When Should You Quit Guitar?

[@cfladrow]

I’m 70 yrs old, I’ve played guitar since I was about 14 yrs old. My playing pretty much sucks and the thought of quitting has never entered my mind, it has brought too much joy in my life to ever quit.

[@davidcelliott]

I know what you mean, though I bet neither of us really sucks. We're just wise enough to know we can do better if we want to.

[@22CranialRadio]

Keep rocking, man!

[@comajoebuck999]

❤

[@rogertinker1813]

My guitar I'd my go to it evens my emotions and stress, much joy I agree

[@3Torts]

Never quit. Never surrender!

[@Runner2000]

Facts. The joy is in the journey. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Play just for the joy of it. When I was in a band and had to go to practice every night for three hours, it became like a job and all the joy went out of it. I laid it down. 30 years later, I’m excited to play again just for me.

[@qua7771]

I've always like the sound, and look of the equipment. I can get lost in working on technique for hours. I'm a tone chaser. It's better to get inspired by other players, than to compare yourself to them for sure.

[@Runner2000]

@@qua7771 Me too! Experimenting with sounds is where I’m at now. I’m happy just doing scales with my Volume, DS-1 WAZA and Fender Reflecting Pool pedals. I can get lost for hours in it. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt. That’s so true.

[@qua7771]

@@Runner2000 I think with any skill, people should only compete with their former self. That kind of insures progress rather than defeat. I believe practice will get a player much farther than natural talent ever will, and it's important how that time is spent. I may not be in the mood for practice, but I may be in the mood to plan my next session to make that time effective. If noodling, try something different each time instead of the same old default riff.

[@Runner2000]

@@qua7771 Great advice. Thanks!

[@qua7771]

@@Runner2000 I was just adding to your original comment, but it was advice that I had followed that worked out well. Another thing is to play along with something that provides a tempo. Some say to use a metronome, but I use my keyboards drum accompaniments until learned it to the point I can play along with a song. It's a process.

[@dangolguitartech]

I’m 52 years old, have lost my eyesight and have nerve damage in my left hand and arm. Due to losing my eyesight changing my financial situation, I’ve had to sell all of my guitars except for two. I never have time to practice anymore because I have too much family stuff going on it seems… and when I do pick one up at seem to play the same old things. I haven’t quit yet.

[@rakentrail]

Mike, it's not what you play that matters. If playing Freebird still brings you joy then play it! Just play it as well as Mike can play it. It's like the old joke about the girl who sees you naked and says, "who you gonna please with that"???? The correct answer is "ME"!

[@michaelrosa2589]

Fellas I will be 69 tomorrow I started 3yrs ago at 66 I practice every day and still love it to death. Nothing I have done makes me more happy than playing guitar. I will not stop playing as it means so much to me.I have a fantastic teacher which help greatly he is a fine player and can flat play. Thanks you guys for the encouragement. It's a journey. You have helped me with that journey.

[@Datimdavis2900]

Happy early birthday

[@michaelrosa2589]

@@Datimdavis2900 Thank you very much Tim!

[@mars6433]

There's only 12 notes in the entire musical scale. After 40 years, ya' think I would have learned them all by now.

[@manchicheng23]

But with so many scales, chords, and modes. Its hard to master.

[@qua7771]

Those 12 notes make for limitless combinations.

[@JiminTennessee]

12 notes x 6 strings x 22 frets …. that’s quite a math problem :)

[@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185]

Don’t be a fool. There’s only the e minor blues scale and occasionally a minor blues scale.

[@jamesrogers2963]

@@rheinhardtgrafvonthiesenha8185 for me it is "a"...

[@treadhead1945]

For me, the frustration is part of the joy. I picked up bass at the age of 50. It was always something I wanted to do, and when the pandemic came I jumped and bought a Squire combo. I learned, upgraded to a Fender Pro Jazz, started lessons, got into a band, and kept moving. I had to quit the lessons and band for reasons, but I still continue to play at least 15 minutes a day.

[@NightOwlTX]

Nice 🤘

[@smelltheglove2038]

I learned guitar as a kid, my whole family plays music. My old man is really good, same with my brother. I was in bands as a teenager, but then I put it down in my twenties, got real into parties and everything that came with that. Got cleaned up about eight years ago, I’m 40 now. I started to play again about six years ago. I’m so much better now than I was back then. Somehow I learned the theory part this second go around. It just clicked in a way it never did as a kid. Anyway, it’s an awesome hobby, and now I have the money to do the collecting and buy the do-dads I couldn’t before. Now if only I could meet a couple other musicians my age and go out and play for our wives and kids at a gig that starts at noon, lol.

[@jamesrogers2963]

@@smelltheglove2038 I like the "starts at noon" idea...

[@smelltheglove2038]

@@jamesrogers2963 yup. And you still have half the afternoon to run errands!

[@Suspect333]

It hurts and my hands no matter how much I want them won't do what I want.

[@22CranialRadio]

This is an interesting topic. I had a quite difficult time between my first and third year of playing. Something clicked my third year, it just opened up. I don’t remember ever wanting to quit…it was never even an option. Now, I battle Parkinson’s and I still don’t quit. What can I say…it’s personality. 😊

[@3Torts]

💎

[@colinjackson3662]

In addition to my other comment about not quitting , I had a stroke a few years back and adjusting my playing kept me going. So yeah personality, character and determination are so important. It also opened up my mind to new ways of achieving things, so even though I'm not as technically proficient, I am better in my musical knowledge and understanding. Never give up, just readjust your goals if you get stuck🙂

[@csnide6702]

hang in there , Lil' Jack !

[@williamhawkins69]

You are an inspiration

[@22CranialRadio]

@@csnide6702 thank you! I’m rockin it as long as possible!

