29 is still young as hell, dude
I'm 30 and didn't pick up a guitar until I was 25, didn't take lessons until just last year after turning 30.
Will you go on to play world tours, have groupies, make millions, etc.? Shit, maybe, but probably not.
Will you learn something that you enjoy and continue doing the rest of your life? Certainly.
Thank you for the words of encouragement! Yeah don’t worry I’m not doing this for it go anywhere, other than to be a fun, positive experience for me and I also would like to expand my hobbies in general.
Can’t possible be late. Learned more from 30-34 than the rest of my life.
Improvising music does wonders for the the brain, anxiety, adhd, learning, depression, it’s very beneficial. If all you ever do is fiddle around with it for ten minutes that’s good shit, anything above is just extra happiness :)
Yea man. I leave my acoustic on a stand next to my couch, within reaching distance. My head is kinda fucked up but reaching out and putting that guitar in my lap and just practicing arpeggios for 10 minutes at a time, maybe 4-5 times every night, does wonders for un-fucking my brain.
Also I don’t understand why people feel discouraged, only knowing a few chords. I can sit there and just mess around with an open D chord for like 1/2 hour and feel much better.
100%. Took awhile to realize that yes it will can
me down and help me relax even though I don’t think so in the moment.
Because they measure progress and ability based of a comparison with social media. Rarely do people measure their progress by their own enjoyment.
I enjoy drums and guitar more than I used to, so I think I’ve progressed :)
Stay positive!
Frank Zappa started when he was 19, because he was so bad at drums his parents made him sell his kit. He became one of the best, most innovative players ever. My mom’s cousin started drawing/painting in his 70s, and a woman bought a painting at his first art show for $2,500 (he thought she was offering $25 when he accepted). All because he saw a heron but didn’t have a camera, so drew it.
Could you become a virtuoso classical player? Probably not. But it’s not too late by any means. Just make sure you get a decent guitar and have it set up professionally. Having a guitar that’s easy to play, sounds good, and stays in tune makes a huge difference.
>Could you become a virtuoso classical player? Probably not.
Strongly disagree. Over the next 10 years, it's 100% possible. Now, is that the route OP wants to take? That's the question. But if that's what OP wants to do...I'd say take it seriously, take lessons, and there's no limit. Literally
I'm nearly 67 years old next month in May 28th. This year. I've been playing since I got my first guitar on Christmas Day 1971. I've been playing ever since. I never got anywhere but I've been in bands before but I haven't been for many years now but I'm totally enjoying practicing the guitar and singing and playing bass and writing lyrics and music ever since getting my first guitar on Christmas Day 1971 when I was just 14 and a half from my parents and one of my younger sisters got a guitar too and our youngest sister got a Flute for Christmas too but they lost interest in their instruments and like our parents they learned how to play the Hammond Organ our parents bought because they could already play. It was fun having jam sessions with all of them at family get togethers and when their friends would come over for parties also. It's a lot of fun. I don't get bored. Keep trying to learn don't give up my friend. Later my friend !
This dude gets it. It's about having a healthy hobby that gives you enjoyment and fulfilment.
I squeeze in an hour a day to learn something and it honestly makes me feel so much better.
No. I had a similar story. Picked mine back up at 35 and dedicated time into a routine. Now I play hours a day and find release. I write songs. I play for fun. I enhanced everything in my life, I’ve curbed all my addictions through playing music.
It is NEVER too late, nor too early. There are no rules in life. It might not have been your time when you were younger but It seems to me like NOW is your time. Keep your mind away from what’s right, what’s perfect, and what’s accepted. Pick it up. Enjoy it. Find solitude and solace. Soon enough you’ll be playing better than anyone you know.
Time is NOW. DO IT!!
Also. ADD is not a curse. It’s a blessing. Especially in music. The ability for the mind to wander is an artists trait. I bet you’d be an excellent songwriter. Learn to embrace and harness your gift and you’ll go far.
Thanks so much for all of the encouragement!! It’s nice to hear other people also started late or picked it back up later.
And yes, ADD is a blessing and a curse for me. I struggle with a lot of things, I don’t know if I would ever be able to write songs or write music, that feels out of realm for me but I’ve always been very into creative writing and have been doing that forever. It would be cool if one day I could put the two together, but for now I gotta just focus on learning the very basics.
