[wolfen]

So I'm about to turn 37, and I've been thinking lately about learning to play the guitar. I have no rock star ambitions or delusions. My parents were in a local rock band while I was growing up and I just never learned any instruments. I can sing, but can't play anything.

Anyway, my question is: how reasonable is it to learn guitar at this age? I've heard learning an instrument is very difficult as you get older. But I'm curious to find out if anyone here has picked it up later in life and found fulfillment doing so.

If you think it is feasible that I can learn to play fairly well, what do I need to know about my first guitar? I haven't a clue what to look for. I'm thinking acoustic to start.

Any useful input or personal experiences with this are appreciated.

[Dakarʒ]

Obviously, you want this:


But in all seriousness, guitar might be hard at that age, but it extremely good for the brain, if that's any motivation.

[peeb]

Bollocks. You're 37, not 97. Sure, it's easier at 17, but it's far from impossible at your age. Learning the guitar is a pretty good mid-life-crisis project, certainly cheaper than a sports car, and less destructive than banging your secretary. Your first guitar matters little, I would say go down to an independent music store and talking to them at a quiet time of day. Sit down with a few and play with them. Get something you like. Get some books that you like the look of, but most importantly, learn to play songs you like. Get a music stand so that the guitar doesn't sit in the case and it's easy to practice. Find someone to jam with who is a similar level - your local music store likely has a notice board for this, otherwise there is craigslist.

[Laminar]

I'll agree with peeb, find songs you like, search for the "tabs" online and learn to play them. I have a couple books on how to play but they've done nothing for me compared to hearing a song and deciding I want to learn to play it. I got my first guitar used from a local music store for a pretty good price, and I found my electric new on eBay.

[Dakarʒ]

You guys are talking like he already knows the basics. As a complete idiot, I find your instructions not helpful enough.

[peeb]

!

[Laminar]

Well, to learn basic chords and fingerings, check out a site like this.

Start with an easy song like Beverly Hills by Weezer that only involves three chords. Get used to playing it and switching between the chords, then try different songs. No one expects you to be able to play Cowboys From Hell on your first try. Start small, get some calluses built up, and don't give up!

[Dakarʒ]

Jesus.


Good link, though.

[peeb]

I think you'll be getting a DMCA takedown notice soon.

[Dakarʒ]

"You are no longer allowed to practice playing copyrighted music in your own home."

[design219]

Originally Posted by peeb 

Bollocks.

I'll second your bollocks and add a poppycock.

If I thought I couldn't learn something new at that age I'd give up drinking.

I would start with a used acoustic, but not a cheap one. Pawn shops have plenty (from people like you that thought they could learn to play at 37 ). If you know a decent guitar player, take them with you to check out anything before you buy. A trained eye can help spot problems.

[Doofy]

It's not too late.

Right.
The only book you need is The Guitar Handbook.

To start with, go buy a medium cheap electric (Squier is good) *and* a medium cheap acoustic (Yamaha is good). Getting ultra-cheap stuff will put you off practising. The Fender G-Dec amps are worth investing in.

There ya go. That was the guitar newbie's version of "wax on, wax off".

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

To start with, go buy a medium cheap electric (Squier is good) *and* a medium cheap acoustic (Yamaha is good).

That is exactly what I have.

[wolfen]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

That is exactly what I have.

heh heh...Doofy called you cheap. You gonna let him talk at you like that?

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep'em comin' if you got'em. If I can play something as simple as "I just don't know what to do with myself" - White Stripes, I'll be satisfied.

For a while.

[design219]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

That is exactly what I have.

Is that the one you're playing in your sig?

[Sherman Homan]

what do I need to know about my first guitar? I haven't a clue what to look for. I'm thinking acoustic to start

Get a guitar that fits the type of music you like. If you are going to tackle the extreme rigors of The White Stripe's "I Just Don't Know What to do with Myself" it will sound better on an electric guitar! Seriously, if you get into it, you will want both an acoustic and an electric. Oh, and a 12 string and a bass and a piano to work out chord progressions, and a van to cart all that stuff around. And separate amps for all of the above, microphones and a mixing board.

Learning the guitar is a pretty good mid-life-crisis project, certainly cheaper than a sports car, and less destructive than banging your secretary.

