7 Tips for Older Beginners | Tom Strahle | Easy Guitar | Basic Guitar 

The guitar is a 1965 Gibson Folksinger BTW. It's missing the lower pick guard. It originally came with two, an upper and a lower probably because (say it with a crotchety old man voice) "these kids today are using these things called plectrums and scratching up the top of the guitar. So let's glue two big pieces of plastic on the top to protect it."

I'm 87 and I'm finally starting to learn guitar. I love the way you're teaching.

I'm a 55 years old grandma. I grew up in a family of musicians where all the male learned to play the guitar, but the females. All the females were sent to the kitchen to learn how to cook and clean.🙄🤣 Now it's my time. I'm going to learn to play the guitar on "my own". Well, here I'm looking for easy classes for beginners. 🤣

Holy smokes 70s and 80s??!!?? Good for you, people !!! I thought I was the old guy he was talking about, and I'm 49. I'm surprised how quickly I'm picking it up.

i'm 60, divorced and disabled and just starting with a guitar.. my biggest challenge is trying to learn to read Music, learn finger placement, and timing all at one time.. but i'm workin at it Daily.. I WILL prevail..

Hi Tom,I am an absolute beginner at 82 years old and my first guitar is arriving on Wenesday,I am determined to learn how to play it and your tips an encouragement and commonsense approach is just what I need,thanks a lot.

By the mid-70's I developed a repertoire of roughly 50 songs and had learned just enough guitar to support myself playing solo for 'happy hour' in hotel bars/lounges...2-3 hours a night...brought home around $300 each week (back then that was pretty good money for a girl). Then I got married, raised a family and hardly ever touched the guitar for over 40 years...until this past Christmas when one of my sons gifted me with a brand new Fender Redondo (a sentimental replacement of my first guitar back in the late '60's). Now, I'm trying to 'really learn' to play and at 71, I found that what little I already knew has come back to me rather quickly...even the calluses. I've been following all but a couple of these 7 tips since Christmas and am so grateful for RU-vid! This is great advice for the 'older' first time guitar student...and good encouragement for all others, too.

It makes me feel good that there's so many old farts like me that believe that their not too old to learn what was just a dream as a kid. Thank You for thinking of us! JD

Hi I’m 71 and recently retired and now have time on my hands to learn guitar having not picked one up for over 50 years. Thanks for taking the time to post some valuable information for us older folks who want to start playing. Great video 👍

I am 77 years old a beginner and I struggle with all the chords but I will win in the end lol

Those are all great tips Tom, I'm 60 years old and I'm picking up guitar for the 4th time, this time I'm determined to do it right and succeed, if I had RU-vid when I was a young person and had access to people like you I would be a very accomplished guitar player by now, thanks for all you do.

I’m 75 and have been “playing” for about 5 months. Practice every day. Love to play. I try to challenge myself with cord progressions that are difficult. Don’t always succeed that day but there’s always tomorrow. I figure if I keep doing this I’ll have more tomorrows. I don’t do this to perform for anyone else but me. It keeps my mind and my fingers more nimble.

I’m a 61 year old, tired nurse. Trying to get my mind off the pandemic! Just bought my first guitar. I’ll be watching and practicing!

Im 64 and ive been a beginner since i was about 10

5 minutes of guitar practice is infinity better than no guitar practice.

I'm 62, I've owned several guitars over the years, but zero time to learn anything, bought a new Gibson after Christmas, I've learned more in 3 months than the rest of my life. Thanks to RU-vid and people willing to post.

Great tips. Many thanks. I started learning 11 days ago. I can’t put my guitar down. I am forced to stop with the chords as my fingers are too sore so then I do some strumming practice or picking practice. I have become a woman possessed or obsessed or both. Loving it too. Regards from an absolute beginner aged 63. All the best from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Another important rule... Practice slowly enough that you don't make mistakes. Play too fast, you make mistakes, and that's what you'll learn. It's about muscle memory. Play slowly enough to teach your muscles correctly.

I took up guitar 50 years ago when I was 20. It consumed me. Then reality hit me and I had to get a degree and go to work and raise a family. Now at 70, I'm picking up those old guitars of mine, a classical and Gibson steel string, and yes that vintage Stratocaster I bought back then. I can still play some chords but the fingers are rusty. So I have a head start on most of the oldsters out there. I just need to play!

I've only been playing for a few months. The tips in this video are excellent. I might add the following advice to fellow rank beginners: 1) Be okay with the struggle. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn guitar. No secret there. 2) Play what feels fun at the time, otherwise practice can feel like a drag 3) Have an idea what you eventually want to play (solos, chords, finger picking, etc.). There're a so many different paths and so much to learn, but you don't need to know it all right now. Then, focus more on building the skills that will get you playing what you like, sooner. 4) View lessons and material from a variety of sources. Different folks, different strokes and such!

