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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, we geezers appreciate it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

i am literally that guy....65 retired always loved music always wanted to play have the gear never seriously attacked it....till today...thankyou young man ...ive sub scripted and im starting my journey today...nothing to lose everything to gain

I tell people I'm not elderly, not a senior citizen--I'm old. I've owned a guitar for a week. It's the 6th instrument I've attempted to learn. After 3 surgeries on my neck I have little feeling in my hands, so this is going to be hard for me, but I call myself old because I've been blessed with a tough life. It showed me I can do great things. I'm a sax player and have done public and club gigs, and I can say this--the guitar player always gets the girls :) Srsly, they seem the most at one with god and everything else when they get in teh groove. I can do that with a saxophone, but everyone in ssenior housing is deaf until you start to have fun. I think I've found my online teacher tough. This guy is very intelligent and a good teacher. I have spent the last 7 years learning mandarin and getting my English degree to teach at a University in Taiwan. He's got the stuff, as my father used to say. Cheers and thank you for thinking of us dinosaurs.

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

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

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

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

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

I grew up as a vocalist in church choir. I didn't know that I had the ability to play guitar, however, I just had the curiosity. I grew up a hard rock fan, (still one,) and was always perplexed at the mechanics of the guitar, yet, because I don't come from money, I didn't start playing guitar until 23. I would be self taught for 4 years, but I eventually hired a jazz musician to tutor me with the encouragement of one of my mentors. I only had in person lessons for a year, but it would not only make me a better guitarist - but I even taught myself how to properly play piano with the tutorials that he gave me for guitar. I actually was offered a position to contract for a church to play piano when one of the funding deacons heard me playing while alone while I took a break from work, and a childhood friend, (who's a Reverend,) at one point offered me a spot on one his albums. These two experiences let me know that I humbly made progress in these 11 years. I didn't learn guitar or piano for fame though, I was just following the call that musicians hear to play their instruments, and accepting that you WILL sound bad starting out, but if you keep consist practice and remember why you started - improvement WILL come! 🤘🤘🤘

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

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

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

I'm glad I never stopped. From age 9 to current day at age 53. Over 35 years in numerous bands (Willow Wisp, Astrovamps, Salems Lott) to my current bands Post Mortem Superstar, Black Heroin Gallery. Constant performances around the world, album releases, press in worldwide books, magazines, movies. All because I refused to give up. Some are born an artist. They have no choice but to create. Until their demise. That's the beauty of music. It's an ongoing process of being rewarded and constant learning. And, you can start at any age.

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

From all of us old guys out here, thanks for making this video!

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

I'm 55. I started learning to play the guitar six years ago at age 49. I took lessons every week for about 5 years and never missed one unless I was sick. Practiced every day. I really did NOT think I could do it at first (learning the F chord was my first hurdle), but I stuck with it and now I can play all kinds of songs from my favorite bands. Not in a million years did I ever think I could play Metallica songs, but now I've got maybe half a dozen of their songs under my belt (One, Fade to Black, and Orion are faves), and dozens of other classic rock and metal songs. I'm particularly proud of being able to play Mark Knopfler's solo from Sultans of Swing. I don't play for any other reason than I enjoy the hell out of it, and it's given me even more appreciation for the music and the musicians who made it. I may have started late but I'll keep doing this for the rest of my life. Your lessons and videos, btw, have helped me a lot on this journey! Thank you!!

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

In '63 My 8th birthday was coming up and I purchased my first LP ever with that money. "Surfin' Safari" by the Beach Boy's and I wanted to emulate Dennis Wilson. So I was a drummer as a kid, until my teenage yrs. and stopped after hooking up with girls and a driver's license. I was 36 yrs. old at a party where almost half the peeps pulled out an acoustic instrument and started jamming. I was blow'n away big time, and ashamed that I couldn't play ! The very next Christmas there was an Epiphone acoustic guitar under the tree. I'm 66 now and play most of my guitars everyday ! Then when nobody is home I bang on my drums all day. Yup, put together a set of them too. Music, is the only way out of this world we live in... I promise !

