I'm Almost 40 and I want to learn how to play guitar?

Question

i want to be able to play the old blues classics, For aand older total noob like me, is there a fast method to learn? I mean, I want to be playing decently before I hit 50..

Is it possible..?

Please only musicians with serious answers...

Answer 1

Ya know, I've learned a lot of instruments, and guitar is the one that I think is best self-taught. I did it when I was 14, and it took all of one hour to master the basics.

Here's what you do. This assumes you know roughly how to read music.

1. Get your hands on a semi-decent guitar and a copy of the "Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1". You don't need the copy with the CD.

2. Take a seat in your basement or somewhere you won't be disturbed or bother anyone. Have someone else tune it first, as that's too advanced for your first day. Maybe the second.

2. Take a deep breath and chill out. And read the whole book with your guitar in front of you.

If you do what it says, you'll be able to play in about a day. More importantly, you'll understand how it all works because you'll know how a chord it put together, and you'll be able to play individual notes.

Answer 2

I am a gigging musician and can tell you that yes it is possible! My first question for you would be - do you have any musical experience at all? Childhood piano lessons? Flute in high school? Any prior experience will help, as your musical ear is the most important thing when learning a new instrument. You have to listen to yourself and know if you're playing the correct notes, if your in tune, etc... I can also tell you that it will take you a good 6 months of daily practice to get some callouses on your fingers. It will hurt at first, but it's necessary!

I took piano lessons from age 10 through 21, and in college I dropped the piano and taught myself how to play guitar. I'm 31 now and I've been playing out in front of large crowds for 5 years. Once you get the hang of it, it will be alot easier. The hardest time for you will be the first year, when you hands hurt and you don't sound like a radio God. Just be patient, don't give up, and you will be able to do it.

Spend about $300 on a decent guitar if you are serious about doing this. Don't buy a cheap piece of crap, it will make a difference. Buy some books, some tapes or some audio help - or just sign up for private lessons. The key is not to give up. It will take time but you will succeed.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm left handed as well and play guitar right handed too. I'm perfectly happy playing the way I've been playing for the last 16 years. In fact, I'm glad I learned right handed because most guitars are built for right handed players, it's made acquiring guitars that I want a lot easier. It probably would be quite impressive if you learned both, but that's up to you and whether or not you think you'll receive some kind of benefit from playing both left and right handed.

Answer 4

Well first things first...
Congrats on the first step!

Secondly, There is no "fast track" to learning.
It is practice...practice...practice...

I recommend going to a reputable store where lessons are also available. (besides the guitar itself) You may be able to get a discount on lessons if you ask when you purchase your guitar...
It is worth asking about...

There is no reason that with 10 years work that you can't be a great guitarist... I have played guitar since I was 12, I'm now 37.

For basic learning, the guitar choice doesn't matter, when you learn the fretboard and get comfortable with it, Later, for blues I recommend a Fender Telecaster and a tube amp.

Answer 5

practice is key! any serious musician will practice for at least an hour each day. the hardest part about playing as an adult is the lack of time. i've been a musician my entire life and now that i'm working full time and maintaining a household i rarely have time to practice. take private lessons, get lots of books, and practice practice practice. you'll be playing decently in less than a year, and amazingly by the time you're 50. good luck!!!

Answer 6

i'm learning the guitar to, i'm pretty good at it & i have been trying to learn for a while now. the best way i found was to find someone to teach you hands on. its alot easer then trying to learn from a book or cd or dvd, i know because i tryed all of it. also just learn your main cords first then learn to play the kind of music you would like. i play old country, new country, southern rock & a little rock. this is easy now that i understand the cords.
p.s.
it helps to have long fingers. :*)

Answer 7

You have to start at the basics. Guitar takes lots of steady practice. Yes it's possible

Answer 8

Go to Musiciansfriend.com and look at their lessons available on book/CD/DVD. They have a good selection of items for beginners. Of course, a live instructor is better but more expensive. Check with your local music store for instructors. If you have a College in your town, check with them for Music instruction programs.
Guitar (like any instrument) is not as easy as Eddie Van Halen makes it look. Takes years of hard dedication and practice, but is very satisfying if you can stay with it.
Good Luck!!

Answer 9

it is possible. for sure. i can't tell you a fool proof way to do it though. it will take time and practice. look into some lessons for starters.

Answer 10

Thanks to the Internet, I have like thousands before me, learned to play the guitar on line. And I'm so glad that I can share some of the links with you here-

http://www.fretplay.com/guitar-lessons.shtml
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net
http://www.sickguitar.com
http://www.freeguitarvideos.com/
http://www.guitaralliance.com
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=learn+to+play+guitar
http://www.shredaholic.com
http://www.guitarjamdaily.com
http://guitar.about.com/library/blguitar
http://www.cyberfret.com/
http://www.onlineguitarlessons.co.uk/
http://www.guitarnoise.com
http://www.jamorama.com/?hop=astronut

Remember practice makes perfect. With lots of practice and perseverance, soon you will find yourself playing the guitar proficiently.