My mom played guitar beautifully and I used to always want to learn. We became estranged for years and she passed away recently. I have one of her guitars now and I really want to learn for the memory of my mom and the good years that we had. The strings are broken only a few are intact. I'm going to send the existing string to have jewelry made and put new string on it and try to learn. I hope it will heal my soul on a lot of levels. Wish me luck and thank you for your videos.

I bought my guitar at 14, took 1 lesson and didn't go back because the teacher " made me feel uncomfortable". I became a dancer, took singing lessons for 5 years but it's at 50 that music happened. I'm 67 and Covid 19 made me dust my guitar. I'm learning fast and loving it. Great teachers on RU-vid !!! Maturity helps haaaa. 😷🤗💚🎸

Big issues for older guitarists are health and injury. I have severe osteoarthritis in my hands and have had two finger joints replaced already. Bar chords are virtually impossible due to the limits of motion and the deformity caused by the arthritis. That said I hang in there, play daily and for long periods of time. I play and arrange for myself so that I can continue to create music. It helps me deal with life.

I’m a 44 year old mom & a second time beginner. I wish I had the focus and clarity of intent that I have now when I was young and had all of that time on my hands! These tips are fantastic, thank you!!

I’m 46 and just got my first guitar today. I played clarinet for a long time but always wanted to try guitar or piano. I am nervous about starting but these suggestions are great. Good luck to all of us.

When I was a kid taking lessons, I'd fumble through the lesson and I'd tell him that I got it right at home. He would always say, don't practice till you get it right, practice till you can't get it wrong. I've never forgotten and they're words I try to live by. Thanks for the excellent video Tom!

I am 75 years young and decided to build a kit guitar during Covid. Now i'm learing to play and really appreciate your tips.

A month before I turned 61 I decided it was time to learn guitar. I was born with severe hearing lost in both ears and two years ago I got Cochlear Implant in my right ear. So, my primary challenge is my hearing lost and I ended up buying both Electric and Acoustic beginners guitar so I could recognize the difference between them. It’s definitely fun to learn in my own private room, and maybe one day I will have an audience. The Flame by Cheap Trick is definitely a song I would love to play one day.

Hello Tom! I'm 71-years-old and I just decided to learn to play the guitar. I ordered my guitar tonight. and found this video. It has really encouraged me and most likely saved me a lot of heartaches. I'll trim my nails and start toughening up my fingers while I wait for my guitar!

I just bought my first guitar today and I am 62. The guy at the guitar shop showed me Em (thanks Alan!). I would get my 3d printer going then start pickin and grinnin. This is going to be awesome!. Going to fit right in with my vocal lessons, which I started last fall. Being retired has given me time to broaden my musical skills!

I'm 50 and my teacher had me write a list of 10 songs I would like to learn. The one she chose to teach me was "Won't back down" Tom Petty. It true, learning to play a simpler song is a huge ego boost and keeps you interested in playing! Thanks for the tips!

I started playing at 12 years old = 54 years ago and like this video a lot . Won't bore you with details about bands you have heard of and studio work . My advice to anyone - Stay far away from cocaine and ANY drugs . Thanks for the lesson and all the best . Lefty Cat

62 yrs old and just started teaching myself... Then i got interested in travis picking and in 2 weeks now i use it to play some songs i like dearly. ❤

I’m 58 and a few years ago I was telling my buddy, who plays really well, I wish I had learned to play. He got up walked into his house came out handed me a Yamaha guitar and said “it’s yours” no more excuses! I played a year or so and gave up. HERE I GO AGAIN!! It’s time

I'm 65, started 8 yrs ago with uke. Lately, graduated to guitar when a friend gave me one she'd stashed away 20 years ago in a pillowcase. Keep it accessible, part of lifestyle. I start with the difficult, like the F to something else. Everyone will evolve their own. Remember, when you are alone that the music will always be there for you.

I’m 70 years old. I stared playing accordion at the age of 8 because that’s was for my fathers ego.Left home at 17 and so did all the years of music study which I was never really keen on. It was not what I wanted when the Beatles hit the charts. For years I yearned to play guitar. And so it went into latency. Until now, thanks to guys like you, I took the step and just bought my first classical and acoustic beginners guitars and really look forward to be able fulfil that desire. I really appreciate all the knowledge you impart to help us on our way .

I have been playing guitar for way too long to be at the level I am, but the best piece of advice I got was in this video. ALWAYS have your guitar within reach. I had my guitar in the case for years and pulled it out only when I was in the mood. Now I have three spread around the house so I can pick it up whenever I see it.

