Am I Too Old to Start Learning Guitar?
Is Anyone EVER Too Old?
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It’s a question I’ve heard asked in one shape or another several times: Am I too old to learn guitar? I’ve heard it from parents of young guitarists who “wish they could learn guitar” followed by “I’m too old now, what’s the point in learning?” Well, what makes you too old to learn guitar now? Who is stopping you from heading to your nearest guitar store and buying a beginner’s guitar and amp, or getting a cheap acoustic guitar from Amazon? No one! And here’s why you definitely should:
The guitar is one of the most satisfying hobbies you can have and it’s one of the most accessible. The Internet is full of wonderful resources. Ultimate Guitar Tabs has tabs of almost every song imaginable, or you can go onto Youtube and search for tutorials of your favorite songs. Not to mention that guitar is so widely practiced you will undoubtedly find a guitar teacher near you who can help you learn!
Just because your chances of becoming a famous rock star will be a little slimmer and you might not be able to hit the road full time as a guitarist shouldn’t dissuade you. Every young person has great dreams of being a rock star when they first start playing “Smoke on the Water.” But the realization soon comes that only a handful of people make a full time living from playing the guitar. Do they stop once they realize this?
NO!
They have discovered the deep joy that comes from sitting at home with the guitar, noodling away trying to play their favorite song. They have experienced the satisfaction of playing something for their friends for the first time. Besides, it is the most wonderful experience completely losing yourself in your playing on the weekend, only to move to go to the bathroom and realize it’s dark outside. Many people lose their creative outlets as they get older, learning something new becomes a chore, but it shouldn’t be that way.
I was reading a story not long ago about a 90-year-old woman who got asked what the best thing she ever learned was. She explained how she started learning about ancient Mesopotamia when she was 80 years old and it changed her life. She is now a leading scholar in the field and a highly regarded expert thanks to her life changing discovery. How crazy is that?!
Older and Wiser
If you’re a little older you’ll have gained a lot more life experience, so hopefully you can accept you won’t become Jimi Hendrix by the end of the month. But, with enough practice, you can still get yourself a band and start booking gigs–if that is what you want, of course. Playing at home can still be immensely satisfying too.
It’s never too late to learn guitar, and maybe even start a band!
I worked with a ship captain who worked for 7 days followed by 7 days off. On his days off he got together with a bunch of his friends and became a touring wedding band, and he loved it! Nobody who phoned to book the band laughed at them for being in a band in their 40s. They were just thrilled knowing their band were responsible adults, who were much less likely to get wasted and trash the place!
“Too Old” is Relative
Besides, being ”too old” is a relative term. I started playing the guitar when I was around 14 and was looking up a few of my guitar idols when I saw that most of them had been playing the guitar since they were 6 years old. This made me wonder whether or not it was too late for me to get any good. In hindsight, this seems ridiculous! A 14-year-old who is still at school worrying about being too old to learn something new. But this was a relative measure. I knew if I’d started learning at 6 I’d already have 8 years under my belt and be cranking out licks beyond any of my dreams! I think this measure becomes even more apparent as you get older.
So maybe you are 30 years old and thinking about starting guitar, but you get put off because all the people in their 20s and younger have had way more experience so you don’t start. The chances are you are going to have that exact same thought again when you’re 40, at which point you could have had 10 years experience under your belt if you had just started!
Don’t Own a Guitar Yet? Let’s Fix That
If you don’t yet own a guitar, you may be wondering where you should start. What kind of guitar should you buy? I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t spend too much money on your first guitar–not until you’re sure you’re going to stick with it. At the same time, you don’t want to buy a cheap piece of junk. So, here are some entry-level guitars that are a perfect balance of low-cost and good quality.
Quality, Affordable Beginner Guitars
Fender FA-115 Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Gig Bag
Epiphone Les Paul Electric Guitar Player Package
But What About Lessons?
There’s a lot of free information out there on the internet, but it can be overwhelming for a beginner. It’s difficult to know what’s good and what’s not. I would recommend seeking out a guitar teacher or, if you prefer a more self paced approach, check out Gibson’s Learn and Master Guitar DVD set. It’s an excellent step-by-step course that you can take at your own pace, in your own home. I’ve recommended it to many beginners over the years and still do.
Gibson’s Learn & Master Guitar is something I’ve been recommending to beginners for years.
Pick Up That Guitar!
So I beg you, pick up a guitar, you won’t regret it. A musically filled creative life is one of the best you can have. And who knows where it could take you! All I know is that you are going to have a hell of a time once you start.
Question
Are you struggling with this question right now, and wondering if you’re too old to learn guitar? If so, let me know in the “Leave a Reply” section down below, and let’s talk about it.