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

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

First played on a 1963 Strat as a teenager (1963-65). Sold it if you can believe it when I left for college. Thought about starting back but never did until 6 years ago when I wife gave me a second hand acoustic as a Christmas gift that was super difficult to play. Several trades and purchases later, I landed a Taylor 414 and the monster was released. Started playing at church just as a visual to get people used to seeing another instrument with the piano. Now we have a full time music pastor, piano, keyboard, 2 guitars, drums, bass and having a blast. Always looking forward to the next musical challenge. Can't get enough. Play something almost daily. I am now 76 going on 18.

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

I’m 61. I’ve been playing guitar for about 14 years. When I retired from the Army, I could no longer run away from this calling.

61 and our spare room resembles a guitar shop. Wires and pedals everywhere. Heaven

I'm 67 played very little as a teen & after my brother who was a great player passed I got his guitars, but now I'm retired & picked it up again but I've always noticed thru the year's is the pain in the fingering hand I have bad arthritis & could not make a fist when I woke up after 3or 4 hrs of playing the night before but after about 6 months the morning pain is gone , I've realized it's like working out which I also do, so I guess no pain no gain even learning guitar so do not let the pain stop you it will get better ....rock on ✌🏾❤️🎸🎄

I'm 43 and have only been playing for 2 months. The guitar has actually become a self-care activity for me. The guitar forces you to only do 1 thing. You can't play the guitar and do anything else really. It has been a way to slow everything down and worry about nothing else. I have a kid on the Autism Spectrum and a full-time job so time for just me and the guitar is now my necessary time. I never touched a guitar before a couple months ago but have always loved music. I started with the goal of possibly playing at Church with the Worship team

I’m 49, almost 50. I believe I qualify as old. Originally a drummer starting at 12 and a couple years of piano lessons before that. There was always a guitar around to fiddle with but no one to teach me and no RU-vid. I never could quite figure out what to do with it and it seemed almost impossible that I could ever play like the guitar gods of the day. Fast forward about 30 years andI finally decided to try to take it seriously and learn to play it. I had a $99 epiphone acoustic and started with tabs and had some fun. I made myself learn the opening to Wish You Were Here. Chords and solo. It took forever but I pushed through the pain and frustration. I had fun and it felt great to be playing one of my favorite songs, but soon realized I wasn’t really learning anything about the guitar, just painting by numbers. So it became discouraging again. I then started to try to learn more about music theory and guitar theory. That helped a lot and I realized in learning Wish You Were Here I had learned a bunch of the open chords and some of the position 1 pentatonic shape. I then focused on more open chords and some basic songs using them. Then learned all 5 pentatonic shapes. I started practicing the scale shapes over blues backing tracks in random keys and got pretty good at it and had fun. But then it happened again. I realized I knew the shapes but never really knew what notes I was playing or what notes I should be playing over the chords of the backing track. Just randomly improvising. It sounded okay for a while but then I realized I’d hit another wall. Understanding how the fretboard is laid out, like I understand how the piano is laid out. And the millions of chords and inversions all over the neck. And how could I ever learn everything there is to know about the guitar and music theory. So the more progress I made, the more I realized how much there is to know and how much of it I don’t know. Then there’s different genres and styles. Acoustic, electric. All the gear options. It’s overwhelming and sometimes causes me to step away for a while. But I always come back to it. I am the old guy that knows his potential rock star days are over. But would like to get to the point where I could play in a retired people band one day. I think the hardest thing I’m dealing with now is what to focus on to keep moving forward without getting off track and discouraged again and again. I have a theory that if some of the greatest guitarists of all time started when they were 10 and became guitar gods at 20, then I should be able to get pretty good by the time I retire at 65 and join the old folks band. So I will keep pushing. But I probably need to find a path and stay on it. That’s the hardest part. So good luck to all the old, and young, wannabe guitarists out there. Don’t give up. Keep on Chooglin’.

