great if there was a good curricula to use as a guide.

[@beebela13sh]

Thank you for this! I'm 55 and just started bass lessons in July. My husband plays guitar and drums and I wanted to be able to jam a bit with him. I'm so glad I started lessons! I hope my 19 year old teacher feels the same as you.

[@jimwalshonline9346]

Thank you, we geezers appreciate it.

[@MrJSpicoli]

You pretty much hit the nail on the head for me, starting in my 50's

[@Rainy679]

Hi Im 63 I start learning guitar two years ago. I had an old nylon string guitar and I thought if I practice everyday I get my self a new guitar. I started watching KZbin and I got a guitar app. Guitar app taught me how to fingerpicking, tabs scales, barre chords. Channel like yours showed me how to apply the things I was learning. I brought a cort acoustic and electric guitar I have trouble with flick offs and bends I watch one of your shows you talk about using a tuner to see the notes when you bending. That helped me so much. I can’t fine guitar teacher where I live and I was thinking about doing online but my wifi keeps dropping out. I really love the way you teach and your stories I could listen to you for hours which I do. Thank you for you content and your words of encouragement. Oh yea you talk about buying heaps of gear and guitars I was going through that stage thinking I sound better. You made me realise you need to stick with the one instrument to learn techniques. Thank you again. .

[@rolfjanssen]

every word is so true,61 here,startet 450h ago and counting.great videos,great advises.keep going.greetz from spain

[@Klotrik]

I'm approaching 40 and I play because it makes me feel good. Whenever I feel down or frustrated I can pick up the guitar and it really helps. I can't play good enough to play for people, but that doesn't matter much to me. The the guitar is just like a good friend who's really pleasant to be with. I love learning new stuff and it does feel like I'm slowly and steadily improving.

[@lornekingdon3593]

My Grandmother never played music in her life. Bought an organ at 85 years old and took lessons. At her 90th birthday we had a family reunion and she sat dow and played 7 or 8 songs, and played them very well. Never too late, music is a wonderful gift that the universe gives us.

[@evelbasturd5692]

Really excellent and thoughtfully true message here, Mike! Helps me remember why I started playing all those years ago. Military, education, career, and family stopped me playing in serious bands years back. This is just about the joy of playing the licks of your favorite artist. I needed to hear this as well.

[@travobrady768]

You're a great player and teacher hats off to you and hope you keep the music out there and relevant

[@ColinTCS]

I'm 62 in just over a week. I'd played guitar on and off since i was a teenager, but life pretty much meant I had to offload most of my gear a few times to meet bills. Lost my job in 2012, then in late 2016 I wandered into a local music shop to offload a dreadnought I couldn't play due to a shoulder injury. We got talking, he invited me to a "student night", where I got up and played in front of people, (terribly), for the first time in nigh on 30 years. That lead to jamming bass with his sons band, (which I still do occasionally), ended up playing bass in his band when their bassist had issues. That lead to meeting other people and I now play as part of an acoustic trio doing the open mic circuit around here. I have learned more about music and more actual songs in the last 5 years than I did in the last 30. It's my passion and we always look forward to getting together and coming up with our own take on songs, (some of which are on my youtube channel). I'm playing stuff now I would have not even dared attempt 5 years ago and can't wait to see where the next few years take me. My friend who plays bass for us is over 70 and I remember actually giving him his first guitar lesson, we're old enough to appreciate time is precious and so when it comes to music, we don't want to waste a second. 😀

[@recordman555]

Mike - thank you for this video. I can SO assimilate! I'm 64 years old, and took my first guitar lesson as a teenager. All I really learned was basic chord shapes and some Bossanova. Meanwhile, I was "teaching" myself piano by playing along with records (early Elton John,, and the Queen II album). Many years later, I decided to take piano lessons. It was very hard, because, even though I understood music theory, I was still just "noodling" out piano parts. Now - at my age, I really want to learn how to play lead guitar. My old hands just can't form chords very well. This seems like the perfect motivation to learn lead, because I can still "walk" the fretboard - I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW - LOL! I think you've inspired me to find a local teacher. Again - thank you.