[@dgambrel9241]

I enjoy playing guitar, been playing 20 years, still not very good. My brother started way later than me and is phenomenal. He played at the opera and toured for a while at 14, he no longer enjoyed it and quit, barely plays and is still better than I’ll ever be. That’s fine with me, it’s for me. Everything you said was 100%

[@awesomeisasawesomedoesyo182]

Hi guys! I am a 74 year old newbie. Started on January 20 of 2023. Playing 2-3 hours daily and loving it. Learning on acoustic. My near term goal is to buy a fender Nashville tele when I have 500 hours under my belt. Contingent of course on my not going belly up first Lol.

[@cjplx]

Hey how is it going?

[@doneriksen5599]

I'm 66 and never felt like quitting. Due to having children and work being so intense and exhausting (I worked in IT) I have taken breaks from time to time. I retired 6 months ago and am back at it. To give myself some extra motivation I bought a Martin 000-15M and a Martin D-18. I'm loving having all this free time to play.

[@TommySG1]

I retired at the end of 21’ myself too and also picked up two Martins, a 000~15SM just recently and also a GPC-28E which they stopped building, both play beautifully. I also got into building some electric guitars and painting them as well, all fun hobbies with all this great extra time now, enjoy your retirement 👍

[@glenbateman5960]

A dangerous health condition forced me into retirement in 2009. I started learning guitar in 1975. Started a family in '79, and all those years of 12+ hour days and responsibilities at home really made it impossible to practice the way I should. Decades of Cowboy Chords ensued. Retirement has been the best thing that ever happened to my guitar playing. I'm finally able to tackle my "I want to learn to play that one day" list. I'm 62, now, and there's no way I'm going to be quitting the guitar until I'm too old to remember where I put it.

[@MattSwain1]

I think a lot quitting comes from having unrealistic expectations about what you can achieve and how long it will take, especially if you’re fitting learning around a full time job and/or family commitments. Maybe better to scale back your goals than to quit. Also occasionally take a look back at what you have achieved rather than always looking at what you can’t do.

[@mikedr1549]

This is it! It's far too easy to watch people on KZbin rip it up and think that you're just not cut out for it. Best to not compare yourself with anyone and enjoy what you *can* play.

[@cc5053]

Bravo, and very well put. I came up and gigged from the mid 80's to early 90's when the pressure to be a shredder was heavy. I stopped playing at one point because there were things I wanted to play but just couldn't. Out of frustration I put the guitar away for a long time. I eventually realized I was just robbing myself of the enjoyment of what I could play. I play quite often now, but balanced with family and work obligations. Now, nearly 40 years later, I find it funny that I enjoy playing things like Hendrix and Pink Floyd tunes, which I absolutely love, but almost quit back in the day because I couldn't figure out some random thrash solo from band whose name I no longer remember.

[@renmusical]

I think lack of patience is another thing that adds to unrealistic expections. Some people don't realize that you have to take your time with this and it may not be easy for them to do so (family, job, school, etc.). Also, the drive and desire to do so. Whether you want to be a musician or a hobbyist, you have to have some humility and a desire to keep learning no matter how it takes.

[@qua7771]

You have to enjoy the practice sessions, not just the concept of being able to play, though there should be a goal in mind. If people are unrealistic about their playing, and noodle instead of having planned practice, then they shouldn't expect much.

[@TommySG1]

Great comment Matt, so true man. Too many of us ( myself included seek instant gratitude at times heh… ) fall down this path, one thing that’s worked for me is trying another good lesson and mix it up a bit. Do some theory and then maybe learn a song to break things up, then return to whatever stumped you… seems to work for me at least.

[@MattyH3839]

"It's ok for me to enjoy what I can do" is such an important thing for me to remember. Good video y'all.

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

When it ain't fun, I'm done... I've been playing for about 40 years. I've taken a few breaks over that time, but I've always had at least one guitar around. I always come back. Happy Tuesday, y'all 🙏🏻🤘

[@miniguitarjams]

I gave up for over 15 years. I found my guitar when we were packing the house to move out. Played a riff and haven't stopped. Hope I never quit again

[@tonepilot]

I started at 50. Most fun I've ever had. Didn't put any pressure on myself but signed up for an on-line beginner course which helped. I do wish I'd started younger but now I can play a lot of tunes that I loved when I was younger. Never imagined I could ever sound like my favourite bands but I'm getting to the point where I feel I can learn pretty much anything from the rock genre.

[@mikewendeln5218]

I started at 63, a little over 2 years ago. I have made progress, but I still suck. I like to play every day. If I didn’t love it I would of quit. Had high expectations, but have tempered them. Nice to hear others are having same experiences.

[@mikewendeln5218]

Man, thought was the only one. Your story same as mine.

[@joeporter4616]

When I get to a place where I am stuck, my talent isn't enough for me to move forward. A couple of weeks or months later, what I was trying to play suddenly becomes easy. I'm not playing for anyone but myself, I have TBI due to military service. I play guitar to help rewire my brain and help my brain health. It's been a wonderful journey.

[@mikec6733]

I'm 61. Playing off and on, since 1973. Arthritis a slight issue. Played daily throughout Covid, then forced 6 month break, broken hand, now, finally free to go again. I have very "unrealistic" expectations. I wanna weave the entire soul of humanity into a never before achieved, transcendent state. Wish me luck !

[@jeffberg8015]

This is such a simple question, so it was answered early in the video. The rest of the video however was a nice affirmation that you can enjoy playing just for its own sake, without worrying about failing to reach goals that might be unobtainable. I realized long ago that I was never going to be very good, but still enjoy picking up the occasional new song and making some pleasing noises. That is reward enough for me to keep playing.

[@kcd2120]

I resemble this comment!

[@tonefish3825]

As an older beginner, I was only learning guitar for fun with no real expectations. Design your rig to be super easy to pick up. For me that is a Helix w/ monitors as my PC sound interface and guitars hanging right behind me, so I can plug in and play fast and easy. If it frustrates you, don't do it. Learn some single note songs. Learn the Major and Minor scales. Noodle all you want. Try a Barre chord or whatever chord is giving you trouble every day, but don't get hung up on not being able to pull it off cleanly. One day it will just happen.