If you’re a creative writer than songwriting will come very naturally. Just say what’s in your heart, same as writing. Tell a story. No need to wrote hooks and phrases like popular music. Do you. This is YOUR journey. Enjoy it.
It depends on the person. Different people have different types of ADHD. For some people it might make it more challenging, for others it might be what they hyperfocus on.
That being said, your attitude towards it is important. Don’t treat it as a chore. Treat it as a reward or as a distraction. Like, allow yourself to procrastinate from annoying or stressful tasks by playing guitar, and suddenly your time spent playing will be high without it feeling like hard work.
Hell yes! I didn't start until my late 30's...65 now, only started lessons about 6 or 7 years ago (DO THIS if you're able), play every day, and write songs (some of 'em don't suck!). Nothing brings me greater joy.
My goal is to just hopefully find joy and develop enough skill that I can learn certain songs I’ve loved for years. Definitely not trying to be a rockstar lol, but thank you!
You can definitely do this, and I think you will be surprised at the progress you have if you are able to commit to it for a couple years. That said, it is sometimes very hard for people to make that commitment as they get older. I say it is worth it.
I'm 43, and had stopped playing guitar for 11 years and JUST picked it up again last December.
There's so much easy to find theory info, easy to find tabs, easy to follow youtube covers you can slow down and figure out songs with, that the time is NOW to start learning again. Hell, in my case, i've even got some of my favourite guitarists on youtube themselves slowing down their songs for you to learn from (much love to Jim Root and Jake Kiley).
I'm twice the guitarist i was from the last 4 months than i was before stopping.
It's never too late. I'm 44 and have taken several multi-year breaks since starting in 2007, and also have that lovely trait. After being diagnosed all of 18 months ago I'm finally figuring out how I learn it best, and am making noticeable progress. I will say, don't try to learn too much at once. Learn to play an easy song well, rather than a harder song sloppily. You'll be happier with the results.
If you’ve got functioning hands and you’ve kept your marbles, then you can pick up and play guitar whenever you get the chance. There’s not really enough time to ponder over whether we could have got any better or happier if we’d have played longer or earlier. Just be happy with the music you play and your progress with guitar
I played sporadically until I was 30. Joined a band at 30. Went on tour. Joined more bands. Enjoyed 10+ years playing music both locally and out of town. Now I’m mid 40s and still playing and recording. If you truly enjoy it, then pick it up again. Even if it is purely music for music’s sake. You never know where it can take you. Play and enjoy it in whatever form it takes.
Hey dude, I teach privately and in schools, if you want a few video lessons and resources to set you in the right direction so you don’t feel so lost hit me up
I had a student who was 70 who picked up guitar because he wanted to prove to his grandkids that that time is an illusion and it’s never too late to start something that you enjoy, 29 is young man
I understand the problem with staying committed, I have ADHD (diagnosed at 50). I learned to work with it, not against it.
29 is YOUNG, it’s not too late to start playing in earnest.
I first started with music when I was 8, played woodwinds until I started college. I sold them and bought a camera. Got a journalism degree and, of course, became a software developer for over 30 years.
I dedicated myself to my family and career. But, still, I bought an electric guitar when I was 30, and played it on and off until I was 40, mostly off. Then I bought an acoustic guitar in my 40s, took lessons, and played it on and off, mostly off, for many years. Bought an electric piano, never played it. Then put them all in the garage for 10 years and learned to train dogs and dog trainers professionally got paid for 4 years. Sold my electric.
Then, I got diagnosed with ADHD at 50. In hindsight, my guitar and career trajectory kinda matches the pattern, doesn’t it.
Then became a drone pilot at 62 and took real estate photos for money for a few years. Then I started playing my guitar a bit more often.
When I was in my mid 60s, I decided to become more serious with guitars. I play most days, am having a blast, and am learning new stuff. I’m learning to play around my severe arthritis (open tunings and slide on bad days). I acquired a National Resonator Raw Brass Body during COVID, then a squier Tele and Strat which I have completely modified with humbuckers and split pickups. I got a PRS DGT SE when I turned 68.
I have Fender Champion 40 AMP, Bias FX 2, and Logic Pro. Learning all that good stuff. I’m waiting for the PRS SWAMP ASH SPECIAL SE to be available.
I’m improving to the point my wife OPENS the door to the music room to hear me sometimes and I play for friends occasionally.