Another staple piece of advice is to never stop playing whether you miss a note or progression. Keep working through it or you'll never learn. Excellent presentation.

SUGGESTION: In working with beginners of all ages, I observed a tendency to screw up the ergonomics of playing by tilting the guitar and bending over to see where there fingers are, then straightening to strum the chord...rinse and repeat at each chord change. This makes it even harder to place the fingers. This is particularly problematic for older players who might have "extended" waistlines. Here's a trick that I came up with for myself when I was learning my closed position swing/jazz chords: Instead of looking directly at your hands, practice while looking in a mirror (or, these days, a mirrored video camera image would work). This is a great short-cut to developing the required muscle memory to grab your chords without thinking about it. One more thing...always remind beginners to practice in good ergonomic position, which means sitting upright on a straight back chair or similar height stool. Sitting on a soft sofa or easy chair just makes everything harder to start with and develops bad habits.

I’m 43. I dedicated myself almost exactly a year ago to guitar, i can honestly say i have played almost every single day 30 mins - hours…. Mainly rocksmith, few tabs, RU-vid videos. I got the fever…

Thanks Tom. I'm 60 years old and just starting to learn how to play. I've loved music my entire life and have fantasized about playing the guitar for most of it. I'm a lefty and just purchased a used Yamaha Pacifica electric. Wish me luck and thanks again. James

Best thing I ever learned was from the owner of The Best Little Guitar Store in York PA. He told me that some people want to play the burning Jimmy Paige - Led Zepplin leads - others just want to sit around the campfire and strum kumbaya. BOTH ARE FINE - decide where you want to go and be happy with your decision. Took all the pressure off of learning music theory and reading music. I just want to be able to entertain myself. My dreams of being in a band evaporated 45 years ago. Join in with me.. and a 1 and a 2... Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya Oh Lord, kumbaya

It's "almost" funny that I came across this video. My sister passed away on Feb 24 2018, and she played the guitar. My favorite song to hear her play was...you guessed it! Stairway To Heaven. The day she passed, as she lay in the hospital, they held a phone to her ear and put me on speakerphone so I could say my goodbyes (I live out of state). No one was sure she could hear and understand, but I was told she did respond. But I told her how much I loved hearing her play that song, and how I felt "The Lady" in the song was her. Then I promised her I'd learn to play it myself - both on the piano and the guitar. At the time I felt it would somehow make a difference, as if she would find the strength to survive by those words, and in my mind, I saw myself playing the song to her. ( I took piano lessons in late 2016 and into 2017, but had to quit when I had to have surgery. I planned to continue on my own, but it didn't work out that way. My father was also a guitar player and taught me some chords and a couple of songs when I was a teen, but I got married and eventually stopped playing. When I pick up the guitar now, I feel like a complete beginner. Nothing comes back to me. I am now 57). After my beautiful sister passed, and I was able to find the strength to do so when I wasn't crying my eyes out, I listened to Stairway To Heaven, and I thought "Oh boy, this is going to be tough." Then I stumbled across this video, and wouldn't you know, you mentioned Stairway To Heaven and how supremely difficult it would be for a beginner to learn. You are right. Absolutely. But, I'm still going to make it a goal - but thanks to this video, I'm going to be more realistic about it. I may never learn it in it's complete form, but it's driving me right now. I made that promise, and I'm going to at least learn some chords and some simple songs along the road to learning Stairway To Heaven. Now I also know how easy my sister made it seem, but how difficult it must have been for her to learn. She was dedicated and talented, just like my Dad was. Thanks so much for this video!

I started learning guitar a year ago at 60. Since being retired, I have the time. Took online lessons and You Tube. I found learning the main major chords early (C.A,G,E,D,Em,Am) and practicing those with an occasional simple riff helped toughen my finger tips. Stretching my old fingers and wrists helped. Be patient and practice regularly. It is a long process so don’t hurry! It will start being fun!

I’m 65 , I started around 16 when I was able to afford a basic guitar. Bought a classical used but the frets were worn so (only paid $20) bought a $200guitar back in1976. Wore the frets out after about 10 years. Had lessons at community college 12 credits. Hit a wall when I couldn’t get advice on the fretboard and set it aside to raise 5 children. Before about 54 bought a $2000 Taylor acoustic electric that has a sweet sound that sang to my heart. Also bought an all mahogany 12 string recently for 50% off of $500. Played on and off until the last year when I found teachers like you on RU-vid. Thank you for taking the time to encourage how to take time practicing for 5 minutes a day. My fingers go numb and stiffen up more than they did in my teens and twenties. I still push through until I can’t hold a chord ( use light strings). Thanks for the tips. I would like to learn Stevie Nicks “Landslide”. I like to pick 1st song I picked was Stairway to Heaven in 1976. Also always had trouble with B chord. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Stephen F.