[@namkim1319]

I started at age 55 with a friend at a community college. It’s just a lot of fun. I subscribed to your website and I’ve recommended it to others. It’s very well organized and good. I’ve learned a lot. I love your straight forward and very soothing approach to learning guitar. Thank you!

[@Deepseaotter]

Got my first guitar as a Christmas gift from my grand parents when I was ten or eleven years old, and fell in love! Of course when I was younger and The Beatles were new on the scene, I played the parts of John and Paul, spending a good chunk of time strumming my Moms broom, standing in front of the fireplace. Our makeshift stage… So most of what I know is self taught, other than a school music teacher showing me and a friend how to form C, G, and D chords! But I’ve decided that life isn’t over, and I am free to use my time to do something I love, and that is making progress with my guitar playing! Guitar has brought me great joy and pleasure throughout my life, and as I stated before, life goes on, and so does learning new things, and playing this beautiful steel stringed machine🎉

[@davidnoguera1470]

Hahaha this video is totally directed to me ,thank you for this video !

[@d.nakamura9579]

Hey Mike, I just want to say how much I appreciate your being such a positive, upbeat force in the cut throat, competitive KZbin guitar world. I was touched by Carl Brown’s shout out to you and all the support you gave him when his channel got hacked. You are a good man.

[@mrs.johnsonsr.9375]

Im 44 so I’m older-ish. I was more drawn to singing when I was young but the guitar was the first instrument I touched-my father gave me a toy one. 🎸 I’ve always thought it was the best thing to be able to play an instrument and sing 🎤!!! Spending most of my time in church, playing an instrument and singing at the same time was the best thing I thought a musician could do. So recently my husband started back taking guitar lessons and bought the wrong guitar for himself. He gave me the wrong one and, here I am, on your channel, clipping my nails and getting back to my first introduction to music, the guitar 🎸and excited about eventually being able to accompany myself.😊❤

[@iandodd7828]

Like a lot of commenters, and those students you enjoy, I’m a beginner again at 62. I played for a few years as a pre-teen but then gave it up for cars and girls. Last summer, after going to a concert, I got inspired, bought a Strat, and signed up for lessons. The first time we met, my teacher asked about my favorite music. When I told him, he started quietly playing “Pride & Joy” by SRV and I turned to putty. I’m 4 months in and everyday it’s exciting to sit down to practice and my lessons are the highlight if my week. Despite the fits the starts, I hope my instructor is enjoying teaching me as much as I’m enjoying being a student again.

[@johnbarry731]

I’m 64 and started playing at 59. I love it, play everyday and did my first gig one month ago. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it when I started, but I’m really pleased that I could. So it’s definitely doable. I’d recommend anyone thinking of doing it to give it a go. It can provide hours of fun!

[@joshuakasevich1838]

I got started at age 38 and now I am 41 and have 2.5 years of playing. I always loved music and was drawn to the guitar from an early age, but I never took lessons as a kid. I tried teaching myself at 18 then at 20. Then life happened and 18 years later my 12 year old son wanted to learn guitar. Not knowing anything I bought him a Fender Squire starter pack from Amazon and I found a local guitar teacher and my son started taking lessons. I would sit in on the lessons and learn what my son was learning and my interest and passion was so intense. My son's guitar teacher noticed this and he then recommended father/son lessons. I immediately went and bought a Jackson JS22 and my journey really took off. I quickly surpassed my son and the father/son lessons turned into individual lessons for each of us. My son eventually quit because he would never practice, so I just added his lesson time to mine. I have an absolutely amazing guitar teacher and friend who is in my age bracket and has very similar tastes in music. The benefit of taking lessons from him is that I am learning things properly. We learn how songs were really played and almost never dumb things down or make the songs easier to play. Lots of You Tube guitar lessons or guitar tabs are incorrect and without my teacher I would be playing songs incorrectly. On a side note we loved your Sweet Child O' Mine and Enter Sandman videos where you explained how Slash and James actually play the riffs. He learned Sweet Child like you did and I learned it using three fingers but using efficiency picking instead of Slash's crazy picking style. My teacher is also super focused on rhythm and counting so that I play songs correctly on time, which most You Tube videos never count out the rhythm or even talk about rhythm while playing. Learning this way is more challenging but it makes me a better guitarist. Then there is the technique aspect of taking lessons where your teacher can correct your flying pinky, help you position your fretting hand while learning barre chords, and tell you not to rush the triplets. I have also saved tons of time by learning efficiency, economy, and alternate picking from the very beginning as well as 1 finger per fret so I didn't have to unlearn bad habits or learn new picking techniques. But the most important aspect of learning guitar from a teacher is that they will help you get better a lot quicker than you can on your own, because they have already gone through that agonizing roller coaster of bad mistakes or improper techniques. Through these experiences and their years of teaching they have learned what held them back and what has hampered their students, which allows them to give you little tid bits and instructions that make you get better much more quickly than if you were self teaching. Lastly they are there to help you with overwhelming or confusing aspects of guitar such as music theory all the while encouraging and pushing you to become the best guitarist that you can be! Let's be honest when you are older you don't have as much time as you did when you were younger so taking guitar lessons really helps you with the little time that you have. As an older student you have more motivation to become better because you are trying to make up for lost time, and also helps that you can actually afford the lessons and have money for a better guitar and gear. Your channel rocks and older students like me really love and appreciate what you do!