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

I am 64 and have just started lessons. I have tried off and on over the years, but could never get past a basic level. Now i have a better mind set and a greater determination.

Liked your video. I'm 74 and been strumming the guitar for about 50 years. I retired 4 years ago and got serious about guitar. Learned scales, some theory and discovered RU-vid. Try to play every day and learn new tunes and techniques. I read only 10% of people over 70 play a musical instrument. I recommend learning music to everyone.

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

My son left his guitar at home when he went to college. I had to pick it up and give it a go. Now I play every day. Thanks for your videos.

I'm 50 and just bought my first guitar 8 weeks ago with a book I'm working through. I'd like to be able to write songs in my 60s and 70s should I be blessed with that longevity. I've been inspired by a guy called The White Buffalo. His style is a bit dark at times, but I hear honesty, and pain, that comes through his music. I think it would be very therapeutic to be able to express feelings like that in songs. I was introduced to him on Jocko Willink's podcast, "The Jocko Podcast," and I love that he isn't controlled by the sway of major record labels, but writes his music, on his terms. I don't know if I'll ever get my fingers into some of those chord positions, but it's something I plan to work on for the rest of my time on earth, and maybe leave something behind that can help someone who's struggling. Thanks to The White Buffalo for sharing your pain.

I'm not out of my 30's yet and I'm attempting to get back into music, after so many years away from it. My sister and I started with piano when I was 8, did lessons for a few months, but we were getting bounced around between a few different teachers, all within the same school, and all teaching us different things that it took the fun out of it, so we both stopped. At 13 my mother got me a violin for my birthday, which I absolutely loved! When I started lessons my teacher was an older man that looked like he was just miserable. He would get very frustrated with me while trying to teach me how to hold the bow, because I'm left handed, and it felt awkward for me to hold it in my right hand. He also never seemed satisfied with my violin itself, saying it wasn't good enough for him to teach me. "If it's anything under $1000 then it's not good enough." That broke my heart, especially because it had been a gift from my mother and we didn't exactly have a ton of money that we could just throw around, so again I stopped. Looking back on those situations now, I have such regret that I didn't just stick to it anyway. Who knows where I would be now, if I hadn't given up and let those circumstances get the better of me. I still have my violin (which I recently took out of storage), my grandmother gave me her keyboard after purchasing a new one, and I also recently got into building guitars (because why not!), so I'm going to do what I should have done, and KEPT doing, back in school, and I'm going to learn to play them all!... Bit by bit 🙂 Thank you for this video, Mike! There's a lot of us out here that need to see stuff like this from time to time and be reminded that a persons age is not a reason to not try :D Happy New Year!

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

I’m 63 and learning guitar….looking forward to playing each day and getting better….thank you…I agree

Had my right hand crushed in an industrial accident back in 2006. Ring finger was amputateded and from a side view what's left of my hand looks like a claw. Gave my Washburn acoustic away as I never thought I'd play again. After the injury settled I was convinced by my wife to buy another and start over again. I did and managed to retrain my pinkie to do what the ring finger did. I'm stull learning and am privileged enough to play from time to time in my church's worship team. I also suffer from GAS, an acronym for guitar acquisition syndrome and now have three acoustics, my most treasured possessions. I'm 71 now.

Picked up the bass at 57 with no musical background. 5 years later I'm in starting a blues band. I got told many years ago I was too old to even start, but that's obviously nonsense. My hands have stopped shaking, my head is clear and I absolutely love being on stage playing. Thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks. I have played the guitar all my life. Now I am older, and I am now in a period of learning more than I have for many, many years.

