Too Old To Learn Guitar? - Never! I'll tell you why!

[@michaelmiller1424]

I'm 68 and I'm trying to play beautiful music of my soul before I die. Some think I'm an old fool, they may be right, but I will keep trying. To bring something of beauty into existence is my final struggle of this earthly sojourn. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@robertbelflowers5076]

if it makes you happy keep doing it don,t let anyone hold you back I,m 66 and took it back up not good but keep on trying.

[@MaticBeatsGermany]

Follow your dream

[@t23355]

Started learning at 70 just in case there is reincarnation perhaps It can care forth into the next, planning long term and learning every day for the joy of it

[@JasonManners]

You actually give me some inspiration, so thank you.

[@bassioelmucho]

I used to get comparisonitis when I was younger. Now, nearing 60 I view it as a means of therapy, Brain health and communication. Sure, we all want to improve gradually but that Can take the sheer joy out of it too if you tend to be overly critical.

[@williamlewiswebdevelopment6624]

I am 62 and have been playing for a year; I play daily and love it. I tried to learn in my early 20's, but there were too many distractions.

[@porkfied]

I have to try and pick off where I left off and this was in the 1960s with an electric guitar during the Beatle days,lol.Thanks for the encouragement.

[@gund2281]

"there were too many distractions" - ahhhh women. lol

[@marioenrique4368]

I’m 60 and just picking it up

[@dnguyen787]

I think playing guitar is a good hobby for old and retired people. Because it's good for your mind. And it's fun, cheap and convenient.

[@aureliomartinez2633]

@@dnguyen787 I'm still few years to be retire but about a year ago I started to learn from KZbin beacouse provide lessons are expensive very small steps and mistakes because I don't have anybody to correct me when I'm doing it wrong good luck

[@bb38313]

I've been playing over 50 yrs. The problem is everyone thinks you have to shred or play lead. That is so wrong. A good rhythm player that knows the chords is the most important part of the music

[@teleguy5699]

But how are you going to get chicks? Just kidding, I'm 62 and married. I bet a lot of youngsters pick up guitar to impress the opposite sex. Us older folk just want to play as most of us, I believe, (being of the rock and roll generation) just love guitar and are ready for a new challenge. For me, especially during COVID19, practicing is a Zen moment.

[@annt.7785]

@@teleguy5699 Easy, he'll get old chicks 😂😂😂.

[@teleguy5699]

@@annt.7785 🤣

[@danluther1741]

@@annt.7785 Lololol!!

[@CobraAction1]

show them his bank balance@@teleguy5699

[@abramhernandez1216]

So true... I started playing at 51, 4 years later I've never been happier. 😎👍

[@jeromeleoterry]

I started learning guitar at the age of 40 - May 8, 2018 to be precise. 422 days later and I have not missed a day of practice. I can play about a dozen songs, and I play barre chords. Couple of months ago I got a guitar teacher to start learning blues guitar. I’ve uploaded dozens of progress videos to KZbin along the way. I now own 3 guitars - 2 acoustic guitars and a Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster. I’m having an enormous amount of fun, and it’s good to see my progress, since I started from scratch. If I can do it, anyone can.

[@motorsport32cw]

Thats awsome mate im 43 and started 8 months ago. Really progressing well also i play every morning and night i love it haha.

[@Peck_Bull]

😭🤝🍻

[@Tessaogle79]

Sweet!!!!!

[@MrA1582000]

Ha, just found this….Started playing at age 76 and now 77. It is a slow go with arthritic hands but I enjoy every minute. Learning all about the guitar, music theory. Really admire those that can play this wonderful instrument. I play for myself, (no one else would want to hear it) 😍

[@ssm445]

About the speed of learning: I started 3 years ago at age 47. I am attending guitar lessons and can hear other students to compare their progress and also talked to the teacher about this. While younger people should learn faster, most do actually learn slower because how fast you learn the guitar is determined by your passion and focus. Man I asked the hell out of my teacher in the first 2 years and he was not used to that because most of his students were just passively trying to soak it up. Younger people have the ability to learn faster, older people have the ability to learn smarter. It all comes down to passion and practice time at all ages!

[@danieli.9252]

I may be too old for some things, but I'm starting up with guitar lessons tomorrow!

[@biscuitninja]

Monday for me... I'm not a youngin'

[@iraceruk]

Enjoy! I'm returning to playing after a thirty year break. I don't remember much, and my fingers are sore, but I am loving it!

[@danieli.9252]

@@iraceruk I bet a lot of it will come back to you the more you play.

[@thequeenofthestars7647]

Im.old and i learn guitar by myself starting now😍😍😍

[@jamesmitchell7193]

Go for it. This ain't no dress rehearsal. You are better than you think.

[@DoodleBugLisa]

At 61 I bought a guitar. I was practicing every day until somehow the practice became playing. Now I play guitar. At a simple level, but it’s mostly music! My mom thinks I’m pretty good. In fact, it was my neighbor who lives upstairs who told me I’m playing rather than practicing. My secret is…I’m sticking with songs until I learn them, I’m teaching myself to read music and Tab and I practice about 2-4 hours a day. (I had liver cancer, part of my liver had to be removed, thank God I have the guitar to keep me busy! ) Sometimes I just hold my guitar with my lefty gently doing bar chords. No pressure at first, just allowing the fingers to stretch, after awhile I add pressure. That seems to be preventing pain from the barre chords.

[@steveontiveros5425]

I’m 66 but played since I was 12 and still have the same Silver tone acoustic guitar I got from Christmas. When I got married at 20 yeah I was stupid , my dad came by and saw my guitars and told me “ You’re still playing those things ?!! ...grow up ! “ sadly I believed him . I didn’t know it at the time but playing helped me feel better after work , I started smoking cigarettes and drinking to relieve the stress. At 27 I became a single dad with two boys . Talk about having more stress , I told my boys you want to learn how to play a guitar? ? YEAH ! ! was their reply , in three hours I was teaching them . I gave up drinking and cigarettes..no more stress . Now when we get together at family functions we are the entertainment lol . We all play numerous instruments , guitars, drums , lap steel and resonator guitars ( which is easy and great for people with arthritis “ , mandolin, harmonica and play rock , country, blues ,my youngest plays jazz , and four of my grand kids play . You’re never to old to learn , they’re lots of good starter guitars to start off with that are under $100.00 . I recommend something around $150.00-$200.00 range though . You can do it , I taught my self to play by listening to records ... now a days there’s KZbin, DVDS and computer to help you learn . DO IT ! ! 😎

[@ellbdotmusic3521]

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertz1962]

FANTASTIC!