[lpkmckenna]

I don't think your age will affect anything.

Getting started is the hardest thing. Where to start? Here's my system:

Start with 3 chords from the key of A (A, D, and E). Once you get their basic feel, practice switching among them, like this:

A A A A D D D D A A A A D D D D (strum downwards, one strum per beat)

Get switching A <-> D under your belt, then do A <-> E then D <-> E.

Now you can learn some basic "chord progressions," like these:

A A A A D D D D E E E E D D D D
or
A A A A D D D D A A A A E E E E
or
A A A A E E E E D D D D E E E E

Good luck!

[iREZ]

i used to fool around with my bass guitar a ton when i was a kid and just recently bought myself a guitar for my bday seeing how i've always wanted to play. only problem is whenever i try to hold a chord down i end up restricting a string here and there due to my fingers rubbing up on the string. i think i might need a guitar with a wider neck seeing how i have ginormous hands measuring 8-3/4" from bottom of my palm to tip of my middle finger. although i have been getting better, its frustrating to have to hold down a chord in a really obtuse way just for my fingers not to rub unlike my friend who has thin girl fingers and has no issues. maybe i should just stick to bass

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by wolfen 

heh heh...Doofy called you cheap. You gonna let him talk at you like that?

Medium cheap, and I'll fully admit to that. There's no point in shelling out $800+ if I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with it.

[RAILhead]

Originally Posted by wolfen 

heh heh...Doofy called you cheap. You gonna let him talk at you like that?

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep'em comin' if you got'em. If I can play something as simple as "I just don't know what to do with myself" - White Stripes, I'll be satisfied.

For a while.

http://www.xguitar.com/guitar-tabs/w...ith_myself.txt

[wolfen]

Originally Posted by RAILhead 

I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself by White Stripes guitar tab @ XGuitar.com

I have no idea what any of that means. And I'm a bit scurred. But I'm sure I'll learn.

Thanks again for the help, guys.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by RAILhead 

http://www.xguitar.com/guitar-tabs/w...ith_myself.txt

Don't let all the fingering scare you, it's basically a power chord. Your index finger presses down all six strings, your ring finger hits two, and the middle finger hits one. It's pretty much the foundation of every single rock song.

[design219]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

It's pretty much the foundation of every single rock song.

No. Rock is unique in every instance. Nothing is repeated. Ever. Say you're sorry.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

It's not too late.

Right.
The only book you need is The Guitar Handbook

2nded. Buy this book.

Now.

We'll wait.

[lpkmckenna]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Don't let all the fingering scare you, it's basically a power chord. Your index finger presses down all six strings, your ring finger hits two, and the middle finger hits one.

I just noticed your odd use of "power chord." I'm pretty sure a power chord is a chord with only two distinct notes, usually the root and the fifth. The chord you described above isn't a power chord. [/nit-pick]

[villalobos]

Take lessons. Trust me. I've got 20+ years of guitar behind me. There is nothing like a mentor. (s)He will help you with the basics and that will tremendously quicken your learning. The guitar is NOT an easy instrument, neither is it gratifying at first (see comments about fingers rubbing against the wrong string above)

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by lpkmckenna 

I just noticed your odd use of "power chord." I'm pretty sure a power chord is a chord with only two distinct notes, usually the root and the fifth. The chord you described above isn't a power chord. [/nit-pick]

I think you're right. It's basically played the same way though, you just have to add in another finger and strum all the way.

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by villalobos 

guitare

Sounds very fancy. Or olde.

[villalobos]

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ 

Sounds very fancy. Or olde.

or not english.

[Dakarʒ]

Pardon me for making a joke.

[anonymac]

There's only one way to learn guitar: buy a les paul and a marshall stack, stop cutting your hair, wear leather pants, drop acid, lsd, drink jack daniels, and frequent strip clubs. Also, don't forget to write and play your own 3 chord songs and frequently rant to anyone who will listen to you about how your putting "the band" together and are going to "tour for the fans sake." That is playing a guitar. Just practicing guitar by yourself in your room is boring and only something that a poser would do.