[@kriswrobel2175]

Mike, thank you for your videos that unveil the magic behind our favorite players and your genuine appreciation for their contributions. I’ve been in and out since age 16 when I was inspired to learn from Randy Rhoads, Alex Lifeson, Joe Perry, Tom Scholz, SRV, Mark Knopfler, etc. Honestly, the list grows exponentially the older I get and the more genre rabbit holes I go down. I became more dedicated to growth during Covid and find great stress relief by shutting off the mind, putting on a backing track and getting completely lost in the expressionsphere. Definitely have the urge to write more as I get older. Learning a favorite solo/song is TRULY life changing. Ongoing learning and creative expression are really important for us. Look at Paul Reed Smith’s increasing enthusiasm each year for what he is doing!

[@dwgluz]

Thank you for this video, very encouraging for a lot of us, you are soo right about this!

[@JayTrain00]

I'm only 16 right now, and I bought my first guitar about 3 months ago. And bro your videos are like so good for helping me with like everything. I know that's kinda beyond the main point of this video but I thought I'd still mention it because I'm just a beginner right now, and seeing the qualities that older folks have when it comes to learning guitar is stuff I really want to see within myself. Thanks for making such good videos bro and keep doing what you're doing!!

[@jasongultjaeff9397]

I was self-taught as a teen, full on into rock and metal, then gave it up for the usual reasons. Got into other things, study and work, to get a job and money. Never sold my guitars. After a failed marriage with more spare time I came back to it at 45, now 51 and play pretty much every day with regular lessons. I find it's a combination of the mental and physical stimulation and also the enjoyment. Music is a great escape and a stress relief from boring work / money / life / problems. I did a style change to classical though I realise the seeds were there even as a kid (all of those neo classical shredders). The best thing is I thought I would top out years ago and hit a wall, but I'm still improving. It's given me a lot of confidence by overcoming those challenges and a great release.

[@chiptaker1099]

Had a guitar back in my teens and early 20’s that got damaged and couldn’t afford a new one at the time, then fell in love, life events and eventually lost track of time, went into guitar center for a gift card for the holidays and the bug hit me, at 62 years young that kid in me was like a kid in a candy store, so,after some research and a few trips back to the store I had a eye on a Fender Player Plus, long story short ended up Fender American Pro ll, probably more guitar than I’ll ever need but it sure is a pleasure to play, found your channel Mike and going subscribe to your lessons. When ever I hear David Gilmore play I regret not finding a way when I was younger to continue. Thanks Mike for your encouragement and lessons. Peace ✌🏼

[@tjevans9893]

I'm 42 and the rock and roll dreams I had in my teens and 20s never came true. At 30 I burned out and decided to "get my head out of the clouds" and forget about music. I went back to school, married and had a kid. My wife was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, is on home hospice and has less than 6 months. Left my job to care for her and have now rediscovered my joy for playing, writing and recording music. I'm writing an album in her honor, six songs so far. When life really kicks you and your family in the a**, you find out real quick what is important. These recordings are my swan song.