I'm 58 and bought my first guitar last week. I really want to learn so I can play some of the music I love. It's fun to listen to and seems like it would be even more fun to play myself. I can't sing to save my life, but I sing along with the radio, records, and Spotify anyway. Whether it be CCR, Bukka White, Hank Williams, or Judas Priest, I just love music!

I actually started taking lessons at 50 with an older teacher, but he never advanced me because he was more of a musician than a teacher. Now that I am 64 I’m picking it back up again and I’m amazed at how much I’ve retained except for sore fingers, but that’s actually going away slowly but all I’ve ever wanted to do is just play my favorite Beatles song, or Nirvana song just for the sheer enjoyment of being able to move around the instrument, thanks for giving kudos to us older folks. That was nice to hear.🤘❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Don't know the limit of a comment. I have just signed up with you (monthly) and am not sure of your name. I started to pass you by but began listening to the patient way you explained things. I am 80 but have always loved guitar music. I grew up in the NC mountains, listening to Hank Williams, Carter family and the Stanley Bros. I raised two rowdy boys, one of whom has passed away, and cared for my father until he was 101. I do have patience and don't like leaving a lesson until I feel I understand it. Now I live in Wilmington, NC, an apartment complex...a new experience and a lonely one. My neighbors are pleasant but only slightly older than my granddaughters. I no longer drive and when my granddaughter offered the use of her guitar (gathering dust in her closet and suitable for perhaps a beginning student who could afford in-person lessons ), I jumped at the chance. I'm starting from ground zero but that's okay with me. This laptop is also a hand-me-down and I'm not very computer literate...one finger typing takes time. My health is good with the drawback of poor vision (when you mention a third string, I have to count them) and arthritis in my fingers...nothing severe...just bothersome. I do like listening to Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Grateful Dead (especially late David Crosby) and, of course, the voice/lyrics of Dylan. ( I like the sound of unusual voices.) My goal in learning guitar is to play country songs and hymns - nothing very complicated - and for my own enjoymentt. I have no aspirations for lead guitar, blues, etc. However I do want to learn as much as I can for my age. I have lots of time to practice but, unfortunately, I'm a slow learner. Thank you for any help you can provide. (You look as if you are about 15, so you'll be around a lot longer than I.) e 2023 is a successful you' You appear to be a very nice young man who already knows a great deal about guitar/teaching. Please forgive any typing mistakes. You have no idea how long this "missive" has taken. Ann

I'm an older (or older-ish) guitar student at the age of 52. I had forced piano lessons as a kid and absolutely hated them, even though I loved music - the 70s/80s rock I grew up with. Some years ago I decided I wanted to play that music and not just listen to it, and my desire to play overcame my distaste for music lessons, based on that early piano experience. I did some self-teaching and then took the leap and went for private lessons a little over a year go. I have such a great teacher at a local music school which also offers opportunities to play as part of a group - a valuable thing! It's been a lot of work and practice but I just love it. Honestly one of the best personal decisions I've made!

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

I started playing when I was 13. I stopped playing when I was 22 because I just didn't have enough time and enthusiasm to keep at it. So I sold all my gear, and never played again until the lock down a couple of years ago when I ordered a cheap fender acoustic online. I got the bug again and ordered more gear as I went along. At 51 now my playing is much better than ever. One big thing has changed since I was younger is the internet. And being able to learn from great younger players like yourself. It keeps my interest in the guitar growing stronger.

Started lessons in October, 2022 - at age 62. Thanks for the encouragement.

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

I started to play about 5 years before I retired at 66, but had not much time to practice. I'm now 73 and the last years, I have played different kind of music, slide, blues, country. After a couple of years I developed arthritis in the hands, and I just sold my expensive Martin and got a Gibson parlor, which isn't so big. I also started to play cigar box guitar 2 years ago and my teacher tries to adjust to blues and slide. My 6 string guitar teacher, which I have had for 11 years, also suggested to switch to lap steel, which I have played for 1 year now, and I play with a mud slide, which is not so heavy. In good periods I also return to my acoustic guitar or my tele. I just sold my strat since it's too heavy. I love playing guitar since it's kind of meditation, and my daily break for ½ hour, which makes life easier, I care for my loved one who is having more and more dementia. So this break is simply necessary to be able to continue caring. Thank you for the video, I loved to hear this about older students. Have a Merry X-Mas and a Happy 2023.