[@leyodydy]

I'm 67 and been playing cowboy chords for years, however in the last 4yrs I've learned all the major scales and relative minors, the caged system, the mixolydian scale (lots of fun) and some favorite counrty and southern rock!! All after age 60. Let me add this, the more you learn the easier the learning becomes!!

[@gechli3433]

I started at 65 and 1 1/2 years later, I can play most of the favorite songs I listened to while growing up. Granted, there are a lot of areas to improve (e.g., barre chords, the speed of Travis picking, etc.) and so many skills/techniques to learn, but the joy of seeing myself making incremental progress is priceless. Just don't be too hard on yourself and practice for an hour or so every day, it will do wonders to yourself. Better than meditation!

[@davidinafrica8898]

Started learning at 57, three years ago. Always have a guitar sitting somewhere nearby, picking it up throughout the day. Always learning something new. Could not be happier!

[@SassySally391]

I am 26 and I thought I am too old .. Seeing the comments I guess I will not delay it any further .. Thank you all ..

[@khaldrago9918]

Same here brother 👊

[@j.d.leslie8458]

I started at 36. You are at a perfect age to get it going.

[@Godisnotmyshepherd]

Same here never been happier in my life! Let‘s hope i live after 27 😂 #jimihendrix

[@kennkenn1717]

26,,,come on,you're not even finish growing yet. I was 28 when I first started ..

[@annalaura9]

same but 15 😅

[@markwright6045]

At 60 years old I got shot in right wrist .The only bones that weren't broken were the index and middle, doctors said I would have a claw for life. Sooo I got a 5string banjo and learnt Scruggs style to prove them wrong. I practice frailing now and can play along with any guest or grandkids and we all laugh and have fun. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@teleguy5699]

😮

[@ciarraibuzz]

Hey, you're funny (lookin').

[@tgmurph8511]

Excellent. I am a late bloomer at 61. Really dug in the last couple years. Finger exercises works great. I figure I only got 30 to 40 years to get it done...

[@Harry-hy1gz]

This is a scary comment

[@howardharaway2259]

I am almost 60. I am single and immature. I still love me grown boy toys. Anyway, I have always had a guitar in my house or Apt. but never really stuck it out and learned beyond a certain point. In my late 20's early 30's I bought a EAGLES "Easy to Play Guitar" book . From that book I learned open and barre chords. I got to a point where I didn't need to look at the fretboard to play chords, and I played fairly clean, and transitioned from one chord to another fluently .After a point in time, I lost interest because I hit a wall. My goal was to learn the fretboard without looking, know what I'm playing and wanted to learn how to fly up and down the fret board playing licks . Well..... I just picked my guitar up since 20 years ago and I want to do it. I want to get past the wall. So,thats why I am watching this video. I HOPE....its a obtainable goal for me. Last week, I went as far as to buy a cheap $159. Kramer electric so I could permanently draw the notes on every fret,every string. I did this to make it easier to remember where all notes are. I want to get to a point where I don't have to think. I look at a fret and string and know what it is. Wish me luck. I am actively inquiring about face to face lessons from a local instructor.

[@JerryDechant]

I'm 70 and, what were we talking about? (joking) I think the most important part of this video is that, yes it is always possible to learn something new, also, as we get older, it may be more challenging for different reasons than when we were very young. I suggest, if possible, in addition to having a real live teacher, having a friend who you can plunk around with. It is fun, and an additional incentive to keep going. No one is going to be a master at first, takes time and practice. dedication and determination. :) Oh, was this the video about horticulture? ;)

[@ginopenguino1450]

67, and finally getting back into something that I began at 13, but drifted away from in my busy late 20s. Your video has encouraged me to go for it and to persevere. Thanks, buddy.

[@donalddenison8896]

Never!!! After 65 years of Flatpicking, I took up the Classical Guitar at Age78. If you know anything about Classical Guitar, you know that it is only superficially related to other kinds of guitars. Almost NOTHING TRANSFERS TO CLASSICAL PLAYING. not even how you should hold the instrument. Anyone can do it, you just have to commit to a minimum of 1/2 hour DISCIPLINED practice daily. DO NOT REPEAT DO NOT practice what you know, select the tough spots and work one FOR ONE WHOLE SESSION on that one problem, when you master this in a day or a week all the while working on TONE, TASTE, AND TIMING and the rest of those artistic nuances, then and only then try to put it together with the rest and begin to work on speed and rhythm and all those nicities, pick out the next hard spot and repeat the process until the piece is mastered, THEN AND ONLY THEN can you practice for the different nuances that make your performance artistic. This is Simple, not too difficult and that minimum half hour a day spent religiously on a single problem will work for even the older, set in his ways, player. Don't worry about it, DO IT, but do it smart with method! Once you have this practice discipline mastered, you can play and practice for fun. It isn't a piece of cake, but any one can do it you just need to discipline your self.

[@C_L_Thomas]

Why would someone give this video a thumbs down? Great video Chris, but as encouraging as the video is, I think the comments here from your viewers are even more encouraging.

[@daveleigh8700]

Love what you do. I started at 5 months ago, aged 55. I have progressed from completely useless to useless...... it does happen.... just slowly. 5 months.... now have 3 guitars.... love these instruments..... love playing..... 😁🎸🎶🎵

[@tomfields2079]

You are never not good enough.We cannot be all like the professionals.Even if you are only able to play 5 chords keep playing.With my SR18 I have a real bedroom band and it can be pure bliss when you write your own little songs.Never give up.

[@doglover31418]

@@tomfields2079 5 chords? They told me in the guitar shop there were only 3. Is that what they were laughing about when I left? Damn youngsters!

[@trevguitar8169]

Like a lot of people on here, I've been guitar obsessed ever since I can remember and always said to myself I'll learn one day. At 53 I bought a guitar for the first time with determination to learn how to play, I'm now 55 and I would say I'm at intermediate level and can't get enough of it. I should have done this years ago but thought I was being ridiculous and it was for the younger generation! My advice is don't worry about any of that go out get a guitar and start playing, you won't regret it.