[@adriennethegozerian4924]

I've realized with time that the most important thing for me, as a guitar player, is to enjoy this moment, right now. At 45, I'm not going to be a rock star anyway, even if I did suddenly turn into the new Randy Rhoads. It doesn't mean I'm not trying to be the best I can be. But if I was only in it for an unoptainable end result, then yes, I would probably have quit a long time ago. But I love playing my guitar, even if I'm not a guitar god and never will be. So I enjoy the journey itself, even if it doesn't really lead to anything "serious".

[@alfonz7863]

That includes 90% of us. We do it because it's fun, relaxing, and educational.

[@fumeokid]

The answer is…Never! Its like breathing air…it just has to be done! Sometimes when I’m in a rut I go Guitar window shopping! New gear always inspires me. Plus this show too. Your channel is one of my faves! 👍

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Interesting topic. One thing that strikes me as missing from this discussion is the social side of playing. I started playing in my teens and was surrounded by other players. We all played together constantly. I even had a friend that played drums, and for my whole high school life at my parents house his drums lived in the basement. We played together on and off for years, but those drums stayed there. More drummers than I can remember played those drums and more guitar/bass players than I can remember played in that basement room. Looking back, It was magical. Then, in my 20’s, I continued to jam with others, but the intensity of those early years never got fully recreated. While living in NYC in 1985, I was privileged to take guitar lessons from the late, and oh-so-great Emily Remler. I get teary just thinking about her. Among all the bits of musical wisdom imparted on me by Emily was the idea that you need to play with others or your playing will go no where. From the first lesson, she would say to me ‘we have to find you someone to play with’. Fortunately, she connected me with another one of her students. It was in those jam sessions where my musical journey really progressed, but more importantly, that was also where I experienced raw musical joy. That’s what keeps the train rolling. Joy. As I got older and went to graduate school and got a ‘real’ job, my time playing with others diminished to almost nothing. And so did the joy. Now, as I turn 60, I find myself playing by myself almost exclusively. And I can say with certainty that most (not all) of the raw joy is missing. Emily Remler was right, I need to find someone for me to play with. I think the rest of you do, too.

[@3Torts]

There is definitely something to this... The isolation of the digital generation

[@mikedr1549]

I quit for years - several times - mostly because life got busy. But also because I wasn't making the progress I *thought* I should be making. I've finally made a ton of progress in my 50's - glad I came back for more!

[@ChAdmiralAckbar]

I think “loosing the joy” should be taken real lightly….. Discipline has to be stronger than motivation. When your two years deep and trying to cross that barrier beyond intermediate, that part is not always going to be fun or pleasurable. Going over triads, scales, and CAGED after being in the office for 9 hours straight up effing blows sometimes. You have to be be able see the bigger picture. This goes beyond guitar. This is life Anything worth doing isn’t easy.

[@atonofspiders]

The hard work you put in ultimately turns into a collective joy when you look back on your hard work and don't regret a moment of it because of where you have gotten.

[@feldhdleh]

Fantastic comment!

[@ratwynd]

At 71 I am playing more and enjoying more than at any time. I made the mistake of putting my guitar in the closet when kids and career came and I did not have the time and energy to keep, much less improve skills. Retired and got it out again. Taking lessons, doing open mic's and having fun meeting people to play music with again. No pretentions and no ambitions other than to have fun and share music. Even if life makes you take a pause, don't quit your guitar. You will regret it later. I am working on learning what I should have years ago. It is still worth every moment spent.

[@dacvader2]

For the first time in a long time I finally can see I'm not alone in my struggles with my guitar playing journey. The past 3years I've been stuck in a rut, not even wanting to pick up my guitar, but wanting to pick it up at the same time(I know, it's an oxymoron). The past year I've been trying to search for how to get reinspired. This video gave me the inspiration for today! Thanks! If yall have any tips for getting reinspired I would absolutely love to watch a video on some!

[@stoneysdead689]

I stopped for 2 yrs. I started playing when I was just a kid, I literally don't remember starting- my dad played professionally, along with a coupl uncles and cousins who were also in the business, and just stuck one in my hands and let it develop naturally. He said showed me 3 chords- G, C, and D. And then he left me alone for about 7 years- my first song was Stairway to Heaven- which took a year for me to figure out. Anyway- fast forward many, many years later- after the 3rd band broke up and I lost a couple more friends to "the dream"- I got super fed up and quit. I took up competitive bass fishing- for 2 years I fished the state circuit and placed within the top 6 both years. But one day I picked up an acoustic someone asked me to tune for them- an hour later I was handing it back after having played a show in their living room basically. So- back at it again- that was 3 years ago now. This time it's just me and a home studio though- no one to fight with, no friends to lose if it blows up. And this time I took the time to really learn the gear I needed, get good stuff, and I'm blown away with what you can do by yourself now in a home studio- this is awesome. If you haven't gotten into home recording and using recording/editing software and plug ins- at least high-level looping- give it a go man- it will definitely recharge your batteries. If you don't want to go with a whole home studio thing- they make loopers now that will blow you away man- they're for street performers- one man shows. Good luck man, I know how you feel.

[@3Torts]

@@stoneysdead689 I'm doing the same with home recording. The equipment is so good now!

[@chriskitchen4772]

Reading all these comments, very inspirational. Heartwarming too. Thank - you for sharing, you are mighty. Bravo !!!

[@louism8217]

I've barely played in almost a decade, took it back up again, and still don't have much time, but man there's nothing so beautiful as a guitar, and nothing so guitar nerd like than seeing it in a beautiful case. Always loved playing, the journey and yes the struggle.