I have no fear of failure. Began playing acoustic almost a year ago learning fingerstyle. Love the challenge. I just turned 65 and bought myself a beautiful electric guitar. Very excited to begin this journey.

Thank you young one! Hahaha...I started guitar discipline when I was 8, and that was 1982. Music isn't something I have to chase, but adopted me so young it's my native habitat. Learning all the other skills to be a good human was the thing during the last 30 years, music kept on a constant process of development even when I felt impatient and frustrated with the limits. At 49 in two days, Capricorn Sun I have more calm and rooted emotions, and a respect for daily rituals to keep all my skills bright and music skills I never dreamed I could have, but felt the urge so deep I could never stop even in the darkest pit of despair. Music and Tai Ji, and bicycles kept me going through my deepest struggles. They were the life lines that kept me human while I was settling various ghosts in my self, a monkish self imposed quarantine to keep my scuzz from poisoning the world during my shadow wrassling years. As you say, my generation has more presence. I'm glad music found me young. Even though digital has done great damage to my relationships and my music life the real instrument of the guitar, and my body's great and powerful voice(s) were there with me after my personal bottom out, the only instruments left after I was deprived of a stable home by fire and ongoing gentrification to such a degree I still haven't found a stable home yet. I hope to settle that soon. My music skills are strong and worthy and ready for service, and with Tai Ji and bicycles as two other elements of my training I'm sharper in intellect and dexterous accuracy in physical movements than musicians without martial arts also in their training. Make it big? I don't care about that specifically. My great joy is in participation with group music experiences among highly skilled kung fu level players. Jam band has been a most excellent training period that cured me of the arrogance that had me obsessed with my own sounds, my own part, with scant attention left to hear the rest of the band. But jamming only doesn't scratch my itch to shine with my skills at full power in a group that is on my level, and great if there's some in the group that uplift the music by being a little beyond me. The speed limit of people who aren't especially fit and healthy grinds on my ability to go metal, jazz, whatever genre box has the colors and tones I need to express the Thing at hand. I might need to find younger people to play with, but the problem is as you noticed the disintegration of discipline, presence in the moment, and attention to one thing at a time. Oh, there you go, a long life story thing. I'm in Chiron return; it's a milestone for ones like me who have a life calling that is more focused than the masses. I appreciate your respect for my generation, and my parent's also as we hold more of humanity intact than the kids who grew up with phones in their faces, and social media. I mean, we had TV. But that didn't follow us around in our pockets, in our faces as we walk like zombies, the phone haze taking our minds elsewhere than the world our bodies inhabit. No way to play a real instrument, or sing like the greats of the Boomer generation like Freddie Mercury and Bowie, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Ronnie James Dio with a lack of focus. Thanks for saying these things. It warms my heart to hear a young person express genuine respect for anyone older than them, especially these days. It isn't just generational split things now; we're in a crazy place with all this digital stuff that is taking our humanity away bit by bit, if we let it. Thank you for taking the time and the dedication to keep high skill on a real instrument.

I've loved the guitar as an instrument since I was a child, but being left handed, there was never a time I could borrow one from a friend. On my 50th birthday, my son gifted me a brand new Ibanez left handed guitar. I never took lessons, but I learned how to read tablature, found some good websites, and worked at it for a year. Then we bought a house, and moved. We were busy with the new house for months, I had lost my practice space, and that was the end. I'm 66 now, but determined that I will pick it up again. The most important thing I can say to older folks like me is this: Play at least a little every day. If you can spend an hour, great, but even if you can only spare ten minutes some days, pick it up, strum a few of those chord shapes, and continue to refine that muscle memory.

