Is 29 Too Old To Start Guitar Lessons?

roth · May 30th, 2008, 06:20 PM

I've been really thinking about taking my playing to the next level lately. I have gone from gear acquisition/modding mode to actually sitting down and playing.

I have been playing for 12 years now and have hit a real wall in what I can pick up from books/dvd's, etc. and have been thinking of seeking out a teacher in the Phoenix area.

Will a good teacher take into account what I already know and progress from there? Does anyone know any good teachers in Phoenix that can handle a soon to be 30 year old playing blues and the Beatles in with the 15 year old shredders?

Charlie Bernstein · May 30th, 2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roth

Will a good teacher take into account what I already know and progress from there?

Of course!

Brad Miller · May 30th, 2008, 06:24 PM

You are never too old to learn! You only stop progressing when you stop trying, GO FOR IT!!!

roth · May 30th, 2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

Of course!

I guess what I meant was that I am self-taught and there are holes in my fundamentals - just don't want to start from scratch - I'm afraid I would get bored...

roth · May 30th, 2008, 06:25 PM

Anyone else take lessons "later" in life - how was the experience?

lunchbox · May 30th, 2008, 06:27 PM

I take a few lessons a year from my uncle. Just be very humble with your teacher and you'll walk away more than you bargained for. Best of Luck!!

Dana · May 30th, 2008, 06:29 PM

I'm 40 and still take guitar lessons. It's fun learning new stuff.

ajgus · May 30th, 2008, 06:29 PM

Is 29 Too Old To Start Guitar Lessons?

Yes. Let the dream die.

Seriously though, I've been thinking about taking lessons. I'm self taught, so I would like to have some formal training. BTW, I'm only a year younger than you, so...

RumorsofsurF · May 30th, 2008, 06:33 PM

Yep. Too old. Give me all your guitars and amps, and you'll feel much better.

Heck no, it's not too late! It's never too late to try to become a better musician. Good for you...Take it to the next level!

OutlawSteph1975 · May 30th, 2008, 06:33 PM

I'm mostly self-taught on guitar. I took a few lessons and didn't like the teachers' methods (or lack thereof). I started in my late 20s, that was about five years ago. I know I would have progressed faster if I did have a good teacher. I've got a great banjo teacher now. It's my second instrument.. so no, it's never ever too late! I play with some folks double our age who are just learning. It's all about putting time and effort into learning no matter what stage or age you're at.

SenorWences · May 30th, 2008, 06:42 PM

I'm forty-one and started taking lessons last year as part of a fathers day present from my wife. My teacher is more of a session guy and less of a theory guy...that's fine 'cuz right now, I want to learn to play better...so a good teacher should be able to work with you on what you want to work on, after all, you're the one thats paying! BTW, my teacher actually appreciates the "different" (Paladins, Southern Culture on the Skids, Black Keys etc.) tunes I bring in to learn...It beats teaching the litany of soul-numbing shredder tunes he's usually got to go through with the younger set.

Just-Jim · May 30th, 2008, 06:55 PM

I started my lessons in my mid-twenties. It took me until about 30 to be able to play basic stuff with other people. The question never entered my mind as far as age was concerned. It takes a while to get good. You have the whole rest of your life to work on it. I am the last person to know how long it takes, or how much dedication and discipline is required to make a living at it. I do it for personal satisfaction. I guess it depends on how far you want to take it.

brandt · May 30th, 2008, 07:18 PM

Give it up dude - you are too old...

No really - find a good teacher and start playing. I decided I 'needed' to learn the mandolin at age 48 after a life time of guitar playing. I found a teacher and he learnt me good... Now I can actually play a few tunes on the darn thing. So if I can - you can!!!

Bernie · May 30th, 2008, 07:20 PM

Just tell a prospective teacher what you want and how you prefer to have it delivered. A good teacher will adjust to your learning style and preferences. The first thing a good teacher takes into account is "Who is my audience and how do I best reach them?"