I am 75 years old and I have the exact problem you described. The F chord is giving me fits. Thank you for your suggestion.

Wow, I'm 25, and I thought "man I'm too old to play." Reading some of the comments of people starting out much later in life are inspiring. Thank you for making a video for us older beginners, these tips are great.​

Best tip, have guitar accessible. I have it 18 inches from my office chair mounted on the front of the entertainment center that houses stereo and amp, printer etc. On a stand 5 feet away it can sit and sit. Out is not enough. If you can keep it in arms reach, you will find it in your lap often. I boot the pc, pick up guitar, 20 minutes later, I log in. And so it goes all day. Guitar in other room on stand gets less love unless I swap it to my arm's reach stand. Best thing in the world, lost all my family in past few years, playing is my happy place and getting better finally. As far as calluses, i have found I cut my nails and then emery board both my nails and calluses, otherwise they will catch or fall off. Keeps them nice and smooth. Play daily if you can, take a week off, your fingers will let you know. Get fingers strong, play all you want. nice video.

Good tips, thanks Tom. I'll be 75 next month. I just bought a new Martin with lighter strings and lower action, a pleasure to play with my old and somewhat arthritic fingers. I've been playing off and on for a long time but stick to songs with basic chord structure, I, IV, V, I, and play mostly in G because of the finger joints. I play every day for at least an hour or so, write songs, etc. Before I play I put this pain relief ointment on my fingers (of the left hand) It helps. Everyone should learn guitar. It's like a best friend. One can play most country and folk music using 3 chords + maybe a minor 7th or 9th thrown in. I use a squeeze ball to increase finger strength and flexability. I'll probably die with my guitar in my hands.

I'm a guy who was self-taught in my teens and twenties. Then, I walked away from it. Now, I'm fifty, and regretting that I never hit the stage. I find that not only have my hands forgotten so much--and don't have stamina anymore, but I've mentally forgotten most things. I have this huge fear that it will take me something like three years to get stage ready again, and I've been looking for a way to focus my re-training so I can work on just what I need. At fifty, it's no longer about lifetime discovery of the instrument anymore. That was my first go-around. Now, it's about getting to that stage.

I’m 66 with bad arthritis in my hands. Got a beautifully made guitar and starting to learn. It’s in my lounge room and I try to get to it every day. My teacher has me learning scales (g) and a couple of basic songs that mostly require tabs and simple chords. Yesterday and Sunshine of your Love. I’m learning to slow it down, concentrate on the beat and practice in small amounts as suggested by Tom. Really found the hints helpful. Thanks.

I am 70 years old and just bought a nice Gretsch & Squire guitar. Now that I’ve retired I’ve decided to learn a new skill. I appreciate your tips as I’m as green as anyone and never played an instrument. Thanks for the tips, I’ll be watching and waiting for your next video. Thanks

Thanks for some great tips. I’m 46 and started learning a few weeks ago. By far the best tips for me have been to leave the guitar out in the living room and to set 5 min goals for practice. Those 5 mins turn into 30 every time!

I am 65 years old and have been playing guitar for over 50 years, definitely not a beginner. I appreciated this video, it is always good to go back to the basics and be reminded of the techniques and practices that started your journey.

I started playing in 1963, age 7. I grew up in Memphis, TN in the 60s-early 70s so I was surrounded by great music and musicians. I played in bands with quite a few people who became major stars, but I made the Army my career. Still played and gigged whenever I had free time. Then in 2005 I had a moderate stroke that really messed up the nerves and coordination in my left hand. Then another one in 2008 that hit parts of my memory -- the vast majority of my musical knowledge went POOF! I was understandably heartbroken. I kept all my guitars, but put them away so I wouldn't think about what I'd lost. Then 2 years ago at age 61 I was having a tough time with my chronic pain situation, depression and combat PTSD. An old college fraternity brother suggested I re-learn the guitar. So I did. I started over. After a bit, some of it started coming back to me.... then more. Re-learned my mandolin as well. I also worked on getting my singing voice back. I've done a few accoustic solo gigs recently that went off pretty well.... I don't think I'm as good as I was in my 20s or 30s, but at least I don't embarrass myself TOO badly when I play for people.... This is a GREAT upload! I strongly urge older people who've been out of it for years, or those who don't have major problems with arthritic hands to learn. It's incredible how music picks a person up and makes us feel whole again! SUPERB!