[@_rafael_b]

Another great subject guys! I've had times in my life where I've spent long periods of time not playing for various reasons. The last extended period had me questioning if I'll ever play again. Then I found inspiration again and next thing I knew, I would have the guitar in my hands for hours at a time if the day allowed. I came to the realization that I'll always be a player, even if nobody ever listened to me again. If you ask me, there's no such thing as the right time to quit. Not everyone is like that though. I suppose if the enjoyment is not there, then... Maybe some get discouraged because they will never be as good as (insert name here). That's unfortunate I think. I wish that I could reassure those people that along the way, they will meet or hear people that they will never be as good as. I know I have, and I was reminded of this again fairly recently when I discovered Kanami Tono. To those people I would say to just know that that's ok and that those people also feel the same way about others that they have heard or met. It's cool. Nobody has ever reached perfection, and nobody has ever beaten the guitar game in real life. Not Segovia or Montgomery, Les Paul, Hendrix, Beck, Vai, etc. The only person that I have ever heard of who actually thinks that he's perfect and the best is Yngwie Malmsteen, and he's wrong.

[@johnstillwell4353]

Thanks!

[@CasinoGuitars]

John you are the best my friend! Appreciate the love and support. Lunch for the boys today :)

[@mileswatkinson8135]

I've been playing around 36 years. I don't play as well as I'd like to, but I love every second of it, even when it's frustrating. It's led to other things, learning how to repair and maintain my guitars, learning how to solder and use a multimeter, reading about guitar history, models, and musicians, building kit guitars, playing mandolin, all these things came to me because I love the guitar. I'll never look back.

[@festushaggen2563]

I’ve played on and off for 30 years. I know I’m not very good and don’t have much talent for it but I still enjoy it and playing alone means I don’t have the pressure of sounding good to anyone else. Sometimes I accidentally make something that sounds pretty good too. I can live with that.

[@johnstillwell4353]

What a great video. I started playing guitar at age four and had to relearn two times because of injuries. One, a nerve injury that turned me from a working pro to a CPA for about 20 yrs but it finally healed up and then a little over 9 years ago an accident and emergency brain surgery left me unable to play. I started it back up, but it was tough and a tip from a friend ended up with me spending an afternoon with Pat Martino (RIP), one of the greatest jazz guitarists in history who had the same thing happen to him at the prime of his career. I learned a lot that day but the most important item was the answer to your question and he said "Never play guitar if you aren't having fun". Took me awhile, but I implemented that idea and it was like magic. 'Goals may have a place in music or other pursuits but if you aren't enjoying the process, you will probably not get where you want to be.

[@savethedandelions]

i've quit and sold my guitar stuff twice. in my 40s now and i won't quit again. i'm ok with how frustrating it can be and am fine with having the rest of my natural life to improve. there's no rush.

[@greybeardbass]

I picked up bass at the age of 57 with no musical background. Five years later I'm in rehearsals with a band that I started. I couldn't image not playing now. But I'm in it for the journey and the joy of making music. From that perspective I'd agree with you, because if I was in a group with someone who wasn't having fun I'd be looking for another group.

[@EclecticHillbilly]

I'd had a friend that played bass in bands years ago and when he quit a certain band I asked him why and he said, "I wasn't having fun playing with them, anymore". That pretty well sums it up.

[@thepennydrops.]

I think a real savior for my guitar playing is deciding to follow a solo finger picking style. It's great to have a reportoire of full sounding songs you can perform solo. That being said, i've been gigging since my 20's (im in my 40's now) and that pushes you to play as you've always got a show coming up. It's great to pass music on to my kids too, that also motivates me.

[@SteveHatzman]

I quit for 25 years and wish I didn’t. I got tired of dealing with people in bands I was in that totally discouraged me. I’ve picked it back up and the wealth of knowledge that is available now is amazing.

[@cgoebbert]

My former fiancé who is a multi medium artist (paints, sculpts, etc.) came to the realization that guitars are “functional pieces of art”. And owning multiple guitars and displaying them was on par with buying a nice painting or sculpture - except you can take them off the wall, create “new sonic art”, and then display them again for visual appreciation. She had a new, more soulful view of guitars after having that epiphany. 🙏🎸

[@andybasic1761]

Totally agree! I love looking at my guitars. My wife is not an artist so mine will never be on "display" in the main living part of the home but I always have 5 or 6 out in my home office or in our finished basement.

[@scravitz1958]

I started guitar in 1970 in the 6th grade. Played rock then folk then classical and finally chord melody style jazz. I’ve owned many many guitars and have forgotten more tunes then I remember. 15 years ago I started developing painful arthritis in my hands. Tried therapy and medication and nothing helped. After struggling to 5 years I sold all my equipment and instruments and haven’t touched an instrument since then. I love the guitar and still enjoy watching the amazing players I’ve seen on KZbin. I have a few videos on KZbin that remind me of the past but my body betrayed my intentions …what can you do? Encourage other people, listen to new music, enjoy the family and live ! Nice video gentlemen. Btw: 1st song Louie, Louie….last song Lady be Good

[@stacygraham1703]

Started at 57 yrs. am now retired at 60, the struggle is real. Real fun 😁😁🤟🏻

[@BasswipeNC]

I bought my first guitar at 15. Learned Smoke On The Water and basically put it away for years. Years later bought my wife and I two guitars and learned how to do crappy barre chords and progressed very little. I do have a pretty good ear so I could figure things out. It was not until 2006 or 2007 I got my Epi Les Paul set up and decided to take lessons. That’s when it hit me as something really crazy and fun. I mean I still suck as far as guitar players go but I’m a hell of a lot better than I used to be. But I developed a LOVE for guitars also. I bought what is supposed to be my last guitar from you guys. I think I may have inspired “buy the guitar for the guitar player you want to be” video. I can’t confirm that but I think so. ☺ I could be so much better but I realize I’m the guitarist that I’ve become by the time I’ve put into it. I’ll never be an on stage player and I’ve always known that. But I guess I just keep getting a little better each time I play. But both of my children are musicians and I know that is basically from my wife and I making them listen to music and having guitars around the house.