[@peterm7132]

I have so many subscriptions on guitar now. You guys and girls have absolutely inspired me. Pretty much out of the blue nearing my 60th I ordered a fender strat on reverb. It’s been my best friend for 10 months now and I love it. A whole new world has opened to me. As a kid I could laughingly say I played the clarinet - rarely practiced and embarrassingly would turn up for lessons. Thankfully my teacher told me if I didn’t buy a metronome you might as well stop. She did me and music a favor as we parted company. Now its totally different which is why I can relate to your video. It’s given me a huge new interest in life as frankly things had gotten dull. Thank you for your terrific insights.

[@maryhorvath9728]

Thank you so much for this video! I am an older and I absolutely love going to my lesson and practicing. Most of the reasons that you identified are why I’m doing it. Plus, it’s fun!!!

[@paulbuck0267]

Thanks for all that you do Mike! I'm 60 years old, been listening to music my whole life and am finally in a position to learn guitar. Thanks in part to your website I'm learning to play the music that I love. You have a great teaching ability. We are all on a journey. Rock on!!!

[@ramekd]

I'm 49 and have been taking lessons for 4 years now. I got my first strat style electric when I was 18 and a friend showed me a little bit and I was self taught from there. Boy do I wish I started taking lessons when I was younger. I have learned SO MUCH in the last 4 years. I found a great guitar teacher who's just a little older than me and we have the same musical tastes. He's helped me correct years of bad habits and I play so much better now. I went from having the 1 guitar (felt good in my hands, lol) to having 5. I just really fell in love with the instrument in a new way. I take lessons twice a week and they are my most 2 relaxing hours a week. I could keep going on but I won't bore you with any more details. Thanks, Mike, for what you do. Your channel and a handful of others have been part of my guitar journey and I'm grateful for all of the hard work and great content.

[@scsreaper]

Wow, Mike. What a great topic! In my journey, I started studying some two decades ago with aspirations of becoming a rock star. It became work, and I gave up prematurely. It wasn't until the pandemic that I decided to do it for my own sake, just because I love music and wanted to hear my musical voice. I have no designs to fully learn someone else's songs. They already did them correctly. Though, I'll learn how they got there. At this point, I'm a happy camper playing every day when I get home. Ps, I'm a little envious of your Jem, as I'm an Ibanez guy.

[@onegirl_oneguitar]

Thanks Mike I needed that today :) always an inspiration :)

[@arthurcroom4302]

I began taking music lessons at the age of 11 on piano. I switched to guitar at 17 and taught myself to play by ear, though I must admit that I have taken lessons on and off numerous times. Well, long story made short, over the years I did well enough to get into a couple of local bands, one a Gospel group entertaining elderly at nursing homes (in my 20's), and the other a Country/Southern Rock band playing local bars on weekends (in my 40's). My very first lesson with my piano teacher when I was 11, she didn't even let me touch a single key or show me a single note or chord. For an hour, she asked me what songs I enjoyed and why. I listed only a few, 3 if I remember correctly, and I couldn't tell her why because I didn't know. What she said next has stayed with me, and I am 72 now. She told me that the easiest songs to play are ones you feel. Those are the songs that will always make you want to play. Well, that went completely over my head at that age. But for more than 50 years now, I find that songs that touched me in one way or another are the ones I keep wanting to learn. There are still many on my list and I still pull out my Strat or Keyboard and go on trying. Thanks for your inciteful message.

[@hamiltonburger4574]

I just happened to click on this and I'm glad I did. I'm 67 but actually started quite young. I haven't been playing continuously from 9 - 67. There was a span of 20 years that I didn't touch the guitar. During the years I did, it was all by ear and what is now called "Classic Rock". During those years I never learned music theory and I was also attracted to Jazz. Fast forward to about three years ago and I decided to start learning Jazz and theory. The theory came first, obviously, then the Jazz. I'm fortunate to have a great instructor plus all of the KZbin videos. I really do feel like I'm just beginning since Jazz is a real deep rabbit hole. But it's something I look forward to every night even though it's incredibly frustrating. I was afraid I was too old to just now be getting into it but fortunately, people like yourself encouraged me to do it. I know I don't have any lofty ambitions of playing professionally and that takes all of the stress out of it. I'm just happy playing Misty by myself because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. People like myself have a rich history of the greatest live concerts ever so please ask them who they saw and when. My first was Led Zeppelin in 1972. I guess you can tell I'm an older guy by this long post! Complete sentences and no emojis!!! I think I'll be dropping in on you again!! Great to hear your perspective. Cheers - Scott