I appreciate your advice. I am an older beginner (68.) I played a little when I was younger but never gave it the effort needed. I am now determined to learn this instrument. I think your advice is priceless. Thank you, and I will keep watching for more invaluable nuggets of wisdom. By the way, I bought a Martin guitar and that made all the difference.

53 year old beginner. I will check in and update my progress. Thanks for the encouraging lesson.

I'm 54. Started learning at 49. Can play a few tunes but have learned sooo much about music.

My top tip from when i was Learning is this , Keep your Guitar next to the Sofa , and when you are Watching T.V , Pick up the Guitar during the Adverts and just play during those Adverts , all those 2 - 3 minute Advert practice sessions really builds up the time Practicing .

Yes, I know I'm late to this video, but I just want to say thanks for t he tips, Tom. I'm 68 years old and I've owned my guitar since 1972 (an old Conn F-10) and never learned how to play, because I never was able to "come up with the time". I've been retired since May, 2017 and had other distractions, but I realized, after the 2020 virus hit, that I should either get rid of the guitar or learn properly how to play. In July I got my guitar set up (for the first time I think) and mid-October decided to start lessons. When I picked up my guitar after the set up I bought a stand and a tuner (Super Snark). I like the info you gave us in this video and I know that if I had not bought the stand, the guitar would have ended up back in the basement. I find myself practicing every day two, sometime three times a day now and I've always kept my eyes on the small victories that I make. So we must always watch for the victories if we want to stay motivated. Thanks again.

I bought my very first guitar May 8, 2018, at the age of 40, and I’ve played every single day since. (1017 days in a row, and counting). I did about a year of leaning on my own through JustinGuitar’s beginner course, took private lessons for 6 months after that, the joined a Friday Night jam session. The COVID hit. After 6 months I started taking vocal lessons for a few months, and that got put on hold the last few weeks due to a COVID flare up so gov locked everything down. That jam session was the best thing I ever did. It was lead by a great guitar player / instructor at Long & McQuade. There were four students plus the instructor. It was structured so that the instructor would pick a song, we would lean the main chord progression, then we would go around in a circle, each soloing over the chord progression. Songs like Little Wing, Shine on You Crazy Diamond, and a few other blues songs. I was absolutely horrible at soloing, but I absolutely loved it. I learned a ton and opened my eyes to other techniques that I’d need if I ever want to keep up at a blues jam session. And I’ve uploaded over 100 progress videos to my RU-vid channel to track my progress. I’m happy with my progress, just under 3 years in. If I can do it, anyone can. If you always wanted to play, nows the perfect time.

Dear Tom, I just picked up a guitar, am soon to be 50 and your video was very very encouraging. Thank you

63, played harmonica for many years. Walked in a local pawn shop the other day bought a sweet little Yamaha fsx830c for $150. My first guitar. Realize I have thick stiff fingers and it's gonna be fight to grab a simple chord. I love a good fight.

I’m sitting at 50 and have 9 guitars I’ve “collected” over the years. I’m a “plinker” as my wife and I say but don’t play. The last week I’ve had more time to pick up a guitar and enjoy the hell out of it. I’ve bought some books and refuse to use a pick (I love finger picking). Travis picking is fun but struggle remembering the pattern, I’m sure it’ll come with more time and practice. Anyway on with the video, I appreciate you taking the time to make this video and look forward to watching more of your content. Thank you sir.

I'm a senior, began in my 60s. When I began I didn't know about light strings & lower strings for better action. I tore up tiny stickers to put on the tips of my fingers. Also playing strings instead of chords which was better on my fingers. Now I know the sound of each string so when I play chords I mix it up to make it sound more like the song. Years ago caught my fingers in a mixer & another in the car door so they're bent which make bar chords impossible, even chords with 4 fingers. But I have many many easy songs & can do pull offs mix in individual strings & make the songs sound professional.

I played at least weekly from 16 yrs old until I lost the passion for it at 40. Partially due to frustration but also constant tingling and numbness in my fingers. At 50 now I have recently picked it up again and this video helps. Somehow I found the passion to play again. One day it was just back again.

I started and stopped about 4 times from the time I was 16 until 50. THE ABSOLUTE biggest problem with me is I am creative but way more left-brained (logic oriented) than right. I had to ask 'why' to a lot of stuff before I would bother learning it...because left-brain dominant people do that by definition. I could see a simple song like a three chord song and I would strum around with D, A, G and get some strumming going and then there it would go....I had to know why those chords were chords, why the notes in them were in them, why the fretboard was laid out like this, and so on. I could not just go with it and not question. So to fix this for me was pretty simple...I learned music theory from the bottom up until satisfied. Chromatic scale, major scale, RWWHWWWH, keys, circle of fourths/fifths, chord progression, time signatures and rhythm, etc BEFORE you ever start playing. Now you will know WHY your favorite songs have those particular chords together and why the artists chose them to go together. That was the single biggest failure to me of all the instructors I ever had. They wanted to go right into playing notes and chords and some simple country or rock songs. That was what kept me back. I have to know why I am doing something before I will do it. The theory was an absolute must for me to stop questioning everything and to learn to play and appreciate music. Right brained people generally grab it and go but not me. I think there are more people that give up over this, without knowing it, than you may think.

