Learn guitar at 48?

[GauntJudy]

I tried to self teach in my 20s, but couldn't do it. I would love to be able to pick up a guitar and just enjoy playing songs I love. Has anyone learnt something like this later in life (where they displayed no aptitude for it previously!)?

Why not?? I know people much older that have learnt instruments. May I ask what’s stopping you?

My cousin learned at about the same age as you are now. He got really really good at it and now plays in a local pub band.

Yes, I am 47, started learning guitar at 45. There are many more resources to learn yourself now than 20 years ago, and the quality of low cost guitars is way better than 20 years ago. I used justinguitar.com, it's free and very well structured. I wish I had started years ago when I didn't have to wait until the children are asleep before having any time to practice ....

I actually hired a guitar at first, assuming that I'd not enjoy it, but it turns out I did, could be an option if you aren't sure.

DH has recently started to learn to play the guitar. He's 67. Seems to be doing OK. Don't let your age put you off.

I've just started learning Bass... I'm 57 !

Definitely do it. I started piano from scratch in my mid fifties. It's a very good use of the brain and it doesn't matter if you aren't very good.

My past attempt wasn't successful so I wonder if I'm just don't have the ability 🤷‍♀️

Nice to hear others have had success!

I don't really have much talent @GauntJudy and am sort of "stuck" at a low level on the piano. But it's fine. It's good for you to do the learning, and I'm pretty sure the guitar is a good beginner instrument. Go for it!

You want to do it so do so

Consider getting a teacher

download a tuner and a metronome

remember that it is very hard so progress may be slow and that’s ok - people often give up too soon rather than push through until it clicks

although don’t spend too long at any one practise session on something tricky - do some fun stuff, something familiar and easy and just sone of the challenge

yiu go backwards as well as forwards

learn to listen - when you think you have it, record yourself and make the corrections ( I hate doing this as it brings you right back down but it’s so useful )

dont compare yourself to someone who is 20 years ahead of you

find others to play with - folk groups are good for that

have fun

Yes I’m learning bass guitar and I’m in my mid forties. Just do five minutes here and there. Find some songs that you like, and get the guitar tab for them. It’s never too late!! Oh and also, play along to YouTube backing tracks, I play to blues ones

Never too old to learn a new skill. I’m 40 and quite tempted to start!