I have a friend who borrowed me his guitar around 15 years ago, was never any good at it and gave it him back, 9 years ago, my wife gave me a guitar for my birthday, still hopeless at playing it, have had lessons from 3 different people, one of those was in a group with better guitarists, so that never lasted long, have been having lessons with the same person for the last 6 months, but same as usual, sounded hopeless, got to a stage where I wouldn’t even pick the guitar up because I know how bad it sounds, which would leave me frustrated and not want to bother anymore, a vicious circle if you like, the times I have nearly smashed the guitar is too many to count, thought if I got myself a new guitar, it would change somehow, so I did, and it hasn’t, no motivation to play even though the guitar is next to me all day, even when I play, I get bored after 5 minutes, looking at tabs or chords on the internet is hopeless, they all seem different, so which one is right? I am 56, my fingers are not going to stretch now and I haven’t got the inclination to even think about trying to get better, which is annoying, because I want to learn how to play, but know I never will.
Its’ not a hobby…its an obsession…no…wait…an addiction…all three lol.
I started at 63 and can’t put it down…the rabbit hole is deep and wide, and it always ends in the same place…happyville lol.
Sure it’s a challenge, and I will never wow anyone with my Sultans of Swing massacre…ok…I’m not going to even try that one ok 😉 but…it sure is fun.
Like its been repeated over and over, there is an endless list of resources for every single skill level and genre out there…A virtual playground of guitars, accessories, music, help, and on and on. Just by “noodling” one will progress. Keep the fingers going.
That is the one lesson I didn’t learn pay attention during all my other failed attempts to learn. Do proper stretches and warm ups before trying those barre chords, C9’s F#m etc…you WILL get there. I always gave up to soon….but that was before the internet 😉
I you “only” learn a new chord, scale, or style even month, that’s 12 a year…now imagine learning one a week! Patience…and smile, don’t grimace at every “thunk” or “twang”…Clapton, Boyd, Scruggs, Knopfler, May ad infinitum, ALL started from scratch…withOUT Garageband or the internet…so we have the advantage. What my 60 years of learning has taught me…there are no easy ways or shortcuts…so make it fun 🙂 Time is on your side.
Great insights Dave, thanks for sharing your story! It’s definitely liberating when you can play for the sheer joy of it and not because you’re competing with others or trying to become a pro studio musician.
For me personally, you’re never too old to learn a new skill. I actually wanted to learn how to play the guitar when I was a teenager but I didn’t have the confidence. It took me nearly 30 years to walk into my local music shop/school and book my first guitar lesson at the age of 45 and now, 3 years later, it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made – even on those days when my fingers are sore and the tendonitis in my hands is painful – the thrill I get when I master a new chord or technique just encourages me to keep going.
It’s given me a new outlook on life and since I started the lessons, despite having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I finally had the courage to go to my first rock concert (Queen and Adam Lambert) and after that I now regularly go to local gigs and other concerts. Without my guitar lessons I would have missed out on so much over the past few years and I would recommend to anyone, just take that step, book a lesson and start learning.
I’m 56 and have been playing for two years now. I am in the intermediate level. Unfortunately I have Lupus which can be a painful disease. The best thing to do for me is grabbing my fender acoustic and playing . I love learning new songs and I am starting to learn my favorite music The Blues.
I don’t think it’s ever to late to learn something new. Learning guitar is no exception to that rule. I’ve known several people who have begun learning the guitar through self-teaching and classes in their 30’s and early 40’s.
Never too old unless you are not living. The guitar is a fun instrument to play. It is also sometimes incredibly frustrating to play. Well. However at 58 I started and now at 62 I am so glad I finally thought about do it. One of the biggest problems is my fingers won’t hold much in the way of a callous and after 30 min max I am in Pain. So not learning quickly enough. For me. Fingers are slower too. But I rarely miss a day of practice/playing time. Gotta make up for all the years I played trumpet, air guitar and didn’t consider playing such a great instrument.
Having some fun. You to I hope.
Steve :=}
Hey Steve! I’m “older” as well and therefore now have to deal with some arthritis in my fretting hand. So, I can sympathize, for sure. Even if you’re only practicing/playing 30 mins a day, the fact that you’re playing every day (or most days) is great. In fact, it’s better to practice only 15 mins every day, than to practice 2+ hours… but only a few times a week. Consistency is more important than sheer duration.
I started two years ago, at age 50. I still suck, but I don’t care. I look to artists like Clapton and Buddy Guy, who are rocking into their 70s, for inspiration. It’s never too late to act out those childhood dreams. It’s hard, but that’s one of the things I like about it.
Thanks Karl, I really needed to hear that. Because sometimes when I look at a nine year old kid on YouTube blazing on the guitar playing Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan songs like he’s 27, I think to myself, “why should I even try?” But then I come to a page like this and read a few comments like yours and it makes me feel better. Thanks
I’ll just throw this in: the only time someone should worry about the fact that anyone else can play better than them is if they’re goal is to become a professional musician. In that case, yes, you’d better be woodshedding 4-6 hours a day. However, at the end of the day, it isn’t always the technically best players who go on to have successful careers in music. There are many other factors that go into earning a steady income from music. Even then, don’t worry about the 8-year-olds who can already shred like Paul Gilbert. Few will even continue playing into adulthood, and of those that do, well, as I just said–a lot more goes into creating a successful, full-time career as a musician. Chops and technical ability aren’t enough.