I am 70 and have been playing since 1966 mostly country music, bluegrass, rock lots more. this is a nice video to get you going. I have survived 20 years of kidney failure and the guitar was my solace in those trying times. I lost my ability to play 5 yrs ago and my band. thanks to some good doctors and PT I am back playing again not as fast or as long. I have learned to get the same joy from being more deliberate about the songs, listen to them as much as you can, study about the song and find a good key for singing. I have a list that I do each practice. Problem songs get more attention, easy songs get fine tuning. during all of these years of performing and picking It was the other people that you play with that can either propel you forward or diminish your music do your best to find good guitar buddies and don't take the others serious. as an older guy I also have hearing issues. find a good guitar store to help with some technology It has made me ecstatic being able to play again!!!!!! happy picking

Seems like over 10 or 15 yrs old is considered older. Well, in mid life I tried guitar several times then moved to a bass and it's working better for me. Thanks for this video.

Completely agree with everything .. I'm 61 and started playing Fender Tele about a year ago and loving it. Couple of things I would add. Stick with it as it does take time and dedication to play the guitar so don't beat yourself up if it doesn't happen for you in the first 5 minutes. Also I found when I took lessons with a teacher I learnt a lot quicker. Appreciate not everyone can afford lessons but I found it really helps to have a mentor who is on hand to keep you focused.

One thing I'd add - play with other players as often as you can - especially players better than you. They challenge you to follow along and play better, and most of them are truly helpful. It's hard for a lot of us older folks to find friends that play, so any time you get the chance - grab your instrument and learn with/from others...

Totally Agree! I'm a 70 year old guy that started learning the guitar at age 12. I happen to see this video and thought...... what the heck, why not view it. The tips are totally right on! Two tips you toughed on I would like to add my 2 cents too The strings, wish I knew that tip when I started years ago. Strings come in so many types and styles, get lighter strings, and be willing to pay a little extra, the beauty ring of the notes can give an extra lift, and finger ease to the practice. Second, I kept my guitar next to my TV viewing chair. Every time they went to a commercial, I would do finger and cord exercises, after all who wants to see the commercials anyway. By doing these "mini 2 min." practices 15-20 times a day I really saw my ability take form.

I'm 61 and a beginner. My struggle is my hand position with a lot of the cords. It's like a full workout trying to get my hands to do what they need to do to produce a nice sound. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions!

I used to teach skiing. When I'd ask the group why they had come to ski school that day, I'd inevitably get some version of "To get good." So I started to ask "When you look around the mountain, how do you know who is a good skier?" I'd get answers like how they turn, or they don't fall, or they make it look easy, or by their gear and equipment (the wrongest of all), and so on. Then I'd tell them that the way you know who's the best is, "Somewhere on this mountain is one person who had more fun, more laughs, and took more joy from this day than anybody else. That guy wins." I keep this in mind when I'm trying to learn guitar, or anything else. When you finally do hit that F chord, you might just be the best guitar player in the world that day.

I've played drums for 50 years. 64 and just started learning guitar recently.

I keep picking it up and when I get frustrated I put it down for a few or so. But I really like the guitar a lot and I've always liked it, I played for a very short time in Junior Hight School. I'm 60 now and I really want to give it a crack again. Thanks for your RU-vid stream on older beginners.

I’m 68 and started to play guitar in high school, taught myself learning 3 chords then added new ones along the way. I never learned to play well. Good enough to accommodate singing. My husband bought me a Taylor 710 around 1995. When my husband died 9 years ago I just kind of put it aside. My heart wasn’t in it and my wrists and hands have arthritis. I ended up giving my Taylor to my son who is super talented. I bought a dulcimer which is easier to play but is also limiting. Recently got a big urge to play again and bought a used Taylor FS mini. Even with light strings the action is a little tough for my arthritic hands. I think the pain issue is holding me back. I needed some encouragement and your tips are great. I used to use the method of switching from an easy chord to one I’m having trouble with over and over until my muscles get trained and I eventually conquer it and move on. Now I really have an obstacle trying to start playing again. I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Know any teachers out my way. I need to be taught a proper picking style and proper form. I’ve never learned to read music. I don’t think I have the patience to do that. Surprisingly I still have close to my full singing voice. Hopefully I can learn some things your channel! Good on you. Your channel is doing great.