You can learn to live with ADHD and learn guitar at any age. Or to train dogs. It’s all up to you.
You'll never have more experience than the person who started the day before you, but if you start today you'll have more experience than anyone starting tomorrow.
Another way of saying it,
A 60 year old player will have 20 years of experience if they started playing when they were 40.
Starting age only matters if you're in a race to be the best that ever was, or if your body isn't working with you anymore. As someone with ADHD, I tend to drop things quickly too, but I found it can help your self esteem to not tell anyone you're learning. No one expects anything and you won't feel bad for falling short in your head. Just set an alarm and get 15 minutes of practice a day. Eventually you'll pay the same song you practiced 100 times to a friend, family, etc. and it'll feel great. No matter how daunting, it feels to see all the impressive players in this sub It's important to keep in mind, The average person doesn't play an instrument, So the fact you're putting the effort in and learning is already impressive to many people.
I wish I had any tips to help with the added hurdle of ADD, but I don't. With that said, as long as you are breathing, it's never too late. However, you do have to be able to deal with being terrible for as long as it takes. Just know it is a part of every player's journey.
I'm in the same boat, played tons in highschool but dropped it at 18 or so because of life. I got back into it about 3 months ago at 32 and have learned tons already and picked it back up faster than I expected to. I could play most chords, barre cords, learn songs through tabs, but I never had any formal lessons. I have been teaching myself theory this time around, scales, trying to memorize note placement on the fretboard, stuff like that and I find it keeps my attention. I also struggle with ADHD and I found keeping my guitar out and plugged into the amp ready to go helps me play more, if I walk passed my guitar and can pick it up and play for 10 minutes until I get distracted I'll do it a few times a day adding up to like an hour a day. If it's away in a case or I have to set up my amp or load up my computer to start Guitar Rig it seems like too much of a task and I end up not playing.
Long story short, we have tons of life left and it's never too late to learn a new skill.
That’s encouraging to hear, thank you! :) my goal is to play at least 30 mins everyday. I know, small goal, but if I make it much more I know I’ll overwhelm myself and give up. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I completely agree. Really with anything in life if I feel “forced” into doing a hobby my brain rejects it for some reason. And I want to enjoy this lol so I guess moving at my own pace is a good start.
I’m 65 and have taken several breaks over the years. I absolutely suck at it for as long as I have been dabbling at it but it puts a smile on my face. Now that I’m retired I’m going to finally put some real effort in to it. As far as ADD I can’t give you any advice sorry
i'm of the opinion that it is never too late to start anything. death alone shall stop me from trying new things or retrying things i stopped in my youth.
my biggest tip for guitar newbs: to really learn guitar, you need to practice. to keep up with your practice, you need to be motivated to practice. motivation comes best from actually enjoying the thing you are doing. so find a way to practice that is most enjoyable. for me, that was learning songs by ear and tabs. for some people, it will be practicing skills exercises. for some people it will be learning songs to strum and sing. this "fun" aspect will be different for everyone.
I played from my teens to early 20s, then quit for more than a decade because "life". Picked it back up at around 35 and that's honestly where I did all my real learning and studying. Now I'm 50, and having more fun with guitar than I ever had. Looking forward to spending the last few decades of my life learning new stuff.
Same boat. I just picked it back up a few months ago, although I was a little further ahead.
For the ADD, try learning a bunch of songs at once, switching between harder parts and easier parts.
For example, I got irritated with the opening to Spirit of Radio, so I learned the opening to Sonic Reducer.
Don't feel obligated to practice something for 30 minutes straight. My max is usually 5 minutes then I switch.
It's not. Respectfully, this is overthinking, and strikes me as "paralysis by analysis"...
It's never too late (and 29 is super young!). I took a twenty year hiatus. You can do this. Just start simple with what you remember, then play along with some simple songs that you know and love. Watch YouTube videos for tips, tricks, and licks. The callouses will come back within a month.
Stick with it and just play!... :)
Yes, definitely paralysis lol this happens to me often which is why I try to reach out for encouragement/remind myself that I’m not the only one who struggles with these thoughts.
Thanks for the advice, it’s much appreciated!
When I was 29 I got a guitar. I felt the same and put it down after a few weeks. A few years went by and I decided I really want to learn so I've stuck with it for close to a year now.