[@teddyboy9116]

Guitar playing is meditation! Ive been playing all my life for fun cos it helps me de stress..i recomend it to anybody age 5-100! Keep going and going and never give up!

[@yuser5821]

A good way of looking at it. Thank you!

[@screamingscarecrow4251]

Absolutely.

[@teleguy5699]

Especially now during this Pandemic. I am so happy I decided after many years to learn. Started in February. It is Zen for me.

[@whayneneal]

I turn 60 in Oct and just got my first electric guitar and amp. I thought it would be good work for my brain and arthritic hands. Great video! Thanks for the motivation.

[@74dartman13]

I'll be 60 in November. It really does help with keeping your fingers working properly. It's great for you mentally too. If I'm stiff and sore, I'll pick up my guitar and after awhile, I forget I'm old and stiff! It makes me feel like a kid again. I love it! Keep on playin!👍😎🎸🎶

[@bassioelmucho]

@@74dartman13 Those are 2 of my primary motivations! You can't ho wrong!!

[@e0070414]

Started at 39yrs old, been playing 5yrs now, and I don't plan on stopping. I still do lessons weekly to continue to improve. Start at 5, 15, 45, or 65, just start.

[@thongamchan775]

Hi, Chris , I was watching your video early this morning. Frankly telling you, I am watching your KZbin videos since I started playing guitar last year July. Now almost completing one year but to tell you, I am already 55 years old Medical Doctor. In this one year period, I learnt all the scales diatonic(major & minor scale), pentatonic and blues scales by joining some online courses. I learnt everything online and I never had a tutor physically with me but I was determined very much to be able to play like the experts whoever plays scales in caged patterns across the fretboard and I spent the first 3 months to controll my left fingers by placing them on the fretboard. First time, it was very difficult to move my fingers independently from one another. Due to my intensive exercise day and night, I started developing De cuervan syndrome with a lot pain in the left wrist when I play specially near the neck. Along with that pain, I continued to play by taking pain killers for another 3 months after which there was no pain and just feel saying that there will be always a way better if someone is really serious to play with an ardent passion no matter how old. For me, I wake up with my guitar and always to play my guitar when I come back home after my work. I hardly mix with people as I always feel playing guitar. Infact, my wife and my daughter don't want to hear my guitar sound and I find difficulty when they are with me. Now, I can play some solo but not yet perfect as how Stevie Ray Vaughan plays. Now at Bangkok for shopping for new guitar, but I didn't find Martin HD35 but I played myself "more than words and tears in heaven" here with Martin D28, HD28 and 00028 but I didn't like the sound well and found them below my expectation as I wished to be. Surprisingly, I picked up Takamine EF340S-TT, I enjoyed playing with " more than words". For " tears in heaven", I played with Taylor 517eGrand Pacific and 814CE modern deluxe. It plays better with 814 CE deluxe and the best was with 914 CE Taylor. But I ended up buying Takamine EF340S-TT for this time as the price is concerned. I like High end Taylor like 814 CE modern deluxe and 914CE but they were very costly here.

[@MelodyMaker]

"I hardly mix with people".....okay that's dedicated. ;)

[@danbgt]

I’m 68 years old. Started playing drums in 1962. Pretty sure I have the rhythm thing down! Im retired now and started playing guitar last year. Fell in love with John Fahey. It’s been a really fun adventure. I can stumble through a couple of his songs. It’s going to take a long while but my goal is to be able to play some Fahey, Kottke and the like all the way through without stopping. I may not live long enough to get as good as those guys but I will get good enough to fool the average listener into believing that I am!😎

[@billfrenchdude7733]

Hey chris,greetings from France and i like your videos,i'm 44 years young since last friday and i play for 11 years now. I'll never quit playin' guitar. That's the only thing keepin' me alive. Thank you for all these videos. I too am playin' Authentic. I have an SG and a LP. LOL 😎😎😎🇫🇷🥂🇺🇸

[@bjl4433]

Chris, you are a prince among men to make this video ... and look at all the people you have supported with it. Like many others here I so agree with your comments and it's clear that you have put some personal research into the fact that some of our brains are not, at 70 (which I am -- will be 71 July 4th) the same as when we were 30 -- or 40 or well you know. I played piano when I was a kid -- had a Mother that could play and sing like a pro and I inherited her ear, to boot. I loved singing harmony with her when I was young and she bought me a little bariton ukulele when I was in sixth grade and that led to a beautiful Alverez acoustic (man, do I wish I still had that one) and becoming the proverbial long-haired, hippy folk singer in the 60's in coffee houses, etc. However, I put it all away when I got to New York City and realized that I really had to survive in that town by getting "a real job," which I did. Many years later, at 68, I looked around and realized that what I had done in life was a passion of a different kind, but I was ready to retire and felt I deserved some fun, so I'd return to playing. I can no longer sing, so I taught myself how to play the melody with chords and picking. Who knew?? I was amazed that you really can grow thata way at my age. Unfortunately I did not realize that I'd end up with 5 Gretschs, an Alverez and a trusty baritone uke (and did you know, UBasses are really fun!!) Do I have arthristis, of course...and just diagnosed with some kind of basal thumb arthritis in left hand and carpal tunnel in both wrists. Does it hurt? Well I can't practise 6 hours straight anymore - but I can play for about 45 minutes to an hour a day. Thanks again, Chris --- Appreciate your videos alot -- and yes, for the first time ever, I started taking actual lessons from a really great young man who's a wonderful teacher, jams with me as well as teaches me,, and is very comfortable with retirees! I'm so glad I pushed myself to actually walk in and ask for lessons!

[@martabateman4241]

I started at 68, three years ago, after picking up a toy ukulele for my granddaughter. I am progressing well and playing things like Autumn Leaves, Misty with all the crazy jazz chords and a lot of pop music in our guitar group. Would be lost without it now.

[@ThePearcider]

Thnx mate. One of your videos had made me to make up my mind and I just bought Taylor Academy 12E. (An hour ago). I am 63 yo. Learned to play during National Service aged 22 and abandoned guitar at my 30-ties. Never had a proper instrument. Now I am going to learn how to play it again!