[@colinjackson3662]

I actually stopped for about 10 years in the mid 90s cos I was having too much fun travelling and messing about doing other stuff, but I never quit in my mind. And now I love it again, even though I'm not anyway near as proficient I think I get more pleasure from it now without the pressure of practicing hours on end everyday, plus I can still get local gigs. So my suggestion is if you've ever played you can stop but never say it's the end..... And the reason for all this was I moved to Germany (from England) and someone found out I used to play and when I tried again a well respected German musician said I had 'that British feel of the 60s/70s bluesrock'. Just saying you never know how/when/why you might be appreciated 😉

[@manupbritain5232]

If you have lost the joy its break time and time to consider what you need to do to achieve your goals. You can have any endgame in mind but none of that will come without practice and knowledge. I would say don't quit! But a break can really help sometimes. Putting the instrument down out of frustration means there is something you can't do. Maybe it's time to hit the books or lessons. Having a break from playing and learning more about music meant I could come back with new knowledge to apply to what I am playing. I am 35 and played since I was 11 but there have been breaks of weeks and months in between. Coming back I can feel less adept bit find in a few days I can play better. The hardest thing must be having to quit due to health conditions.

[@migrantfamily]

I seem to remember a quote from Dave Weckl along the lines of “When I was younger, I practiced to be the best drummer in the world. I don’t do that anymore.” You’re only ever going to be the best in the world at one thing - being you.

[@carlmcgregor2707]

I play to help with my mental health problems. Sometimes I play all day, sometime I dont play for a few months. I play to make me happy. I realised early I am not Slash, and thus I can't play like him... but I do play like me. If I am not playing, I am rebuilding pedal boards, changing pick ups on guitars... or just watching awesome YT videos. Its all about being happy, not being the best. Play for Joy.

[@MustangBasssman]

I love your channel guys. Your content and sincerity is infectious. Cheers

[@Lovell93]

I found the key to success was massive amounts of determination. I started playing at 13 years old when my aunt bought me my first MIA Fender Stratocaster Highway One. I'm 30 now, and I have continuously played every day since I was 13 and first started. I have worked super hard to get to the skill level I'm at today. I have practiced every day for the majority of my life for at least 4 hours a day. Nobody becomes a guitar god over night. It takes a lot of dedication, persistence, and belief in yourself that you can do it. We truly never "master" the guitar though. I learn something new every time I play. Just enjoy the journey and be content with what you're able to do! I love to shred, but shredding doesn't make you a great guitar player. Soul is what makes you a great guitar player. Edit: By the way, I was a Stratocaster only guy for the majority of my life. I recently tried a PRS for the first time and now play exclusively PRS lol. I still have my Strats and LP but they don't get much use these days since I bought a Custom 24.

[@andrewm478]

The greatest singular talent any guitarist can possess is a love of the game.

[@HSet77]

5-string banjo player at 18 years old. Bought my first electric guitar at 60. Set it up with 5 strings - and use banjo tunings. I enjoy it.

[@VisualWizard79]

Learning to play the guitar is a great metaphor for life. To achieve anything worthwhile and become good at something you need passion, discipline & persistence. It's a never ending commitment to improvement and enjoying the process just as much as the goals you have in mind. In today's world of instant gratification and impatience I find learning the guitar the perfect antidote to that mindset and it reminds me to stay humble and improve each day in all areas of life

[@gsbguitarsgsb679]

I’m so fully vested the thought of quitting has never entered my mind. Having some success with a couple different bands. It is still joyful and satisfying. The ups out weigh the downs for sure.

[@armandredman]

I will never quit , Im a 39 years old producer who wanted to be SRV or Hendrix 2.0 later I found my passion was in making really good songs not only making guitar songs so I change my style and now thanks to that idea I live making music

[@arrtdave]

4:25 I've been playing since I was 15/16....I'm now damn near 40....I wish I could play like my music heros but what my man says...."it's ok for me to enjoy what I can do". Speaks volumes...I enjoy writing and recording What. I. Do.

[@ericbush1279]

I started after the age of 20 while in graduate school to earn my doctorate, so very little free time but I’m about 3 years in and I’m finding more joy in the guitar than I ever have before! I’ve accepted that I have a lot of limitations and that I I’ll never be the virtuoso type, but my goals are to be able to express my emotions fluently with the guitar and I’m getting closer and closer to that with structured practice time.

[@Old_Sailor85]

Any idea what percentage of guitar players never "play out" or join a band, but just play at home for their own enjoyment? I'm in that group. Been playing on and off since 1976, lots of off. I maybe, maybe, achieved the prowess of an intermediate player back around 2010. Lost all my calluses and flexibility over the last year, so time to start over again.

[@ML-ii3we]

I accepted a long time ago that I’d never be better than a middling at best guitar player. But I’m one hell of a collector.

[@md6397]

My tribe as well.

[@supersoniq3506]

I’ve been playing 25+ years. I’m pretty average. I am not an ad libber or song writer. I learn songs I want to learn and enjoy playing whatever I’m currently into. Here’s the thing, I started playing just as a hobby and never cared how good I ever got. Honestly, I’m way better than I thought I could be. My fingers were so uncoordinated when I first started. But I stuck with it. Learned some scales, chords, keys, but I can’t say I really understand how it all fits together. But again, I like to learn to play others songs , licks, solos. In short I would never quit, but also know people would never pay to see me play. And I’m good with that!😁

[@danielcavazos5009]

I've been playing for 5 decades, I stopped for 1 year when I was in the service , that was 40 yrs ago, never stopped after that. I Love playing guitar, I'm semiretired and I look forward to cranking up the amp and plugging in. Life is short, enjoy the ride.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I've been playing for 40 years, and I don't think I ever had a specific goal, apart from just wanting to be able to play. My whole journey has been enjoyable.