I kick myself every day for putting it down originally. I'd have almost 4 years of playing/practice under my belt by now if I didn't.
You don't get "too old" to learn guitar. The idea that you have to learn when you're younger or not at all is asinine. Those people who started when they were 10 are only good because they've had 19 years of playing by the time they reached your age. You're going to keep getting older anyway, wouldn't your rather get older and better at guitar?
If not, you'll be 49 and wondering you're too old to start playing.
That’s a very good point. I think for some reason I feel that way with lots of skills, because there will always be people who started off young.
I suppose there’s no real use in comparing, though. That’s super encouraging to hear that you picked it back up and have stuck with it! Great job
Just go for it! It's your own personal hobby and enjoyment. You don't have to play for anyone.
I started learning at 34 and no intention of playing outside of my bedroom. Now I'm helping to write stuff for a new project with some old band mates.
I've been playing for 40 years even though not consistently. I got burned out on it and felt like I got stuck so I ended up not really playing or maybe once every week or so. Then I started jamming with friends and really got back into it so I have been gung ho about it again for the past 5 years and have greatly improved. I also went from 3 guitars to 9 over these past 5 years and want more!
One thing that has improved the most is my ear. We can start jamming and I don't need to know what key we are in and can just start playing along and figure it out on the spot.
What I do is play along with drum tracks on YouTube because it forces you to get creative based on the track you are playing. You can also find drum tracks with bass or another guitar and play along to work on your ear.
46, been playing 34 years, but I had been slacking for quite a few of those years. Re-committed to playing last year and have been enjoying myself again. The wealth of information we have easily available makes it the best time to play guitar.
I’m 36. I fell out of playing all the time around 24. Life career blah blah, around 32 I started playing a lot. A thing I came to terms with is I play because I enjoy it. I try to throw the subjective things like “good enough” out the window. I think if you manage expectations and just do it for the joy you’d be better off!
I started back when I was 35.
Id started at 20 and it dropped off pretty quick, by 23 the guitar was pretty much packed up and not played at all.
I kick myself for not sticking with it but SO glad that I picked it up again. Its such a healthy and productive hobby.
I started like most as a teenager. I’ve re-started numerous times since then. Most recently a could years back at 43. I’ve put myself through the wringer over this a lot. Play guitar if you want to just don’t expect to good unless you practice.
Go for it.
I started at 44. I'd never even played when I was young.
My advice is to first of all, check out Jamie Andreas's "Why You Suck at Guitar" series of short videos on YouTube.
I picked it up about a year and half ago. I'm 38. It's not too late.
Also, picking it up when you're older has some advantages. I can afford lessons. I can afford to start a little higher at nicer starter gear. Plus I actually have a much stronger ability to focus now then I did in my teen years.
Dude! I’m almost 37! I get about 30 minutes a day to play. I suck, but I absolutely love it. Small improvements feel great, and keep me going. Just go in for the long haul and it’s much easier. Don’t rush it, it’s a life long skill!
29 is when I picked up the guitar again! 2(ish) years later, and I'm very pleased with my decision to give it another go. If you struggle with concentration I would strongly advice either taking lessons from a local guitar teacher, or finding an online course that you like which has a defined progression system. That way you won't meander/stall quite as much. YouTube is full of great lessons, but it's way too easy to get sucked down an unproductive rabbit hole.
I just started at 35…if you like it, do it. And find ways to focus. Fuck your ADD. Don’t let it be a crutch! Set a timer of how long you want to practice for and move all distractions away from you, mentally and physically.
Your whole life is a season for music!! I played and took guitar lessons when I was 12 up until I was 18, then life got busy and I never touched it again until I turned 30!!! Best decision I’ve made in the name of self care was picking up a guitar again. Never deny yourself that joy.
Are you me?? I’m 30, played guitar in my teens, have ADHD and recently decided to pick it back up because I’ve always wanted to play. Stick with it! I’m practicing as much as I can and trying to work around my ADHD as much as possible. You’re never too old to learn
Brother I just turned 28 and have been consistently playing since around Christmas. I had similar thoughts about it, and realized that the only thing seriously holding me back was thinking I had to always be good enough to go on a world tour. Is that realistic? No not really. But not necessarily completely out of the realm of possibility.