Great video. Really useful! I played obsessively as a 17/18 year old, but really aimed too high too early. Thought I could be Dimebag in a year or 2. Got frustrated and stopped playing. 34 now, recently picked up some new equipment, got back into it, playing with a lot more patience and maturity now. I found a good little tip is to unplug the guitar and noodle around with scales and basic enough songs while watching TV. I don't really notice I'm playing, and without seemingly any effort, I've learned a new song in a day or 2.

I'm 55 and always wanted to play guitar. Been playing for 2 years now. I play for 5 minutes a day sometimes, and have been getting better all the time. Mostly eagles, Dylan and some Beatles songs. Using my pinky finger now and trying to incorporate a bar chord in every song. Up grated to a 500€ Dowina accostic. Started with a pown shop 85€ begginer. Enjoy your videos and explanations of simple technics. Thank you. Tom here in Galway city Ireland

I'm 71, retired teacher, music major, organist, trying to learn guitar for the first time. We toured Taylor in California and bought a Baby Taylor. Dang, it's tough to learn something new! Thanks for your help, the video and the comments below are priceless!

Im 72 and have been playing acustic guitar for 62 years . I have a Yamaha and an Ovation . I play mainly on the Yamaha as this is my choice . Ive owned the Yamaha for 50 pIus years and still plays great . The first guitar I bought of a friend for $5.00 . lol I don't look at the price as there are many guitars out there , from a couple hundred dollars that sound just as good as guitars worth thousands . Sound over everything else . Just saying . This comment is not ment to offend anyone 's posts or opinions .

Thank you for the great videos. Sixty four years old and just bought a hundred dollar Strat copy. My thought was, even if I never learn to play anything, I love looking at it. I have learned to play several songs by using single note tab sheets. No chording, I can't seem to spread my fingers over several frets. I am having a blast playing what I can and trying to get a little better each day. I can easily spend an hour plucking away. The folks that have commented here are an inspiration to me.

65 years old, just getting started again trying to learn the guitar.....great advice! Thanks for the great video.

My father once took on a 60 year old beginner flute player. I believe that within 1 year she was playing in a community band, which was her goal.

Also don't worry about speed, it's better to get the chords played cleanly but a little slower than be fast and sloppy, speed will come with practice.

Just started at 50 and really appreciate the encouragement for this old dog!

36 y/o and already playing for 3 months. Patience is 🔑 for sure and determination. Initially I was feeling bad for not starting sooner but I realize that is not a race it is a journey.

Holy cow! I have been playing for 60+ years. I just want to say that your suggestions/advice are totally right on!

I'm 53 years old and I just purchased my first guitar. My son is starting to play as well, so we will have each other to depend on. I'm looking forward to the journey together. I'm excited about getting started.

Thanks Tom, I played on & off for many years & only got serious about 3 & a half years ago. I will be 60 in a month. Hope I can encourage some people who read this. A tip I would give is you have got to be patient with yourself. It is so easy to get frustrated, sometimes if a particular thing is making you feel that way, then play something easy for a while & come back later to the hard thing. I am retired with time to practise and have even surprised myself how much progress I have made. Many people assume that great players just picked up a guitar & were terrific from the start, this is not true. Even Eric Clapton quit at one point because of frustration, but tried again & look what happened. So be patient everyone & practise, practise and you will amaze yourself.

Im 40s and just started and love it. This sounds disgusting sorry but i bring the guitar to the toliet everyday, sorry but it's my 5 mins a day... and i have come a long way and definitely ive improved dramatically Don't know why so many people disliked this video it's absolutely excellent advice

I’m 76 and restarting playing , from scratch. Great suggestions Thankyou Tom

I’m 61 arthritis in my hands but last week Tuesday 2nd June I decided to join a class to learn guitar I enjoyed my lesson. And decided to practice at home which has made my arthritis flare up which has definitely cut down on my practicing but I’m determined to not give up but to follow your advice if practicing for 5 minutes even it’s only doing the 1234 exercise. I found that I had pain not only in my hands but my shoulders as well. I’ll persevere though because I’ve read that it is therapeutic for arthritis besides I’ve always loved the sound of the guitar and have wanted to learn this instrument for as long as I can remember and have had my classical guitar since I was about 35 years old but I’m now ready to learn, so much so that even though I’ve to use a walker and avoid stairs like the plague. Unfortunately where the lessons were being had 2 flights of stairs so at 1st I said no, but then I thought about it and rang back the instructor to find out if he would carry my walker up the stairs and I would see if I could make it up using my stick. Well I was able to do so and the course is for 6 weeks and I’m hoping I’ll be able to continue getting up those stairs and if so will go to level 2. Also saw where another RU-vid instructor of older players wore compression gloves so I’ve decided to wear mine🙏🙏♥️♥️🇬🇧🇯🇲.