[@nobup7]

Really impressed by this video. I am 57 years old Japanese amateur and still playing. Your words encouraged me a lot.

[@russellford5433]

I took up the guitar when I retired at age 65. I am now going on 69. Next to marrying my wife 41 years ago, it is the best decision I have ever made. I very seldom do I go a day without playing. Some days I get several hours of practice in. I know that I will never be a great player but I do it for personal enjoyment. I love every minute of it. I love the challenge of learning and the sense of accomplishment that comes from learning a new song or tecnique. Studying some music theory was like flipping a switch. Stuff started to make sense! I would highly recommend any senior citizen to take up the guitar. In addition to being a great exercise for old, arthritic hands, it is a great exercise for the mind. Having a sharp, nimble mind, I believe, is key to enjoying the process of aging. By the way, I now own three guitars.

[@74dartman13]

You're living proof that you're never too old!👍😎🎸🎶

[@trevorgwelch7412]

I’m 59 Play Guitar Very Poorly And Deciding To Do My First Concert ( In Front Of An Empty Auditorium . ) My second Concert will be onstage with The Rolling Stones

[@willmcgregor7184]

Anyone who has learned an instrument & then quit Always Regrets it. Good info! Thanks Everyone should learn an instrument because it’s Good for Many reasons.

[@MajesticMovies]

I was given a guitar from a total stranger. I am 70 years old, people said I was to old to learn. I was given some advice from a professor who wanted me to go for my masters. I said " I would be 34 before I would get it." "HE SAID HOW OLD WILL YOU BE IF YOU DON'T" I am learning some chords slowly, but I am learning.

[@rickpearlstein6421]

57 and been playing about a month now. Coming up on two years on mandolin. Wish I did this decades ago. Not easy but so worth it.

[@TheAmericanSounds]

My oldest student was 93 years old when he started with me, as a rank beginner. He became quite accomplished over the several years he studied with me. A mismedication from an incompetent nurse prematurely ended his life at 96. But he studied with me up until that time. This brought great joy to both of us. San Antonio In Home Guitar Lessons at Facebook. Com

[@MelodyMaker]

How inspiring is that!

[@romaholcomb7768]

Very touching, thanks.

[@51Dss]

I am 68 and I bought my first guitar last summer. Today I have achieved the ability to play a respectable version of Country Roads Take me Home, Summertime, How Great thou Art, Ghost Riders in the Sky, Amazing Grace, Happy Birthday, You are my Sunshine and I am working at at least 3 other songs right now. I also have been able to improvise some fun chord changes and fingering on my guitars. I do not read music but I have learned almost a dozen basic chords and I am improving on the chord changes quite well for the lateness of my beginning guitar playing. I have not paid for lessons as I have utilized You tube greatly in my journey. All in all I am not discouraged and I think I am pretty realistic with my expectations. I play mostly on my Seagull S6 w/cedar top but I also picked up a very nice used Ibanez Artcore electric. I don't play it much because I don't really know how to use the amp. But I'll get around to that sometime.

[@sandybryson1211]

Learning to read Music is Not Difficult. It is not nearly as difficult as it may seem, you just need a little Education but in a Very Short Time, you could be Reading Music. May I Suggest an Inexpensive Course with Videos and Books that will have you reading Music (Reasonably, as there are many Levels of Sheet Music). This Guitar Course has taught me to Read Music at a Level to allow me to Purchase Song Books of Music I enjoy and Songs that I can Play at a Beginner Level, Very Rewarding. The Course is Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar. Here is the Link to the Course... www.learnandmaster.com/guitar/ . Today it is $99.00..That is a Steal! It comes with a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee......Try It, You will not be disappointed.

[@MelodyMaker]

Very impressive!

[@jaimegutierrez3180]

I am 30 years old and I thought I was too old to learn, but this encouraged me, thanks men

[@talljoe3359]

I always thought that you needed talent to be able to play guitar, but the fact is you don't. What you need is to practice. Your brain eventually remembers how to move your fingers quickly to change chords, (We incorrectly might call this 'muscle memory') My thumbs don't bend so although my grip is more difficult for the fretting hand even the more simple barre chords are possible. Started playing at 60, and after ten years can bash out plenty of tunes, can play lots of Shadows melodies, can finger pick the intro to Knopflers 'Romeo and Juliet' in standard tuning, (Knopfler uses open C tuning I believe), and lots more. I try to play every day. Age is no barrier to this wonderful instrument.

[@mariorossi7225]

It doesn't matter your age, the important thing is that you buy, and the more guitars you buy the better you will play ... believe me :-)

[@josephsantana3094]

It’s all relative to what you want to achieve. If you want to reach a high level of fame or even just make a comfortable living as a musician and you’re just starting at 40+ years old then things are not looking good for you. If you just want to do it for yourself for your own personal happiness and enjoyment of music then age does not matter at all.

[@bighutch73]

Great advice I started at 44, been two years now, jamming with friends and playing bass as well, never looked back and having loads of fun

[@patbrennan6572]

I wish that I was even a fraction as good on guitar when I was in my 20s as I am now. Albeit there are many many things that I could do ten times better when I was younger the reverse is true where guitar playing ability is involved.

[@tommaffett824]

Thank you for this video. I am 59 and played some when I was young but didn't play any for over 30 years. I picked up the bug again about 2.5 years ago and it has been a help to me as a mental release as well as helping me understand that we are never too old to learn.

[@pablo9364]

3 years of serious hard dedicated and effective practise could be better than 40 years of playing guitar

[@maryannmartin4067]

I am 75, have arthritis & am on my second lesson with an instructor. Your video was very encouraging for me. Thank you.

[@NenaLavonne]

Awesome video and I completely agree!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@robertpurdy4452]

I started three years ago at age 52. I’m loving life and can play better than I thought I ever would already. It’s my passion and the only things that makes me put one down are sleeping, showering, driving, and from hurting my hands due to just being old.

[@jmchessor]

I'm 68. I learned chords when I was a teenager but got busy raising a family and didn't pick up a guitar for several decades. I picked it back up at 64. I couldn't afford a good guitar when I was young. Now I have 7 guitars: an Ovation Balladeer, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Gibson ES335 studio, Gibson 1973 Heritage Custom, Fender American made Telecaster, Taylor 214ce-N, and tomorrow I'll be getting my Taylor 414ce-R Special Edition. It's a great hobby. BTW, I have watched several of your videos.