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

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

I'm 52, and took private guitar lessons from 11 to 15, without really learning much at all! I was a terrible student, most times, I'd have a quick practice the night before the next lesson, without having practised anything all week. I took guitar lessons because I wanted to be a singer, but knew I'd need to play an instrument, or I'd never get a chance to sing. After 5 years of lessons, I was sent a book by my mum's cousin, Gary Turner, saw 'two string rock chords', turned to the page, and 5 minutes later, could actually play and sing a song! Before that, all I'd been taught, was how to play melody lines. At 16, I took guitar as a subject at school, the goal of the lessons, was to be able to play simple songs around a campfire, nothing more. However, it was enough to be able to sing and play rhythm guitar in a band, with people in their late 20s, and I started gigging. Luckily, I was a tall, heavyset, longhaired guy with sideburns, nobody asked me for I.D. I alternated between bass and rhythm, but from then, until 2019, I was gigging regularly, for the most part, as a singer only, if I could get out of having to play guitar or bass! 😁 Now, I'm 300kms away from my bandmates, and recording the original songs from over the years, only, I have to play everything myself! 😬 So now, finally, 41 years after my first lesson, I'm actually learning more in depth music theory, and how to play the guitar properly! 🙂 I thank you for all of your help! 🙂👍

Picked up the guitar at 60 during the pandemic , this was my 3rd attempt . One at 37 for 2 months and one at 50 for two months both previous times I walked away concluding that I could not play despite never taking an actual lesson! This time I decided not to quit and actually got an instructor after a year in . Now I can play some boomer songs from CCR , Jimmy Buffett etc. -I do have some regret not doing this earlier but I'm enjoying the journey and play every day because I don't ever want to go through the callous thing again ;-) Thanks for recording /posting this msg !

53 now. Started at 4 but never got better than an intermediate player. With there being SOO MANY different teachers and different styles of teaching online, I've found what seems like hidden paths to the place I always wanted to get to. The last 2 years or so I've started learning intervals and chord based lead playing? Mind blown. Oh, and recording at home? Lol better than 80% the studios I've recorded in in the past and you've got ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to get it right! Amazing

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

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

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

🎸 Older guitar player here 🙋‍♂️ I started on Guitar Hero, moved on to Rock Band where I began playing Roland e-drums then electric guitar on it, upgraded to Rocksmith, and finally started taking guitar lessons. Now I have 4 guitars, a Quad Cortex, etc. My guitar teacher liked older students because we were self-motivated - I’d come in with stuff practiced or prepared in advance. He’d often ask me what I wanted to do, to figure out a teaching direction.

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

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

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

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

I am an older student, 54. I started in my 40’s and was self taught at the time. I played for 5 years and then lost everything in a house fire. (Even a Martin guitar my husband gave me for our 25th wedding anniversary) 😭 About 3 years ago we had recovered enough I could buy a guitar again, but this time I wanted to take lessons. I agree with you that when I walk into class my phone is off and I’m there for music. But, I have ADHD and so does my teacher. So I can sometimes send my teacher down a rabbit hole. It’s always music related but we aren’t always playing what was originally planned for that lesson. 😂 There was one time I mentioned wanting to learn the beginning of Chicago’s 25 or 6 to 4. I told my teacher I knew Terry Kath’s solo was way over my head. But I thought it would be fun to learn that beginning and then maybe come up with my own solo at my level for that part. He puts the song on and is figuring out that beginning. But my eyes lit up like a little kid when the solo started and he was getting 95% of it right just because he was good at ear training, he was a great guitar player, and probably had parents with great taste in music and had heard it enough to know what it sounds like. But it was such an awesome moment. A few weeks ago he posted a video on social media and tagged me in it. His band wanted to do this song at a gig and he didn’t have much time to practice the solo but he got it and made sure I saw him playing. When I said he was just naturally good at picking up that solo so quickly he sent me a second video of him not quite getting the whole thing perfect on the first second or third try. It was still great though. Even though because of me lessons don’t always go as planned, we both have so much fun during my lessons. It’s hilarious. Which is what it’s all about having some fun. I work in healthcare I love my job, but it’s so stressful. I need the guitar to get the days stress off me and just have some fun. One last thing, my 19 year old son recently started drums. The only place the set fits is in my bedroom. My poor husband has to trip over my pedalboard,, amps, drum sticks, and music stands just to go to bed at night. And if my husband dares to put something down on the snare drum he gets an earful from my son and I. 😂.

