How does one get started assuming one already has a guitar? I tried reading tabs but i’m just so slow and even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Find a music teacher in real life. There is no substitute. They will be able to see very subtle things in your technique that are hindering you. They can give you feedback in real time. Video lessons from the greatest guitarist will not come close to in-person lessons from a decent guitarist.
Also make friends with other guitarists and play music with them. Music is a social thing.
I got lessons to start off with and it helped a lot. Then years later I tried to learn jazz on my own and I was hopeless. Six months with a teacher got me to where 3 years on my own would have gotten me. The teacher identified gaps in my skills I was completely blind to - I’d have reinforced my strengths while ignoring my weaknesses.
Honestly the time investment to be able to play a few songs is actually really quick on most instruments. Like on guitar you can go from having never held one to being able to play cool rock songs in under 30 minutes. Even a newborn infant just out of the womb can play a recognizable rendition of Smoke On The Water
I mostly agree with you, but I think it takes a little time to be able to play in something resembling the right rhythm. New players often struggle with changing chords (even 2 note power chords) quickly enough to play something that sounds musical.
But yeah, people would be surprised with how quickly you can learn to be a basic-but-functional guitarist.
For sure, especially with today’s access to information. Dynamic tabs, endless video tutorials, gamified apps, etc. It’s the string pressure on your fingertips that you’ll have to get used to first.
I started when I was in 5th grade and I still don’t feel like where I want to be. Honestly, I think dissatisfaction with your current skill level is just a part of the arts for a lot of people. :)
I picked up the guitar during Covid, in my 60s. Over 5 years later, and I’m at about an intermediate level, and very happy with my progress.
Thanks to You Tube, learning an instrument has never been easier, especially the guitar. The best guitar teachers in the world are all over YouTube, with plenty of free content. I’m sure it’s the same with any instrument.
If we’re counting keyboards as a type of piano, you can get some that are pretty portable too. I lucked out and got a second hand one from my ex’s sister for free (she was getting rid of it anyway), and it’d pretty light and not too big!
Learning to play an instrument.
It’s never too late
It does require some time investment but it’s so rewarding.
How does one get started assuming one already has a guitar? I tried reading tabs but i’m just so slow and even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Find a music teacher in real life. There is no substitute. They will be able to see very subtle things in your technique that are hindering you. They can give you feedback in real time. Video lessons from the greatest guitarist will not come close to in-person lessons from a decent guitarist.
Also make friends with other guitarists and play music with them. Music is a social thing.
I got lessons to start off with and it helped a lot. Then years later I tried to learn jazz on my own and I was hopeless. Six months with a teacher got me to where 3 years on my own would have gotten me. The teacher identified gaps in my skills I was completely blind to - I’d have reinforced my strengths while ignoring my weaknesses.
Honestly the time investment to be able to play a few songs is actually really quick on most instruments. Like on guitar you can go from having never held one to being able to play cool rock songs in under 30 minutes. Even a newborn infant just out of the womb can play a recognizable rendition of Smoke On The Water
I mostly agree with you, but I think it takes a little time to be able to play in something resembling the right rhythm. New players often struggle with changing chords (even 2 note power chords) quickly enough to play something that sounds musical.
But yeah, people would be surprised with how quickly you can learn to be a basic-but-functional guitarist.
For sure, especially with today’s access to information. Dynamic tabs, endless video tutorials, gamified apps, etc. It’s the string pressure on your fingertips that you’ll have to get used to first.
Guess who some time ago grapped the entry level guitar a friend wanted to give away and already mastered his first few accords! :-)
But things are going slooow when you have reached a certain age.
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger…
I started when I was in 5th grade and I still don’t feel like where I want to be. Honestly, I think dissatisfaction with your current skill level is just a part of the arts for a lot of people. :)
So do I, and I always will, but that doesn’t take away the joy it’s brought me once I got over the first few hurdles.
I picked up the guitar during Covid, in my 60s. Over 5 years later, and I’m at about an intermediate level, and very happy with my progress.
Thanks to You Tube, learning an instrument has never been easier, especially the guitar. The best guitar teachers in the world are all over YouTube, with plenty of free content. I’m sure it’s the same with any instrument.
If you want to, do it.
Piano for me.
Would be guitar for me.
You can carry it around and has a nice social aspect…
and nobody EVER asks for the piano recital of Wonderwall!
jerks
If we’re counting keyboards as a type of piano, you can get some that are pretty portable too. I lucked out and got a second hand one from my ex’s sister for free (she was getting rid of it anyway), and it’d pretty light and not too big!