[@TheBoboMaker]

After 25 yrs of playing I was injured and couldn't play for 7 yrs. I fortunately could still work and do most things, but guitar would cause me incredible pain. I missed so much and at some point believed I would never play again. I got better and have been playing again with reduced capabilities. I enjoy it so much, I concentrate on what I can do. Consequently in some ways I've become a better musician. Here's a trick, everyone has a phone. Record yourself at least once a week with your phone. Listen to it a day or two after on your way to work or whatever. Then go back a couple of months and listen to where you were then. You will be amazed. Keeping a record of progress can only help you. I have 900 recordings of myself started a year after I was able to play again. Even though I'll never be more than middling, I know I'm continually getting better.

[@dvsreed]

I'm not very good and occasionally play something that vaguely resembles music. I compare myself to other guitarists by height and at 6'1" I'm doing pretty well.

[@anthonypanneton923]

Quitting guitar is easy - I've done it half a dozen times. I could quit anytime if I wanted to. but I'm gonna wait until the time is right. I just don't want to do it right now because I just ordered another guitar (I promise - this will be the last one), and I need to wait until that one is delivered and I can check it out. Then I'll quit after that.

[@georgejasper8794]

I quit performing at 67 because of arthritis in my left hand - struggled through gigs and took long to recover. I still play occasionally and still love it. Having a reunion next weekend with my band from 1985 - I can play for a couple hours and that's it!

[@G-L-O-R-I-A]

I quit in 1982 after a year. Now I’ve been playing again for a couple of years and-barring unforeseen physical limitations-I’m never quitting again.

[@oldskoolz8509]

I’ve played on and off since I was 13 and I’m 52 now. Whenever I pick it back up it’s so much fun. Anytime I’ve quit or took a long break is from thinking “I should be better” or comparing myself to others. Putting pressure on yourself will make you quit.

[@DigitalChemistryBand]

Good Show, guys... when do you quit... I feel, as long as you can make that emotional connection with the instrument every time you pick it up, never... I've played 50 years, not going more than 3 days without playing... it brings joy to play it... began in 70', 10 years with an acoustic, learning everything I could, then another 40 in FT/PT coverbands of many genre, and along the way, as i learned to record and produce ,forays into original music... now, at 61, I've decided to go back to my roots as a lover of instrumental music, and lead an original instrumental trio... all I've learned is put to good use, but the stamina of playing 4 hours a night 5 days a week is long gone... that's a bummer, but that's "life"... we go until we can't... I wish you well... Play Every Day.

[@avenue6.554]

I started playing at 45. Just chords to accompany myself singing. Started gigging like that and had no further expectations. Now, less than 5 years in, I’m playing some simple solos live. Still no further expectations but who knows what’s next?

[@theyarethem247]

I love guitar but I always find it overwhelming to understand the fretboard and where any of the notes are and it was killing my wrists so I switched to keyboard piano and it's really clicking for me and I can always put on a guitar tone

[@guitarmore]

If the joy is gone, don't abandon the journey, find another road. That can be taking a break, changing what you're trying to accomplish, hanging with friends who play, etc. Attitude determines altitude, as the saying goes.

[@johnf.r6658]

Bukowski said "don't try" I stopped playing for over a year because I was feeling bad and had health problems but I started to feel the need to pick up my guitar again, but I was afraid that nothing would come out and I would sound terrible and my hands turned so weak, that stopped for a month, but in the end I started to play again everyday, I feel like I'm stronger than before and my playing is more stress free now and I enjoy playing guitar so much, I won't stop again ever, I didn't have to try, I did it because I couldn't live anymore without playing my guitar

[@michaelcarter5]

I go through this at least once a month. I’ve found that I live for being in the pocket, when you know you’re hitting those notes, and you feel it . But the magic doesn’t happen every time I play, but I keep going just for those few fleeting moments. I’m not good I probably never will be. But those moments are what keeps me coming back.

[@koDaffi]

I just got new neighbors in duplex so been worried my horrible playing would bother them. Haven't met them yet but while outside on porch I could hear the dad in living room being just as horrible as I am. I can tell he has a better amp though so now my curiosity is boiling.

[@christopherguse]

I'm three years in starting in my forties.... sorta. I go through spurts of consistent inconsistency, but for the most part my practice routine is not following all the advice that's out there. I was well over a year in when I discovered I ain't got not rhythm and I wasn't practicing with a metronome because that isn't "fun". So I started inconsistently working on that. I know a decent amount of chords and can switch between them, but not with very poor and choppy timing. I'm still being inconsistent with the things, but recently I started doing something I haven't really done yet with guitar. Trying to play along with exercises in time. Normally it's just the sound of an unplugged electric (I don't want my family to hear how much I suck, even though I know they know). I've been doing this with Fender Play for a particular song. This past weekend I hit an inspiring milestone. Instead of playing to the exercise on Fender Play I played About a Girl along with Kurt on KZbin Saturday and it actually SOUNDED(ish) like the song and was in time! Yup! Over three years to get to About a Girl. Maybe evidence to quit? But I played Nirvana "with" Nirvana and had a blast!!! As embarrassing as it is to have taken that long I was euphoric with my achievement! I'm gonna keep going and also keep the intention of adding better structure & diligence to what I'm doing. Maybe get a teacher. Or a therapist.

[@alandunn4459]

Don't worry about others hearing you. Most people will be wishing they were as good as you rather than thinking it sounds bad.

[@christopherguse]

@@alandunn4459 Thanks for this, I appreciate it. Also, your advice about the amp that was edited out (KZbin's message to me that I had a reply include your original) is true. I've been playing with an unplugged electric a lot and have since started playing through headphones and hearing all the strings, or not hearing them as the case may be is much easier when it's plugged in!

[@steverok67]

My joy is in the songs and recordings that come from my instruments. Maybe if you're never going to be a virtuoso player, you can be a great creator who is constantly evolving, growing, and honing their craft.

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

I began playing approximately around 1980. Just in time for the shred guitar playing era. As a youth, I was made to feel that if you could not shred, then you could not play. It was very discouraging for an average beginner, like myself. So, I really settled in to AC/DC and especially Malcolm young. He is the number one reason why I continued to play guitar. He showed me the fundamentals and nuances of rhythm guitar. Keeping it simple, and understanding the fundamentals and nuances has made me a far better musician, then only banging my head against the wall of shred, which I still cannot do to this day! I accept that my body does not have the fast twitch muscle tissue. Although, quitting was never an option! Rest in peace Malcolm.