[@getenlightened]

I got a guitar at 15. Didn't have a book and never learned a chord. Sold it to a friend at 17. Got another guitar at 19. Learned some open chords, simple songs and a little picking. But playing drums was easier, with quicker gratification. Committed to learning guitar seriously around 30. Achieved intermediate level, wrote & recorded some songs. Had an accident. Put all instruments down for over a decade. Decided again to re-learn & committed to get beyond where I was when I quit previously. After a decade of no playing, I've been playing every day for six months. I play with different motivations now, but I'm more engaged and committed than ever. I'm having fun and progressing a long. I have a better fretboard understanding than I ever did before. I'm excited about where I'll be in another 6 months, a year, and beyond! Goal is to feel like I know the instrument well enough to consider myself an advanced guitar player. It's nice to feel like I can pick up licks WAY faster than I could just two months ago. Slow & steady growth.

[@74dartman13]

Wow! I felt like I was reading my own story! I played drums and occasionally picked up a guitar, as a young guy. It wasn't until I was 30 that I got serious about being a guitarist. I bought several and played regularly. Started jamming with friends, wrote and recorded some songs, and we were considering giving it a go at some local open mic nights. Then a bad cycle accident. Everything went down hill. Never thought of jamming with friends after that. Over the years I would have spurts of playing with many months of doing nothing musical. I'm almost 60 now, disabled and suffering from arthritis. I've finally began to be serious about playing, again. I pick a guitar up every day and I love it! I may never play as a professional, but I have a lot of fun. That's all that matters!👍😎🎸🎶

[@johnterry8958]

I started playing guitar in my teens, never had lessons, just learned by doing and by listening and reading. I got to about an intermediate level and stalled out there, with a pretty narrow repertoire of songs and stuff. I forgot songs about as fast as I learned them. I've had acoustic guitars all my life, but due to my guitar playing ability getting stale and not making any progress, and me being busy, my guitar has sat in its case for many months, untouched. I always wanted an electric guitar, so about three weeks ago, at age 69, I bought a Gretsch G2622 and a small amp. I've played it almost every day since, and have started to seriously work on getting better. I'm having lots of fun with it but annoying my wife. Good thing she's patient.

[@AlamoMusic]

Well we are super glad you got back into it!

[@tuco8734]

Thanks for the encouragement . I’m 59 years old and started about 9 years ago . I’ve become pretty good at it and can play a large variety of songs . I experiment a lot and make up some chord progressions with fillers and leads , mostly Blues. I have acquired 5 electric and 5 acoustic guitars . Most recently purchased a Martin HD28V, heck of a guitar . My favorite is my Gibson Les Paul standard . Thanks again and good luck to everyone .

[@stephanebrunet7600]

You are never too old, if you can move you can play, does it mean you will be a virtuoso probably not but guitar is like anything else in life, you have to enjoy the journey and just have fun!

[@JohnDAvery-tf4td]

Playing guitar is the gift that keeps on giving. I've been playing for 53 years and was a full-time professional multi-instrumentalist for 32 of them until osteo-arthritis in my fingers forced me to retire. Nonetheless, I still work at getting better at my first love, the guitar. I'm still learning this beautiful instrument and, perhaps even more important at this stage of my life, I'm doing it solely for my own enjoyment, not because I have to. I might not be as nimble as I once was, but I'm a better musician now than when I retired. And playing guitar is still a great way to pick up chicks! Just kidding. That's *never* worked for me.

[@marionsiempre7417]

Best video I’ve seen since i last picked up a guitar over 46 years ago. I’m 56 and this guitar (my son bought me 2 weeks ago) has taken my heart fully! Fear of being too old was fogging my new found love yet this video just gave me the strength, the determination and the hope I needed to move ahead. Thank you!!!!!

[@battlegnome7.625]

Thank you for your words of encouragement! Just turned 50 and started learning to play guitar! Taking lessons and finally making progress and improving!

[@stephenleverich7659]

Your honesty is appreciated. I already figured what you said was to be something I'll need to deal with but I just ordered my first guitar. Thanks

[@joibjalla]

I always wanted to learn and went for it last September at the age of 43. I love it! I recommend going for it. Spend an hour a day playing instead of getting stuck on youtube lol 😄

[@andrewptob]

KZbin is a great resource for learning. I wish it had been around when I first started playing years ago. Great channels for learning are Marty Music, Sean Daniel, Stitch Method, James James, and Active Melody, among others

[@joibjalla]

@@andrewptob I know, I agree. The part of my comment about youtube was a joke 😉. I have learned a lot on here too 👍🎸🎶🎤

[@andrewptob]

Jóhannes Bjarki Sigurðsson Oh, yeah, lol. I read your KZbin comment more as just scrolling through endless random videos, as we all do. But, cheers, glad you’re enjoying guitar! It’s the best hobby there is imo

[@pablo9364]

Jóhannes Bjarki Sigurðsson exactly I spend too much time watching you tube. One hour is easy to find

[@gilb8072]

Great video. You were able to explain what I think and feel as I turn 65 and want to go back to learning piano and guitar......was torture when I was a young teenager but now I understand about goals and expectations. You are so right about getting a decent instrument, nothing is more of a rurn off than regret about the purchase or trying to get a decent sound out of a 2x4. I will show this to my wife and she will understand that I am not turning into a stupid old man. The brain is a muscle, exercise it!

[@nicolen.9642]

I started 4 years ago; I'm 59 now. I play/practice my own 12 bar blues (hard work). I play folk songs. I keep learning. I'll probably always be a beginner in some areas of my playing... Cheers!

[@dp8454]

Thanks for this. Up to now, I’ve never been able to sit in one place for long enough to do something like this. Now I’m 66 retired and slowing down a bit. For some reason , lately I’ve become incredibly sensitive to music, art, and creativity. I am constantly craving to make things. I’ve also become more interested in very accessible activities (with no driving needed).The other day I noticed this really nice guitar we bought my son for Christmas about ten years ago. It was forgotten and hung on his wall neglected and covered with dust. He dabbled at it for a little while but he went right back to video games. I just feel compelled to try, I no reason not to and sounds perfect for me right now where I am in life. It’s really encouraging to hear about others thinking the same. If nothing else I would love to play something beautiful for my wife someday.