I have taken lessons on and off over the years and the best teachers (IMO) will give you the big picture and strategies for accomplishing short term goals that are part of the big picture. You're never going to learn it all, so you might as well get a teacher who can get you to where you'd like to be using methods you can deal with. Also, tape your lessons - then you can re-listen to explanations if you don't quite get them the first time. I took lessons with Jim Campilongo 10 years ago and I still listen to those recordings every once in a while. He was doing stuff that I can only get now - 10 years down the road. Also, things he said as an aside or a "by the way..." make for new learning when listening back. He was a great teacher because he 1) knew where I was coming from, 2) knew how I learned best and what music I enjoyed (because I made that clear), and 3) put real effort into helping me reach my goals.

Try some people out. Don't commit too soon, test the waters and you'll find a good fit with someone soon enough. And enjoy yourself.

stephwills · May 30th, 2008, 07:22 PM

44 and started this year. In January, I could play a G chord. Now I'm all over the fretboard, having a blast.

Edit: I still suck, but at least I'm making progress.

MikeSRV69 · May 30th, 2008, 07:27 PM

As a teacher myself, I would say you are never too old. I have many students who started well into their adult life and many who played for years before they met me and sought to improve what they can already do. My oldest student, in fact, began at age 65 and now at 70 has her own band with one of my other students who is my age (early 40's). The important thing is having the desire to learn. A good teacher will take into account your past playing experience and begin where you need to begin. Good luck.

octatonic · May 30th, 2008, 07:43 PM

You can get from 'can't play a note' to quite proficient in the space of about a year if you are disciplined.
As long as you aren't planning on dying in the next 12 months then you have enough time.

Even if you are planning on dying in the next year, I can't think of a better way to spend your last days than working on something you've always wanted to do.

Never too late.

boris bubbanov · May 30th, 2008, 08:24 PM

I haven't ruled out lessons, for the same reason Tiger Woods takes a lesson. I'm closer to twice your age. (Yikes!)

In kayaking, we take turns "giving lessons" to one another.

All you gotta do is shut up and listen to the other guy, follow his instructions, review the tape of yourself and his analysis of your moves.

I've just gotta find someone in guitar who I will listen to; somebody who doesn't laugh out loud too readily.

roth · May 30th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Thanks for all the great advice!!!

I guess the point of reference I had was from seeing the 14 and 15 year olds with their ESP's and Ibanez shredsters in the local ma and pa waiting for their lesson....

I envisioned me sitting their with my 50's RI Esquier a little out of place.

I'm going for it!

Anyone know a good teacher in Phoenix?

neocaster · May 30th, 2008, 09:13 PM

Started at 31. Meant to do it sooner, was no excuse to wait or skip it. Get a good teacher and how you look with the tots won't bother you.

BTW: I take lessons at a chain store whose main business is selling/renting band and orchestra instruments to schools and school-aged children. There are often guys my age or older coming in for lessons or leaving from them while I'm waiting.

brandt · May 30th, 2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roth

I'm going for it!

Anyone know a good teacher in Phoenix?

Good for you... communication and setting expectations and goals for the teacher is important. When I came back to music after a long hiatus my first teacher couldn't get the fact that a 44 year old guy wanted to do a few things differently than the way he was teaching his 14 year old students. It didn't work out and I left even after repeated attempts by me to try to set the goals.

Finding a Teacher: Rather than go to the local music store (not that there is anything wrong with that) try calling a recording studio in town and see if any of their regular session players give lessons. I've had some amazing session guys give me lessons over the years...

Bernie · May 30th, 2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roth

Thanks for all the great advice!!!

I guess the point of reference I had was from seeing the 14 and 15 year olds with their ESP's and Ibanez shredsters in the local ma and pa waiting for their lesson....

I envisioned me sitting their with my 50's RI Esquier a little out of place.

I'm going for it!

Anyone know a good teacher in Phoenix?

Go out and see some people play - restaurants, small clubs, etc. (Ted Greene used to play in restaurants in So Cal.) Pick up a local weekly entertainment rag and find some players. If you like the way s/he plays, ask if s/he gives lessons. It's a good excuse to go out to dinner, dessert or a drink with your significant other - research!

djinn1973 · May 30th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roth

Anyone else take lessons "later" in life - how was the experience?

I am 34 (god when did that happen?) and I just stared taking lessons the middle of last year. I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER! It is the best thing I have done for my self and my playing since I first picked up a guitar...

smoke · May 30th, 2008, 09:31 PM

A musician should NEVER stop taking lessons.