[@skintag]

When I was young, I wanted to play guitar but my family could not afford it. I always wanted to learn but I finally made the decision at age 44. I've been playing consistently for the last 6 years. I find it extremely therapeutic for me. I can unwind and uncloud my work day when I pick up a guitar and play. I have a nice collection of guitars on the wall, for me they are more than eye candy. The guitars are not only for decoration, they drive my desire to play. It has been slow going for the learning curve but I'm picking up more techniques as I practice and learn new songs. Its like a mini-concert at home where I can chill.

[@synonyx]

I started playing again 16 months ago, played in high school. So it's been 2 decades. I'm really not where I want to be, but as long as I enjoy picking up the guitar everyday, enjoy the beautiful tone coming from the amp, I'm good with it. Guitar playing combines all my interests really. Working with my hands to do setups and get the satisfaction of getting my guitars perfectly setup, experimenting with digital modeling, pedals to toy around with, hand wiring amp kits, and most of all, LEARNING NEW THINGS all of the time. It has held my interest longer than most of my hobbies throughout the years. I think regardless of how good I get or don't get, as long as I enjoy it, it's here to stay.

[@rogertinker1813]

Excellent advise guys thank you , my goal has not changed in the 5 years I have been playing , I'm work i g on my own style I have studied guitarists like BB king , Willie Nelson , muddy waters, John Lennon , Jerry gsrcia. I take their licks an melody and use my style to play and improvise when I feel stuck i learn a couple songs note for note " boring" then I happy to go back to fine tuning my style

[@hughmanatee7433]

I was once in a masterclass with Michael Brecker, the late great saxophonist. I was a music student and I told him was very intimidated. He was very gracious and humble and put it all into perspective for me. To paraphrase, he said that we all think we suck because we can hear what we want to sound like in our heads and that we will be playing that way in another five years or so. The problem is that by that time we now think we should be playing at a new level of proficiency. So we all think we suck. The better way to look at it is to decide to enjoy the fact that we will never run out of new ideas to explore.

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Good point. I've been playing about 50 years and I'm an intermediate player (which probably 90% of all players are) and if you ask me, I'll tell you that it's only the last 5 years that I've really had idea what I was doing. If you'd asked me that 20 years ago, I'd have said the same thing then and if I'm here 20 years from now, I'll probably say the same thing then. For me, it's about doing what I can do, trying to find something that will help me get better, and enjoying playing what I can play and figuring out some way that I can play, even if I have to simplify it a tad, something that I want to play but can't now.

[@hugoarend4743]

I started at 45. I was a singer before. It’s very very hard and it demands a lot of discipline. I’ve been a professor for all my professional life, so I have good learning skills. I have set achievable goals. I think this is the right thing to do in order to improve and not to give up.

[@robertcampbell6253]

I don’t even get jealous at all because I am very aware that I will never play on a super high level and I used be around Danny Gatton a lot because my friend was his manager and I saw so many of his shows and it only took two songs of the first show I ever saw to realize that there was absolutely zero possibility or probability for me to play at that level therefore I knew jealousy of world class level guitar players was pointless for me

[@JTMP12]

I started guitar 20 years ago then quit 6 months later. It wasn’t my time. I restarted last year and I have an excitement for it I didn’t have before. It’s my time now, never too late.

[@walterhambrick8705]

I am less than a month from my 66th birthday, and have had to make some accommodations over the years. For many years I have had to sit while playing. Recently (Easter week) I realize that I could not pick up my Epiphone Dot (think Gibson 335) due to it being too heavy. This of course was the same problem with my Gretsch Country "Gentleman" Classic. Solution: Gretsch 5422's which have Filtertron Pickups and are true hollow body guitars. Very similar sound (The Dot had a Filterton PU in the bridge position. Now I can play guitars without the weight being a problem.

[@strugglingguitarist]

Good or bad I can't imagine not playing, I am a long time drummer, after being in 15 bands over the years, I decided to pick up guitar and I approached it like I did when I started drums, I didn't start by thinking I am going to be the best guitar player in the world I just chipped away at it and got better and better, I am still not great but I play every day and will keep playing as long as I can, and I started backwards I just wanted to play lead and wasn't overly concerned about chords so I learned my scales by taking each key one at a time and learned my minor and major in A then moved on to B etc.. of course I have learned chords since and I have had nothing but fun with it, its about the enjoyment period, but beware this leads you to the nasty habit of wanting to purchase more guitars and amps, Baxter and Jonathan looking at the comments I noticed you have a lot old guys following you including myself 66, we bring wisdom to your channel, your welcome, you guys are awesome!

[@PantheraOnca60]

At 62, I first started playing 54 years ago, in 1968, on a Winston nylon string kids' guitar my dad got me for my birthday. Over the years I've learned and played in zig zag fashion, sometimes making leaps forward, sometimes getting stale, sometimes laying off for a while, always picking it up again. I've bought and sold thousands of dollars' worth of excellent and crummy instruments, and been blessed to be able to do so. My hands are big and thick, with big palms and short fingers, exactly the wrong type for playing, in part resulting in my needing carpel tunnel surgery to save my ability to use my left (fretting) hand in early 2020. I've got arthritis in both hands, which limits how long I can play at any one sitting. I've never become the player I once dreamed of becoming -- heck, I still can't even change strings without drawing blood. It doesn't matter. I'm glad for the joy I've had, for the pain and the struggles, and for the moments when I've heard myself make a sound I never knew I could make, or when I lost myself in a song I never knew I could play or never knew I could dream up and play. It's all been worth it.

[@bripslag]

I'm 65 and have been playing since I was 8 and still I'm gigging once or twice a month. Still have lots to learn, but happy with where I'm at. I'm pretty sure I'm past the point of no return.