[@Leepal1969]

This is an inspirational video. I learnt guitar basics at age 30 but didn't really get much beyond beginner stage. Now at age 50 I've been taking it more seriously and practising much more for about the last year, I'm always thinking about what to learn next...and what guitar might be my next purchase! It's a great hobby.

[@dbarnes3079]

I’m 55 and started learning to play a month ago. It’s so much fun and really enjoyable. Some parts are harder than other and I’m not buying that one way bus ticket to Nashville but I find the challenging parts fulfilling one I learn them.

[@okiecowpokey]

I'm 70 45yrs ago my left hand was crushed in a motorcycle accident & they had to amputate my little finger to the top joint just below the nail. At the time I owned 2 les Paul's & a strat I put the guitars away figuring I'd never be able to play again. Well I'm now going to relearn. I found a prosthesis for the finger & I'm learning. It's painful but I'm gonna win.

[@tangents6299]

Fantastic!

[@thongamchan775]

Hi Chris, I am again here to pass my recollection in my mind just july 2018 when I started playing again after 28 years of no guitar play. I left playing guitar on the ground that I have to move here and there in my job postings . Once I become more relaxed in my retiring job with 54 years of age in 2018, suddenly I felt the passion of playing again acoustic guitar and relax myself as well as having a lot of fun with my old friends whom most of them still reminds me for my old flamboyant style with playing guitar in the college days. In the year 1988 - 91 I was just managing to sing a song and played on it by knowing how to strum along with the chords from some experts in the western music's and there was no internet access to learn much deeper well like today where I learnt all the scales in the last 2 years and I am quite happy that my fingers are as agile as the well established guitarist . Also available for a lot guidance and tons of online courses these days with 4G speed internet access. But I agree with you that it was a slow learning process as I have gone through , breaking many walls from time to time as I progressed but it was not an instantly noticeable myself. Now, when I run all the blues scales 5 positions across the fretboard, I am happy with my lightening speed and everything is achievable irrespective of my age 56 years now. But what I all achieved , is at the expense of what I focussed in breaking the barriers of learning from one stage to others. I suffered a lot of pain in my fingers in the first 6 months , then developing De quervain's Tenosynovitis in my left hand which gradually went off at the end of one year and with that I was used to raise my left hand in a much higher position so as not to flex my left wrist. These days , problems are never ending as I feel stiffness on my left fingers when I wake up in the morning and I am used to warming it up with hot water for 3 to 4 minutes before it becomes alright. So, I just wanna say that there is going to be some issues cropping up from time to time as we go on playing in an intensive manner setting some target goals nonetheless it won't be happening to some who just casually for time past in my age. I hope that my experience would make somebody confident in the line of guitar learning process with my age category with serious try.

[@AlamoMusic]

Thanks for sharing! Thats awesome that you started again!

[@timsanderson5572]

I’m 52. Been playing guitar for years since I was a kid but I also work as an electrician and there are days where my fingers hurt too much to play my guitars. So last summer during the pandemic I bought a drum kit as an alternate instrument to play sometimes when I I am sore. I am no John Bonham but I’ve definitely picked up some chops in the last year on the drums. I put on KZbin in my garage and play along with whatever is on. Never too late for any instrument.

[@williammartin6520]

I played guitar a little I was 15 years old. It wasn't anything that I was forced to do. I made the decision on my own because it looked like a lot of fun. Nevertheless, I got frustrated by my slow progress, and quit after about 6 months. My progress was slow partly because I hardly ever practiced in any meaningful way. Now, at 32, I've picked it up again. Progress is still slow, but I love to practice, and I can't imagine ever quitting again. My expectations now are much more realistic, and I've learned to appreciate and enjoy the process. This is just a long way of saying that I think there can actually be some advantages to learning guitar as an adult.

[@napoleonblownapart8155]

In pretty much the same boat. Got an electric guitar at the age of 20, quit for years because of slow progress, started dusting it off about 4 months ago. I'm 30 btw

[@liggins2458]

I'm 57 , bought an acoustic, but became depressed as my index finger left hand is half seized after an infection. So selling it. However.....not giving up. Bought a Fender Strat , a Boss Katana MK2 50w amp. My first go today. I can make amazing sounds. Got a chord helper strapped on to the neck and can nearly do it with bad finger. I'm not giving up. Two hours today . With that amp you can make fab sounds even before you learn to play. An acoustic, in my opinion is a waste of time if in my situation. Get a fender , or squire Strat , a Boss amp , and make a racket , learn , love it!

[@vjdrive1230]

Hi! I'm 59 and just started..again. 4th time in my lifetime. I had quit the acoustic after my first lesson. My fingers are too short to avoid massive pain. My little strat I bought yesterday is perfect size. I don't have an Amp yet but it's fine. I can hear it to practice with. I wish more people realize how big those acoustics are and get shown the magic of electrics. Good luck, you got this!!!

[@MelodyMaker]

I got serious about guitar in 2016 at the age of 52. I bought books, memorized scales, and utilized online resources. Held myself accountable by sharing progress on my channel. Chris...you are one of many sources of inspiration.

[@rockydaleo6998]

Hi Chris, I started a year ago at 70 years old. I’m a lefty, arthritis, and I’ve been in a bad accident that I should have had surgery on my hands but couldn’t afford it. Nevertheless I’m very happy at my progress. Somethings I can’t do such as bare chords but I work around it. Bottom line is I’m having fun. Always like to listen to you!!

[@jessebarrera159]

I have been playing guitar for 50yrs and now suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, it’s harder to play but I still enjoy playing, great video thanks.

[@twisties12345]

yes sir! good advice. i played drums for yrs as a kid and teen full disclosure but I started playing bass at 50, guitar at 51. over last 4 or 5 yrs i have been taking lessons , practicing on my own. Now I play with many different people . I have and do occasionally play live both bass and guitar at bars, bbq's festivals ... even some recoding and lots jam sessions. I am in bands I even get paid occasionally. its true everything you said! the only thing stopping you is you if your physically capable . its not competition its a road, how far along the road you are is entirely up to you !! if your on fence do it, you wont be sorry.