[Face Ache]

There are a few free lessons on YouTube.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by anonymac 

drop acid, lsd,

...and smoke doobies, some joints, ganja, AND marijuana. Drink Jack Daniels, beer, vodka, Smirnoff, and alcohol.

[wolfen]

Originally Posted by anonymac 

There's only one way to learn guitar: buy a les paul and a marshall stack, stop cutting your hair, wear leather pants, drop acid, lsd, drink jack daniels, and frequent strip clubs. Also, don't forget to write and play your own 3 chord songs and frequently rant to anyone who will listen to you about how your putting "the band" together and are going to "tour for the fans sake." That is playing a guitar. Just practicing guitar by yourself in your room is boring and only something that a poser would do.

As someone who grew up around a local rock band in the 70's & 80's, I have to say you've brought back a lot of memories.

Thanks.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by anonymac 

Just practicing guitar by yourself in your room is boring and only something that a poser would do.

I've done the band thing when I was younger. Too many egos. Now I just play/record for my personal enjoyment.

That certainly doesn't make me a poser.

[Dakarʒ]

Yeah, that makes no sense. Posing is giving a false appearance. If you're alone, who the hell are you trying to impress?

[Laminar]

Your friends from an internet forum.

[PBG4 User]

Originally Posted by design219 

If you know a decent guitar player, take them with you to check out anything before you buy. A trained eye can help spot problems.

If you don't know how to spot things like a bad fret job, high action, dead spots or a warped neck then most definitely bring an experienced player with you when shopping for an instrument. Also, don't forget, it's all about how the guitar sounds, not how it looks.

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Your friends from an internet forum.

You got me.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ 

If you're alone, who the hell are you trying to impress?

If you can't even impress yourself, how are you supposed to impress the chick in the front row with the nice boobies?

[Dakarʒ]

I don't need a guitar to impress myself.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Kevin 

That certainly doesn't make me a poser.

Talking about guitars... I like the colour of that smiley, Kev.

[Steve Bosell]

Just to throw in my $.02, I would recommend starting with electric, they are easier to play. Just get some distortion going, some tabs, and you can have hours of fun. Lessons are also well worth it.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ 

I don't need a guitar to impress myself.

Yes you do. It's the law.

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Yes you do. It's the law.

Funny not found

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ 

Funny not found

Sit and play a Les Paul for eight hours straight. You'll figure it out.

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Are you hitting on me?

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ 

Are you hitting on me?

I don't know. Are your boobies any good and can you cook?

[Todd Madson]

I've been playing for over 25 years and my first books were Ralph Denyers "The Guitar Handbook"
and Richard Daniels "The Heavy Guitar Bible". Both are good books. I still occasionally pick them
up and refer to them.

Daniels later came out with a book called "The Art of Electric Guitar" that condensed what he
did in the original Bible book and the sequel, the "Bible II" and another book called "Be Dangerous
on Rock Guitar" and it's a good, well thought out treatise on rock and blues playing incuding
some of the more modern fast styles.

The Guitar Grimoire scales and modes book by Adam Kadmon I use as a scalar reference
since it also can be used for keyboards. He's got a chords book as well but it's like a little
phone book and should be maybe picked up later if you get into it.

For a good beginner electric guitar, check out the Squier '51 which is surprisingly decent
and cheap. It's obviously inspired by the Fender strat but a lot of folks are getting these
because, for a cheap guitar it's pretty good and can be modded to be better.

If you can get a good used strat you might do well too but - well:

The trick is, no matter what the age, is get a guitar that you want to reach for and play all of
the time and you'll do okay - one step at a time and be patient. Maybe even get a good teacher
so you can tell them what you want to accomplish and they can direct you.

Here's some of my music: www.myspace.com/aliensporebomb if you want to hear what
"keeping at it for bloody ages" does for you... I was purely self taught and probably would be
a lot better had I a teacher.

But I had a lot of friends who played, and I hounded those guys mercilessly for years and I
learn quick and I also learn well from books (self-directed). If you're not the kind of guy to
pick stuff up from books then a teacher would be good.

Here's one of my main guitars:
http://pod.ath.cx/ex2-sunset.jpg

It's total overkill but I love figured woods so.....your mileage may vary.

Good luck!

[Dakarʒ]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

I don't know.

How do you not know? You're winking! Dust in yer eye?