Jeffscreamedcorn · May 30th, 2008, 09:44 PM

OK - just to make it official. I'm a Berklee Professor - it's never to late to study music. I've played for 40 years, and I still learn lots every day.

Now, get to work!!!

May 30th, 2008, 06:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
roth Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 30 Posts: 314 36 Photos	Is 29 Too Old To Start Guitar Lessons? I've been really thinking about taking my playing to the next level lately. I have gone from gear acquisition/modding mode to actually sitting down and playing. I have been playing for 12 years now and have hit a real wall in what I can pick up from books/dvd's, etc. and have been thinking of seeking out a teacher in the Phoenix area. Will a good teacher take into account what I already know and progress from there? Does anyone know any good teachers in Phoenix that can handle a soon to be 30 year old playing blues and the Beatles in with the 15 year old shredders? __________________ "Alright Brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you. But lets just do this, and I can get back to killing you with beer."

May 30th, 2008, 06:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Brad Miller Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kokomo, Mississippi Age: 35 Posts: 631 8 Photos	You are never too old to learn! You only stop progressing when you stop trying, GO FOR IT!!! __________________ http://www.myspace.com/cbm1973

May 30th, 2008, 06:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
roth Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 30 Posts: 314 36 Photos	Anyone else take lessons "later" in life - how was the experience? __________________ "Alright Brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you. But lets just do this, and I can get back to killing you with beer."

May 30th, 2008, 06:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
lunchbox Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Venice, Fl Age: 39 Posts: 542	I take a few lessons a year from my uncle. Just be very humble with your teacher and you'll walk away more than you bargained for. Best of Luck!! __________________ TWANGALICIOUS!!!!

May 30th, 2008, 06:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,695 11 Photos	I'm 40 and still take guitar lessons. It's fun learning new stuff. __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

May 30th, 2008, 06:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
ajgus Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 2,264	*Is 29 Too Old To Start Guitar Lessons?* Yes. Let the dream die. Seriously though, I've been thinking about taking lessons. I'm self taught, so I would like to have some formal training. BTW, I'm only a year younger than you, so... __________________ "I'm still married to my first wife...and that's my first guitar...she don't talk back to me, she talks for me..." -Stevie ray Vaughan

May 30th, 2008, 06:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
RumorsofsurF Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Independence, OR Age: 25 Posts: 416	Yep. Too old. Give me all your guitars and amps, and you'll feel much better. Heck no, it's not too late! It's never too late to try to become a better musician. Good for you...Take it to the next level! __________________ Forever coming back to the Tele....

May 30th, 2008, 06:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
OutlawSteph1975 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,849 7 Photos	I'm mostly self-taught on guitar. I took a few lessons and didn't like the teachers' methods (or lack thereof). I started in my late 20s, that was about five years ago. I know I would have progressed faster if I did have a good teacher. I've got a great banjo teacher now. It's my second instrument.. so no, it's never ever too late! I play with some folks double our age who are just learning. It's all about putting time and effort into learning no matter what stage or age you're at.

May 30th, 2008, 06:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
SenorWences TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Whittier Posts: 30	I'm forty-one and started taking lessons last year as part of a fathers day present from my wife. My teacher is more of a session guy and less of a theory guy...that's fine 'cuz right now, I want to learn to play better...so a good teacher should be able to work with you on what you want to work on, after all, you're the one thats paying! BTW, my teacher actually appreciates the "different" (Paladins, Southern Culture on the Skids, Black Keys etc.) tunes I bring in to learn...It beats teaching the litany of soul-numbing shredder tunes he's usually got to go through with the younger set.

May 30th, 2008, 06:55 PM	#12 (permalink)
Just-Jim Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 350	I started my lessons in my mid-twenties. It took me until about 30 to be able to play basic stuff with other people. The question never entered my mind as far as age was concerned. It takes a while to get good. You have the whole rest of your life to work on it. I am the last person to know how long it takes, or how much dedication and discipline is required to make a living at it. I do it for personal satisfaction. I guess it depends on how far you want to take it.