[@MrDjkdave]

Just started @ 62. What you say is certainly true. Not that rewiring neural pathways is not challenging but it's fun. It's just that I'm always scheming now about how I can come into possession of that lovely rig on your lap and all the others as well. It's great fun.

[@sauravgupta7415]

Trust me, I started in August, 2019 and was able to play nearly all Open/Bar chords in 1.5 months and all the songs smoothly in about 3 months. Today I am able to record and drown into my own world while playing and singing... I am 26.

[@AlamoMusic]

That's awesome!

[@amirkhalid5449]

I went online to buy my first guitar, a Squier Affinity Tele, at 56. Two years on I have a few more budget-priced guitars too, and an amp which is much more than I need but sounds satisfying as heck -- a Fender Champion 100. I'm a southpaw learning to play righthanded. Right now I'm done getting new gear but I'm enjoying the instrument more than ever.

[@gwilliams5905]

Another lefty here learning to play right handed in my 50s.

[@risingson74]

50 here, just started about 6-7 months ago and I'm just now starting to see some real progress and its super encouraging and inspires me to keep going. Yes, I'm not going that fast, I have trouble with hands that aren't that flexible anymore, I have a bent ring finger from a past break that makes it really hard to fret properly, but I'm determined to figure it all out. Its actually really fun (and frustrating), but it gives me something to do in my spare time and I'm learning something new every day which is pretty cool.

[@JohnEavis-bp8oc]

A very inspiring film clip. I’m 69 and was thinking I’m too old to learn to play the guitar. Well I’ve just bought myself a Yamaha Revstar and I’m loving every minute of stretching myself. Wish I’d done it before.

[@GOOD_PRACTICE]

Just want to say thank you for all of the valuable information and encouragement you provide through this channel.

[@noelsansal9790]

I am 47 years old, and I started to play guitar three months ago, and I have learned to be a good rhythm player. At least, I think I am. I do not if it's the same thing. 😄 I can play most chords; I can find notes on the fretboard, I can keep the rhythm and even sing along some time (if the song is easy and I know it quite well). True, I used to play a little when I was 16, so there is probably some muscle memory left. Scales are still a little hard, and my fingers are stiff, but I am dedicated and enthusiastic, and I love every moment with my Martin guitar. So there's hope for anyone for sure. ✌️😊

[@dallascao]

That is amazing. You have achieved something in three months that I am still working on for last 20 years:-)

[@congerscott6064]

Thanks for the encouraging words, im 59 and going to give a try, thank you 👍.

[@samdemello6103]

Yes ! Great words there Chris... I love music, and wished i could learn to play an instrument all my life.. Tired piano, drums, sax, but never strings in my younger years. So as time went on , it wasn't until a listen to a Ukulele being played , that it struck a chord in me !!! Play on words ; I got really interested in the Uke, and doing research on it. So i said to myself, it's only 4 stings and by watching the wonderful tutorial in KZbin , that i decided to give it a go again.. So long story short if i can , and bring you up to speed.. Last year in January i turned 71, 2018.. Did the research as far back to the 1800 to what as known as the Diddley one string. So i found some wood a built one.. From there i built 2 strings and 3 string and now 4 strings too. All by hand , no power tools at all. Well i do have a cordless drill. Lol I confess I've been doing carpentry for many years .. So in a year and a half i can play about 10 song on the 4 Strings . the 3 string a few. Last but not least, I've built 14 Cigar box guitar... So add that to the list of can do attitude. Thank for that great video and i hope my story will inspire other to follow there dreams....🎸🎶

[@adamreid5648]

I started playing guitar one year ago at 67 and think it’s brilliant and great way to keep the brain active

[@danieltaylor4819]

That's great. I'm 64 and just got a guitar about a month ago . I've been trying to play a little every day. It's not easy remembering the chords and finger positions and I feel discouraged at times but it's inspiring seeing all the comments on here. Hopefully I can stick with it and learn to play eventually.

[@brianlouishaddock4551]

I was left an electric guitar as a parting gift from a friend when he died , I never dreamed it, the only time I had a guitar was when skiffle was around, we just mashed it all together , just strummed like mad ,next to the washboard , tea chest base, drums and a tambourine plus. a waffle board, it sounded like heaven to us.now I am 78, I will have one more go at it ,with a bit of fun to learning but on the acoustic guitar I don’t want to up set any one,

[@Mikey-wg2xu]

I’m 61....a year ago I decided to devote some steady time to the instrument. I realized I was wasting a bunch if time with nothing to show for it so I eliminated a few wasteful habits and used that time to do something on the guitar every day. Maybe 15 minutes, maybe two hours or more on the weekend. Plus KZbin is a fantastic teaching platform for guitar so I have a good theory foundation. I am no stranger to guitar having owned at least one since a teenager but I never progressed. Played some chords, took a few lessons, etc so I had a base of familiarity, could even play a few licks by rote. After a solid year I am really enjoying this. I can improvise, I can recognize keys pretty fast, I learn licks way faster now because I understand theory and my skills are just plain better, I have a dozen or so classic rock songs that I can play on the acoustic well enough that I think would be pleasing to most (Little Wing, Angie, Stairway, Hey Joe, Over the Hills and Far Away, Wish you were here, Life by the Drop, etc). Today I played along with BB King and Eric Clapton with a simple pentatonic scale...quite easy but a year ago not so much. There have been a couple of occasions where I actually teared up because I was able to play over a backing track and actually sounded downright good. I am not ready to go on tour but I am making music, music that I love. My advice is to do it...do it today if you are thinking about picking up the guitar.

[@Clearaeyes]

I haven’t played the guitar yet but I was having doubts if I’ll even be good enough and these comments honestly make me happy :) because it doesn’t matter how good I am it matter how it makes us feel

[@dockins]

I turn 58 next month and just started this year. I really enjoy it. Not sure if I will ever be any good but for me it is something I look forward to each day.

[@hankellis2730]

I'm the kid who flunked junior high tuba. Although I have a love for music my entire life I never thought I'd learn to play an instrument. At age 61 I picked up the guitar and gave playing an instrument another shot. Glad I did.