Tom, thanks for spending the time to do the video's and offering your knowledge to my old ass that is picking up my Lotus 12 stringer after about 20 years. I learned on that Lotus. Yep, a 12 string. If I pick up a 6 stringer its hard for me to get the chords because there aren't enough strings. I learned by sitting across from my dad and following along. After about 2 years we could really jam. We played old 50's -60's music like Roy Orbison, The Everley Brothers, Johnny Cash etc. My dad was slowing dying and I spent the last 3 years he was alive playing 3-4 nights a week. I went over on Monday evening of Thanksgiving week and we started playing at 7pm and played until 2:30am. I put the guitars up and luckily told him that I loved him and I would see him later. He was sitting at the kitchen table when I left and a family friend found him dead at 8:30am still sitting at the table. So we buried him on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I hate Thanksgiving. It was devastating, it tore a giant hole in my soul. November sucks for me and I apologize for rambling on and on. So I put the 12 string in the closet and I tried to get it out a few times but it just hurt to much so I kind of forgot about it due to dealing with life itself. So 20 years later my buddy talked me into picking it back up and start playing with him. When I opened the case I about had a heart attack. My dumb ass forgot to take the tension of the strings and the bridge was nearly pulled off and the neck didnt look much better. The guitar is at Mareno's guitar clinic getting fixed so I can start playing again. Pete Mareno worked at Gibson for 20 years until they left Kalamazoo and went south. My dad also worked at Gibson for a few years. Some old Gibson alumni are building "Heritage" guitars out of the old Gibson plant. The smoke stack still says GIBSON is big letters. I always have wanted to be able to play an electric and last summer I stopped at a garage sale and ran across a old First Act electric that was sold with some model of Volkswagon car that was setup to have the guitar play through the radio in the car. I stole it for $50. It has VW inlaid on the fret board along with VW on the knobs. On the back of the head stock is the VIN number of the car it was sold with. I really only bought it because it is pretty unique. So I also got a Silvertone cube that was a total POS I didnt have to pay extra for the damn hum. I finally threw it away. So I have had to retire at 50 yrs old due to chronic back problems along with a short battle with cancer. I got lucky. So I now have time to put some work in and play all those old songs to honor my father. I also have Pete Mareno holding a beautiful black Epiphone Les Paul standard that sounds as good as it looks. Right now I have been researching practice amps that will really show how much I suck at the electric guitar. Its a totally different animal compared to that acoustic. So its gonna be a long tedious process but thanks to guys like Tom that take the time to make video's to help newbies learn. Its just shows the passion that the guitar will bring out of a person when they get bitten by the bug. I have learned a lot about the electric side of things. There is so much to learn I get kind of discouraged but I am trying to absorb as much as possible and I play that First Act without an amp just to get my fingers limbered back up and I swear that I will finally master that "F***ing" F-chord. It has always given me trouble. Especially on that 12 stinger. Thank you Tom for your dedication. Your a good teacher and I enjoy watching your videos. I am subscribed to about 8 guys that I enjoy watching, Nobody teaches exactly the same and that's what keeps me coming back. WOW!!! holy crap I just realized how much I rambled on and on and on. I apologize for the length of the comment. If you have made it this far I just have one last thing to say. You will never get back the 3 minutes you spent reading some old dudes BS. PEACE!

Picked up first guitar 2 x years ago im 59 this year. Should have learnt before its so chilling👍

That was cool. Great tips. I'm 66 and just starting. My camping buddies play their guitars wherever we go. Hoping to take my guitar one day to surprise them. Thanks again.

I played what seems like a hundred years ago doing the barrooms and eventually the occasional big stage. Then I had seizures for about a year and a half. My music is gone. I refuse to give up. It's not a matter of remembering it. Those skills are erased. I'm trying to learn again and its a lot harder than it was the first time. Add to that the fact that my musical tastes have changed. I'm gonna try it your way. I WILL rise from the ashes! , The artist formerly known as "Johnny on the Spot"

My advice for older students: dont rush yourself, take fun from learning, the road is sometimes more fun the the goal!!!

Ive been playing on and off for 45 years .. so im still a beginner but i'm still determined to get there ...hang in

My accidental trick to getting myself to practice was that I played so much that I eventually found practice “not compulsory” but instead something that I enjoyed doing.