65 here, (total newbie). Love your website and am following it religiously. Thank you, your teaching is relaxing and to the point.

Mike I'm 60. I've ALWAYS loved music, very eclectic. THANK YOU for this encouraging video. I finally have the time to really learn, and I really enjoy your presentation and your channel. Major Props 👍 Be following you Bro, thanks again 🎶✌️

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

57, started at 55. As a kid I always wanted to play. Ace Frehley was my hero. We didn’t have much money and in the 70’s80’s there were no affordable Chinese made guitars amps etc. couple years ago my teenage son started so I decided to join him. Gives us something in common. He is turning out to be quite talented, me not so much but is great therapy for my arthritis. Also became my after work decompression. 15 minutes working on the solo to Love Gun relaxes me. I’d recommend guitar to any old fart who loves music.

Thanks for your wonderful and valuable perspective! So interesting to hear. My husband of 27 years took his life 7 years ago. I found his old but not often used dreadnaught in the closet. I’ve played a few instruments in my youth but always loved guitar. Started private lessons a month later at age 52. Connected with a really great teacher at my local music store…he’s so great, teaches me so much and makes it fun. I practice an hour a day six days a week and look forward to that hour and prioritize it daily. One of the first songs I played on my husbands guitar was a song he also played on it..Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. When I strum those chords knowing he played them on the same guitar I feel a connection to him. Got my own Taylor Academy 12 grand concert size and I love it! Been taking lessons for 5 years with the same teacher. I love the challenge and the progress I see as well as the music I can now play. My guitar journey will last the rest of my life💕

Starting at age 51, tried when I was younger but just didn’t have the patience because it’s so hard. It will be awesome when I can play a couple of songs. Not going to give up this time.

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

Know this vid is a year old, but after putting guitar on the back burner for decades ( played a bit back in the mid 80’s ), decided a few months back to reignite that old desire and start playing again at 62. In fact, I just signed up last week for Mike’s online lessons.

I started playing in 2020 when the pandemic hit. I was thinking about a nice set of golf clubs or a nice guitar. I bought a HSS Player Stratocaster off of Reverb and am so glad I did. I am in my 50's and always regretted getting rid of a cheapy Les Paul that I had in the 80's. When I was a kid there was no online content, you had to find someone that gave lessons and if you lived in the country good luck with that. So now that I am older I go to lessons and have about 10 RU-vid channels that I am subscribed to so the content keeps refreshing in my RU-vid feed. There are so many rabbit holes to go down with guitar and for me that's a good thing. I have put together a tube screamer kit, built practice stools, guitar stands, an amp stand. This Christmas I got an amp kit from mojo-tone and am really excited to get started on that. I love to tinker so this hobby will keep me engaged for a long time. Most importantly for me, there is no pressure at all. I'm not trying to get anywhere by playing guitar or impress anyone, there's no grand scheme for the future. I just remembered how much I enjoy music after all these years and its really fun.

I'm 64 and have been playing most of my adult life. BUT I recently had a serious cycling accident which left me with a broken ring finger and pinkie on my left hand. While waiting for healing (still waiting 3 months later) I tried playing with just my 2 good fingers. But I'm doing my rehab exercises because I cannot imagine NOT being able to play guitar each day. Love your channel and your delivery to us.....just like we are sitting around talking.