[@ron88303]

I'm 66; been playing since I was 17. I'm still learning, and plan to keep on learning until I can no longer hold a guitar. And some advice for you youngsters: whatever spare time you have . . . PLAY!!! (the guitar, of course)

[@kevinbailey5844]

I played when I was in my 20s, but when I got married, I put it away for 40 yrs until I retired. I started playing again at 68 and I started playing along with backing tracks on youtube and in the last 2 years I've become a much better player than I ever was before. So by all means start playing TODAY

[@nikrzmn.i3789]

Yes.. same here. After my retirement, I am 63. I pick up my guitar again and try to learn Travis picking. It is very challenging for older people like us but it is good to keep our brain busy.

[@richardeggleston959]

I'm old and appreciate the encouragement!

[@hunpisi8829]

I never had chance to learn music. My parents had no money for music teacher or music school I started to learn drums when I was 21 by myself when I was 30 started to learn guitar by myself. Now I'm 34. Not professional player but I can play almost any songs. If you are motivated never too late

[@dwaynecooper3787]

Thank you for this video I am 51 years old and have wanted to play guitar since I was a kid . I have my 1st lesson this Friday and have been nervous thinking I'm to old . This video eased my mind thank you I tend to over think things a lot .

[@garyroach2000]

I'm retired and decided a few years ago to learn to play guitar. I pick it up and play around with it from time to time. But, if I never learn to play Stairway to Heaven, that's ok. I do it for fun of it. Not as some goal I have to reach. But, that's just me.

[@auntjenifer7774]

If you have a PC computer or an Xbox or a PlayStation 3 you can hook your guitar up to Rocksmith and learn a lot of cords and stuff that way.

[@garyroach2000]

@@auntjenifer7774 Thanks for the suggestion. I tried Rocksmith, but it didn't work for me.

[@howardharaway2259]

I have a different situation. I'm 59. I have had a GEEE-TAR in my life since I was 18. I did not take it serious cuz I did not put in the time.As I got older, I learned how to play all the easier chords and some a little more difficult. I could switch from one chord to another pretty fluently and pretty cleanly. My big excuse for not getting better was my fat, chubby fingers. My fret fingers had what looked like BIG Bi-Cep muscles on each joint.This really got in my way of progressing. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FRUSTRATING cuz I really wanted to learn how to play.. NOT to be in a band but for myself. I will say the music that REALLY helped me along was A "Easy to play Guitar " The Eagles Greatest Hits. I spent ALOT of time noodling with the songs that had easier finger positioning chords. Tequila Sunrise I got pretty good at. When I was not Progressing enough I got frustrated and put the guitar down for many years. One day I got the urge to try playing again. So I bought a new Acoustic. A $500. Takamine. It was ok. Alot better then the cheap Yamaha I had in the past. So I started practicing. Doing ok but I was NOT happy with this guitars sound and action. I took it to Guitar Center where I brought it to work on .They Adjusted the torsion rod in the neck to lower the action. While it was in their shop, I walked into the "PREMIUM ACOUSTIC GUITAR " booth. MARTINS, GIBSONS, TAYLORS,FENDERS AND MANY OTHER HIGH END ACOUSTICS. I TRIED THEM ALL THAT WERE IN MY PRICE RANGE AND HAD A GOOD FEEL, AND SOUND. I COULD NOT AFFORD A MARTIN I REALLY WANTED.MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I SETTLED FOR A $1000. BREEDLOVE ACOUSTIC. THE DAMN THING HAD REALLY LOW ACTION, AND SOUNDED BEAUTIFUL. IT REALLY DID. FOR $1000. IT WAS THEE BEST GUITAR THERE. THAT WAS OVER 15 YEARS AGO. I STILL THINK I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. ANYWAY , I AM JUST NOW STARTING NOODLING WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL INSTRUMENT AGAIN AND WANT TO REALLY LEARN AND GET PAST THE WALL THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN MY WAY. NO .....I DONT WANT TO JOIN A BAND AT 60.....I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY SONGS WITH EASIER CHORDS FROM BEGINNING TO END. I WANT TO GET TO A POINT WHERE I CAN WRITE MY OWN LYRICS, AND BASIC MELODIES AND PLAY THEM TO A POINT WHERE I CAN RECORD TRACKS WITH 2 GUITARS, BASS, MAYBE A KEYBOARD WITH EASY CHORDS AND A DRUM MACHINE. I HAVE A TASCO 8 TRACK DIGITAL RECORDER, AS WELL AS A ACOUSTIC BASS, $500. FENDER ELECTRIC, ROLAND KEYBOARD. I WANT TO RECORD A COMPLETE SONG I WOULD WRITE ( BEFORE I KICK THE BUCKET ). I'M NOT EXPECTING TO WRITE AND PLAY SOMETHING COMPLICATED. BUT I ALSO WANT A SONG MORE COMPLICATED THEN MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB 🐑 . IF YOU ARE STILL READING MY COMMENTS BY NOW.... GOD BLESS YOU LOL . ANY SUGGESTIONS. LOOK, OBVIOUSLY, I AM LEAVING OUT ALOT OF DETAILS TO KEEP MY ALREADY LONG COMMENT SHORTER AND SOMEWHAT PITHY. PLUS, MY COMMENTS DID NOT GIVE ANY GUITAR TEACHER READING THIS SOMETHING TO WORK WITH. SORRY. ONE LAST QUESTION. CAN A PERSON WITH FAT FINGERS ( NOT STUBBY) OVERCOME THE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT CHALLENGES PLAYING GUITAR WELL ENOUGH ? THANKS SO MUCH FOR HANGING IN THERE , IT WAS RUFF ! LOL

[@skintslots]

Try turning off that Caps Lock button! 😄

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Beautiful Les Paul...My favorite color...along with Lemon Burst and white...

[@anthonylakatos1043]

I picked up a guitar for the first time 2 years ago at the age of 58 I am a child of the 70's and always wanted too play guitar life go's by faster then you think! One day your 16 the next your 60.with that said is guitar hard to learn hell yeah it is but that's what makes it so great! You never stop learning it's a slow and sometimes very frustrating but as time go's buy and you see your self getting a little better as the week's go buy and you start understanding how this instrument works you'll just fall in love with it. Just remember music is life🎸

[@deborahfranks5]

I am 68 too and have had my step dads guitar sitting in my room. I no longer take care of anyone and am wanting since to play since I was a teen. Glad I found you. Just want to do it for me and help some pain in my fingers and cognitive. I and you are speaking what I know about placidity. AMEN!