[@mwbroughton]

49 here. Not young, not old either. After chasing the family and career goals for a few decades, I realized that there weren't many things in my life that were "for me". The list of things for others was endless. I made a conscious decision to start back into electric guitar. For my brain, for my hands and for something not computer screen oriented. I started by repairing a few estate auction amplifiers and then flipping a few guitars I had purchased and then played for a while. This gave me a good sense of what types of intruments I would enjoy playing personally. I KZbin lesson'd for a few years trying to loosen my hands up and then took the plunge with live lessons. So glad I did.

[@davidemigliaccio5646]

Great video! I am 71, and have been a professional musician for 55 years (piano and vocals). I started taking guitar lessons about a year and a half ago, and I am having a blast with it, both acoustic and electric, and your comments about just loving the music really hit home. My lesson experiences with my teacher mirror, yours, and I would highly recommend to anyone who has the bug to follow your heart! Thanks again.

[@chetterry4506]

This hit me spot on. Played at 13 in basements with friends. Then life. Now retiring at 70 and filled my closets with guitars. My only problem is trying to focus on any one genre or style. I love it all.

[@ericdoswell8115]

I played for a couple of years in my early 20s and picked it back up at 49. I had to relearn everything, but it's so much easier with the internet. I found your channel and was a subscriber for a while. I've transitioned to a local instructor but I still liked your program a lot. It was the perfect gateway drug! I love hanging out in my living room, jamming along to Judas Priest concerts and stuff on KZbin. You have a great channel, Mike! Keep it up!

[@larsjensen5420]

Hi Mike, I'm 63, played classical from junior high thru college, then set it aside until a few years ago when I decided to learn blues & improvisation. Now re-learning some of my old repertoire. Thanks for your videos, several are on my list of things to rewatch. Couldn't do it without you and so many other YTers out there. Skills stuck with me enough to quickly learn a new song for my dad's funeral a month ago. He was 99 -- the rest of us are still young... :D

[@danmorell8240]

Hi Mike I'm 58 and literally picked up the guitar today and got on KZbin . Started the beginner courses from a couple teachers including you .Thank you for doing this . The fact that you like your older students has convinced me to watch your lessons. I learn as much from young people such as yourself and I really enjoy it . I have 2 kids in their late 20s and I agree with your assessment as to the lack of patience. The world is always changing I guess and we just "roll with the changes " right . I'll be following you and cannot wait the learn guitar

[@marchallaert7372]

Yes 62 been practicing almost daily for one year. Played my first song for my Daughter for Christmas yesterday. “White Christmas” made it through with minimal mistakes and she loved it. Everything you described is me to a tee. Always wanted to learn but never had enough time or energy after working. Now that I’m retired my hands are stiff but I have the time and energy to practice. PS thank you for you’re videos!!

[@LarryTooley]

I started when I was 8 and took lessons a couple of times. Played in bands and then didn’t play for years. I’m in my late 40’s now and consider myself a bigger student of guitar now than when I was young. 🤘

[@scottfremont13]

Started a little over 1 year ago, when I was 54. I'm still not very good, but I enjoy playing along with your challenge songs. Finally moved into "Level 2" and things are starting to click now that I'm learning the moveable power chords. I don't aspire to perform professionally (probably will never attain the skills), but I really enjoy it. I typically practice late in the evening. I try to set aside an hour per day, some of your challenge songs were tough and before I knew it, it was after midnight and I had to get up at 6 the next morning. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@davidtuley5898]