May 30th, 2008, 07:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
brandt Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SF Bay Area Age: 50 Posts: 199	Give it up dude - you are too old... No really - find a good teacher and start playing. I decided I 'needed' to learn the mandolin at age 48 after a life time of guitar playing. I found a teacher and he learnt me good... Now I can actually play a few tunes on the darn thing. So if I can - you can!!!

May 30th, 2008, 07:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bernie Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 515	Just tell a prospective teacher what you want and how you prefer to have it delivered. A good teacher will adjust to your learning style and preferences. The first thing a good teacher takes into account is "Who is my audience and how do I best reach them?" I have taken lessons on and off over the years and the best teachers (IMO) will give you the big picture and strategies for accomplishing short term goals that are part of the big picture. You're never going to learn it all, so you might as well get a teacher who can get you to where you'd like to be using methods you can deal with. Also, tape your lessons - then you can re-listen to explanations if you don't quite get them the first time. I took lessons with Jim Campilongo 10 years ago and I still listen to those recordings every once in a while. He was doing stuff that I can only get now - 10 years down the road. Also, things he said as an aside or a "by the way..." make for new learning when listening back. He was a great teacher because he 1) knew where I was coming from, 2) knew how I learned best and what music I enjoyed (because I made that clear), and 3) put real effort into helping me reach my goals. Try some people out. Don't commit too soon, test the waters and you'll find a good fit with someone soon enough. And enjoy yourself.

May 30th, 2008, 07:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
stephwills Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 257	44 and started this year. In January, I could play a G chord. Now I'm all over the fretboard, having a blast. Edit: I still suck, but at least I'm making progress. __________________ steph Think I'll just stay here and drink ...

May 30th, 2008, 07:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
MikeSRV69 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago area Posts: 23	As a teacher myself, I would say you are never too old. I have many students who started well into their adult life and many who played for years before they met me and sought to improve what they can already do. My oldest student, in fact, began at age 65 and now at 70 has her own band with one of my other students who is my age (early 40's). The important thing is having the desire to learn. A good teacher will take into account your past playing experience and begin where you need to begin. Good luck.

May 30th, 2008, 07:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
octatonic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Posts: 1,651	You can get from 'can't play a note' to quite proficient in the space of about a year if you are disciplined. As long as you aren't planning on dying in the next 12 months then you have enough time. Even if you are planning on dying in the next year, I can't think of a better way to spend your last days than working on something you've always wanted to do. Never too late. __________________ "A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges." Benny Green

May 30th, 2008, 08:24 PM	#18 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 8,430	I haven't ruled out lessons, for the same reason Tiger Woods takes a lesson. I'm closer to twice your age. (Yikes!) In kayaking, we take turns "giving lessons" to one another. All you gotta do is shut up and listen to the other guy, follow his instructions, review the tape of yourself and his analysis of your moves. I've just gotta find someone in guitar who I will listen to; somebody who doesn't laugh out loud too readily. __________________ Bubban0v

May 30th, 2008, 09:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
roth Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 30 Posts: 314 36 Photos	Thanks for all the great advice!!! I guess the point of reference I had was from seeing the 14 and 15 year olds with their ESP's and Ibanez shredsters in the local ma and pa waiting for their lesson.... I envisioned me sitting their with my 50's RI Esquier a little out of place. I'm going for it! Anyone know a good teacher in Phoenix? __________________ "Alright Brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you. But lets just do this, and I can get back to killing you with beer."

May 30th, 2008, 09:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 35 Posts: 3,518 11 Photos	Started at 31. Meant to do it sooner, was no excuse to wait or skip it. Get a good teacher and how you look with the tots won't bother you. BTW: I take lessons at a chain store whose main business is selling/renting band and orchestra instruments to schools and school-aged children. There are often guys my age or older coming in for lessons or leaving from them while I'm waiting. __________________ "...You don't need faith if you know it's gonna work!" "The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."

May 30th, 2008, 09:31 PM	#24 (permalink)
smoke Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Shawnee, KS Age: 35 Posts: 150	A musician should NEVER stop taking lessons.

May 30th, 2008, 09:44 PM	#25 (permalink)
Jeffscreamedcorn Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: beantown Age: 51 Posts: 786	OK - just to make it official. I'm a Berklee Professor - it's never to late to study music. I've played for 40 years, and I still learn lots every day. Now, get to work!!!