[@laswastedyouth]

Everyone’s journey is different. Ive gone through periods where I didn’t feel like playing for more than a few minutes a day. But I’ve learned more in the past year than I ever have in that time frame before. And I am now 36. So who knows? If you feel like you need to put the guitar down for a bit don’t beat yourself up about it. It will always be there for you when you feel ready to come back!

[@siamsasean]

"if the joy is gone." Too right. Even when I'm practicing to the metronome, I get a buzz from getting it right. Even scale exercises (up 3, jump back 2, that kind of stuff) it's a thrill when I nail it. And another thrill when I nail it again at plus 15 bpm. And practicing real music, when I get it right, is like being talked to by God. Over the years I've seen that people tend to learn on plateaus. You go along on one level for a while, studying lots but not changing, and suddenly you jump up to a new level. Kind of like a quantum leap. And then you study at that level for a while before the next jump upwards.

[@TheXenonman]

Ill always play had been off and on over the years. i had family obligations so that was my priority. i have been building a home studio and setting up for retirement. I had an unfortunate medical issue last year and my right hand has been effected.. im going to try to get continue my playing. im lucky to have had the opportunity to create original music I have built a tele from parts also and im glad i did the project...

[@stoneysdead689]

Hmm- my experience with guitar is totally different. It was almost like I had no choice- my whole family plays, I don't even remember when I started- I just kind of came to one day with a guitar in my hand and realized "Damn, I'm pretty good at this." I started out with finger picking on an acoustic- took me almost a year to be able to play one song- Stairway to Heaven. But after that it went pretty quickly, and then I started buying books, and learning from whoever would teach me something. Luckily, I have a family full of professional musicians so, there was always someone to show me something. Now I've been playing over 30 years- and finger picking is still the most natural, easy style for me to play. I try to play with a pick and play stuff like Zepplin, Floyd, Van Halen, etc.- you know, the same stuff all the really good guys play- but it's really difficult. The guys who play that stuff watch me finger pick and are like "How do you do that?" I watch them shred and I'm like "how do you do that?"- if we could swap it would be great but, doesn't seem to work out. I'm drinking milk though....

[@Datimdavis2900]

I started about 50 years ago. I have taken breaks from time to time, but have never given it up. I just really like playing

[@davidR1136]

I picked up the guitar in October 2020 at the age of 45. It was the first time i had ever tried to play anything. I always played sports and loved music but never tried to play until then . My teenage son inspired me to try guitar. It is hard, but I’m still trying. I figure guitar is like golf-I will have good seasons and bad seasons and i will never master it. At this point, i would be happy to consistently get a c chord right :( LOL

[@xxGriff]

my 2nd in college. i began dreading practice. told my guitar instructor. Mike (Sunjka taught at HCC in the 80's) told me to consider switching majors. I did. i kept taking lessons from him, switched from Music to Audio Engineering as major. The week after I switched Mike invited me to go see Adrian Belew with him and couple other students. that sly man! good subject, one many if not all will face to some degree.

[@stevevice9863]

I've been playing acoustic guitar poorly for 34 years now. I got married had a daughter, renovated a house and just didn't have much time for practicing. I try and pick it up at least 2-3 times a week these days, just to keep from losing too much ground. I found that if I have a picking buddy, that motivates me to practice and keep pushing and learning new stuff....it's kind of a play date. I have a decent singing voice, and I play well enough that my friends always say, "bring your guitar", if there is a cookout or camp out, and I've played at a couple weddings. I don't hunt, fish, golf, boat, ride motorcycles, or have any other toys except a couple of decent guitars, so I enjoy playing them and entertaining myself or anyone else that wants to listen.

[@kd5773]

Always wanted to play guitar. I bought a used $20 guitar as a new mom in 1973 thinking I would not be working for a couple of years and I could learn. Found out babies take lots of time, the guitar didn't work out, no internet back then. Tried again in my 50's, got into it heavy for a year but our new business took off and we were working 6 days a week and late hours so the guitars, 2 by then, had to sit. Just retired last year at 70 and my biggest goal is to learn guitar. Bought a GS Mini and spend an hour a day working with it. Making progress, wishing I was younger with nimble fingers and a faster brain, but I don't think I'll quit. Never did feel like I quit, just postponed my dream. Hope the Lord grants me enough time to get to where I'm happy with my playing.

[@jaorte10]

Arthritis is probably the most common show stopper. Especially if you've worked with your hands every day for the past 50 years.

[@andybasic1761]

Open tuning and a slide could rekindle your love of the guitar.

[@jamiebritton6781]

When I get burned out practicing I mess with my guitars set up . Like try different saddles on my telecaster or take a old guitar and sand it down and change the color. Anything that might inspire me to play.

[@CindyMattern]

Time is an issue for me and by evening I’m tired. At 61 I can’t remember a song I’ve learned and play it without music yet I can remember something from when I was 12. I enjoy it but it’s such a process. Learning sight reading and timing and it’s going so slow

[@markcobb6561]

I used to play 18 different instruments, im proud of it, it breaks my heart that i cant play like i once i did. Brings tears to my eyes to think about the excitement of aitting in an orchestra, the audience murmuring, my heart racing, going through every emotion and feeling you should put out of your mind. The sound of the applause..... Old age, injuries, and arthritis has taken most everything from me, and will take everything from everyone. After 50 years, i still grab a guitar every day within 1 hour of waking up. I still play between 3 and 10 hours a day, although it is a lot closer to 3 hours now. I cant hold my violins and violas up to my chin longer than a couple minutes. I cant play the trumpet, trombone, sax, or any other mouth instruments anymore because of an accident that took my teeth and broke my jaw. Im tough, its okay. So banjo, mandolin and guitar are about all i have left. When the arthritis took my ability to chord, i got extremely good at slide. I wont ever give quit, ill find another way to play. When im dead and gone, give all my instruments to people that will play them, except for 1. I want my stella buried with me. Its been with me for 40 years, and im taking her with me.