I just restarted to learn to play again. Back in the late sixties I worked cleaning a laundromat to save up to buy a guitar. I had buddies who had lessons and played in garage bands. I my mother could not afford lessons but God bless her she pulled enough money to buy me a small Fender amp because I had worked so hard for the guitar. I tried to reach out to the people I knew to show me a few things to get started but no one had the patience. I tried learning on my own over the next few years but I just stopped trying. Later during the Punk scene here in the San Francisco area in the late 70’s early 80’s I was a photographer for a couple of punk magazines and hung out helping at local radio stations who carried Punk scene/music programs. Again I was surrounded by musicians and such was asked why I never played. Well as I reached toward to retirement years I told myself I was going to learn or die trying. So here I am giving it my best with your help with my wife and Granddaughter joining me.

[@lManwel]

Hey Mike! I feel like you made this video for me. I'm 39, and I've been following you for years now, because I love music (especially rock/metal) and guitar stuff, and your channel is gold. But it wasn't until the beggining of this December that I finally got a guitar! Crazy timing, right? So I'm actually rewatching many of your lessons, in order to practice (whenever there's time to). I'm one of those that, after so many years, finally got the time to do what I love. So yeah, playing the guitar is now my hobby. I should say, though, this is not the first time I pick an instrument. When I was 17-18 I started to learn some stuff, but at the age of 20-21 life happened, so I quit. Now that I'm back, there's so much to learn (and relearn), and this is great! Back then, as we know, there wasn't YT and precious content like yours. Also, nowadays we can buy great instruments and amps for a reasonable price (even though I live in Brazil, where the exchange rate sucks hahaha - and not everything is easy to import ). So now that I can afford "things that are nice", like Uncle Ben would say (yeah, I follow Ben Eller's channel as well), I'm gonna do it! To start off, I got an LTD EC1000 and that practice amp you reviewed (Positive Grid Spark 40), and I'm loving them. My free time is splited between practicing and learning (techniques, scales, some theory); and learning killer riffs properly (Metallica and Megadeth mostly - hard work, I know lol). It's magical to play the music you grew up listening to, and love. Thank you so much for your great channel! Keep up the good work! Right now I'm gonna rewatch your lessons on the CAGED system! And I hope you make more videos on music theory (harmony, scales, everything lol)! See ya!

[@dxdelafu]

Great video. Two years ago I signed up with a local instructor. I thought I finally had the time after retiring. Well a few months after starting lessons I started a new company, got accepted to Columbia Business School, moved in the direction of taking this company public. Two years later I’ve graduated from Columbia, still working on taking our company public in a few years and so glad I made the time to practice almost daily. I just turned 64 and couldn’t be prouder to say I stuck to the weekly lessons. You’re never to old to learn something new and exciting. I encourage the ol’fogies out there to give it a try.

[@aerongemini]

Cool man, thank you, I really appreciate this video. 🙂 I am an older student (48) and I just started taking lessons at a local music shop about 6 months ago. I bought a guitar (Ibanez GIO) about ten years ago, but aside from learning a few basic chords, never really got to play it (life got in the way). I had to go back to school (again as a non-traditional student, astrophysics degree)... so on and so on. I have always loved rock music since the 80s (had a Walkman with a Def Leppard Hysteria tape that I wore out beyond belief, also loved Whitesnake and Guns N Roses). So I wanted to be able to play all those classic tunes. Plus, I am interested in one day making my own ambient "cosmic" style music for my KZbin channel. I recently finished my Masters degree (now I'm working on PhD) and believe it or not, have some free time in my week, and wanted to finally get back to it. So I walked into the local store, bought a new amp, and the rest is history. Now I picked up my dream guitar, an Ibanez 450DX in starlight blue (truly beautiful to behold)... I'm loving it, my instructor is a nice, young guy but really good and has patience teaching me too. I have some physical limitations (degenerative arthritis / spinal stenosis) but I'm trying my best to fight through them. I am always jazzed about my lessons and my own practice time at home! And I'm never on my phone!! I can't believe that! 🤣 Thanks so much for encouraging us, it's hard sometimes. 💯🎸

[@fixfix2012]

50 years old... been a self-taught for 35 years... now it's my second month of guitar lessons.. it feels great to add informations over what i already know and to confront myself with my teacher😎🤙...