Wonderful article, close to my heart! I have some beginner students who are in the sixties and it is an absolute joy teaching them. Often their love and knowledge of music is wide and deep! The issue is often confidence to start and I hope your article encourages many to do so. I am 51 and sometimes I wonder if I will be too old to teach guitar….. hell no!
When people think they’re too old to learn something, I believe it’s usually because they’re thinking of “mastery.” Of course, it takes a lifetime to “master” anything, and what that word even really means is debatable (can one ever truly ‘master’ something?). What most fail to realize is how much fun and enjoyment there is along the way–before you get anywhere near mastering an instrument. I’ve seen people become surprisingly good in just a few months, and REALLY good within a year.
i was 12, played for 10 years and stopped, never picked up a guitar again for 30 years. its a long story.
Life (and other weird or unexpected stuff) happens. I stopped playing for 11 years, and mine is a long story as well. The important thing is that you picked it back up again, and are hopefully enjoying it.
i realized that for me personally, the guitar is not like riding a bike. Once you play you never forget didn’t apply with the guitar. It’s somewhere in the middle. But if you persist, it all comes flooding back pretty fast.
As someone who quit playing guitar for over 11 years, I know where you’re coming from. From age 25 – 36, I didn’t so much as touch a guitar. I had quit, cold-turkey.
When I finally picked the guitar back up, I still understood the basic techniques of how to fret notes, play chords, etc. However, I’d forgotten all my music theory, sightreading, and only remembered a few scales. Also, my technique had suffered considerably. I was no longer the 100-notes-per-second shredder that I once was. However, after a few years of diligent practice, I’m back to a level that I’m happy with.
So, you CAN come back to the guitar after quitting, but there’s always going to be some work involved. The key is to play guitar because you love it. If you play because you want to make a living as a performing musician (either live or in the studio), you’re going to have more of an uphill battle. But, it can be done!
I am 37 and just started learning last week. I had wanted to learn for 20 years, but never did it before. I was tired of regretting the decision, and figured it was time to change that. I am old enough to know that learning a new skill takes time and patience, and I am fine with not being able to play anything yet. I know if I keep plugging away, it will come eventually. There are a ton of great Youtube videos out there, and one of the most encouraging things I heard is no matter how bad you are, it is impossible to practice something and not get better at it. I don’t think it is ever too late to learn a new skill!
I wholeheartedly agree. Way back when I was in college, I remember a woman in one of my math classes: I’d guess she was easily in her 70’s (maybe 80’s), and had just started working on her Bachelor’s degree. That made a very big impression on me, and since then I’ve had the attitude that it’s never too late to learn something new. I’m 42 now, and hoping to learn woodworking one day. Probably won’t happen till I’m done working and well into my 60’s, but I’m gonna do it.
I am almost 68. I started playing again after many years away (when I retired). I think that music helps keep your mind sharp as you age. Plus, it is fun! I’ll never be Chet or Clapton but so what!
Sam, I stopped playing guitar, completely, for 11 years. Only picked it up again in 2011–but the fire’s stronger than ever now and I haven’t put it down since. I agree that it’s good for the brain, not to mention the soul.
I started 6 months ago. I’m am 46. As a heavy metal fan in the 1980s I dreamed of being a great guitarist like Ace Frehley, George Lynch, or Eddie Van Halen. But I didn’t have the will to persevere. Now that I’m older I have learned that anything worth having will cost you precious time, money, blood, sweat, and tears. The hard work makes it priceless when you finally break through. Through running half marathons I am much more focused and patient than when I was a kid. I am going to be the best guitarist I can be. I will never give up!
Love the dedication Robbie! For what it’s worth, I stopped playing guitar COMPLETELY for 11 years. Multiple reasons that I won’t go into here, but suffice to say I was playing for the wrong reasons (a desire for fame and fortune) in my early years. However, when I picked the guitar up again at age 36, I had a whole different outlook, and I haven’t put it (the guitar) down since. Now, I simply loved playing for the sake of playing.
I started learning to play the guitar last year, at 46. The thought that I’m maybe being too old never stopped me from trying as I wanted to learn it since I was child. I am still a beginner, I’m struggling a lot over some chords, I cannot play a whole song (not to mention play and sing together) and yet it never occured to me to quit. I have a Fender acoustics standing next to my seat at home and when something’s a hand reach away you will eventually reach for it 🙂 I don’t play as often as first months (too busy I guess but I pick the guitar whenever I can) maybe just a couple of minutes per day, usually more when bad weather outside but I really enjoy playing it and its like a door to getting away from your daily worries. It is very satisfying when you play something right and it keeps pushing you to learn more.
Everyone should try it no matter the age and I bet no one will quit.
Awesome, thanks for the comments Mihail. I’m always surprised when I get this question, “… am I too old”… as it relates to any skill. Aside from seeing people learn guitar at all ages, I’ve seen people get college degrees and even start CrossFit in their 80’s and 90’s. Rare, but possible. I always tell people to focus on the now, not some lofty, imaginary future or expectation (e.g. becoming a pro/touring musician, being able to play like Clapton, etc) that isn’t even likely to happen for a YOUNG person or ANY person, let alone someone who is “older.”