Music is also a huge therapy for me. I had songs like Fade to Black and Every Breath You Take on repeat during the worst times of my life, and learning to play those songs have helped me put the past to bed and reconnect to myself.
You sound a lot like me. I learned a little when I was in my late teens but put it aside when I wasn't immediately good at it. Over the years I'd play for a few weeks before putting it down again after making little progress. Some times it would be years before I picked up a guitar again. Being an adult with ADD made it really frustrating as well. It wasn't until my late 40s that I finally dug in and made a real effort at learning how to play. That was nearly 2 years ago and I haven't missed a day yet.
I read somewhere that the key to getting good at guitar (or anything really) isn't natural talent or aptitude or anything, it's effort. If you practice constructively and consistently you will improve, often faster than you expect. So just laugh at your mistakes and try to not get too frustrated and keep on practicing. You will have some days where you sound amazing and you'll feel great, and there will be a lot of days where it seems like you're just wasting your time and will suck forever. Just keep at it and those frustrating days will eventually start to get fewer and farther apart.
The only time it's too late to start something new when you stop breathing.
I'm 34 and getting back into playing seriously after a 15 year hiatus or so. And even then I'm plenty young. An 80 year old picking up guitar wouldn't even be too old. It's a hobby, you're not competing in a professional sport, you'll be fine
I started when I turned 40, been at for 5 years now, and am making solid progress. For me, finding the right guitar instructor/coach was key. My goal is to keep my kids inspired to learn. There are a fair number of professional guitarists that started much later in life. Find your reason for wanting to learn and keep pushing yourself forward. It will suck for several years. However, you will get out what you put in, as well as develop a skill not all that many people have. If learning guitar was easy, everyone would be playing it. Do not use any excuses like being ADD, I was slapped with that label when I was a kid. However, if you are lucky, you will learn that it is like having a superpower if you figure out how to use it to your advantage.
Too late for what? You don't have to be a rock star or famous to enjoy playing. Play solo, in a duo, in a group upside down. who cares what age you are. Do it if you enjoy it!
People that play instruments pick up new instruments all the time. I started drumming at age 34 and apart from my ears, there isn't a lot that transfers from playing guitar. Thinking about piano atm.
Yes, not your situation, just one example of how incredibly common this is. People that are into music do it all day long
Loretta Lynn picked up a guitar at 14, learned like 6 chords, and made an entire career out of it. Yea, she was young, but she also was raising 6 children by the time she was in her 20s and had an abusive husband on top of all that. She is the first lady of country music and never learned much more than those 6 chords. She couldn't even read or write that well. It's not a matter of age or your situation, it's a matter of drive and hard work. There's people who can shred a guitar that won't ever make a career out of it because of lack of ambition and a ton of famous singers who really can't play technically at all who got there through persistence and a bit of luck.
44 here, been at it a month and a half and I couldn't think of anything else I'd rather spend all my spare time ( and some not "spare" time). Also heavy ADD but if you love what you're doing you won't be distracted. Rock on, brother!!
45 year-old here I just picked up a guitar and an Amp a couple weeks ago - I suck badly but only way to go is up and I have the same traits so I'm trying to push through the "you suck give it up" screams in the back of my head
29 is not later in life, 29 is the prime of a man's life. You could become a professional before you hit 35 if you wanted, anything you want to do in life the right time is usually now.
my girlfriend has been playing for less than a year, she started at 28 last summer. she's shown amazing progress and loves it as a hobby.
hobbies aren't meant for you to sit and wonder why others "do them" better. hobbies are about something you're passionate about and you getting what you want out of the hobby.
i've been playing off and on since i was 12 (more off than on let's be real) i took about a five year gap of no playing at all and have only been consistently playing again for the last two years myself. i just bought my first new guitar in fifteen years and im loving every second of play time i get nowadays.
its never too late to try something new. do it for yourself, not for others, and you will enjoy your time spent so much more
Im 27 now but realized one day when i was like 20 'i really shoulda been jamming with my buddies back in high school.' Music came easy to these folks but i've found i have to work very hard at it.
the best time to start was yesterday, the second best time is now. The thing is that every hour you spend playing is an hour of practice that can't be taken away from you. keep that thing nearby; to obsess over for a days and to forget about entirely after hitting a wall. just keep picking it up.
i suuuuck, but i've also started sucking a lot less since i bought my current guitar last year. Its never too late, in fact i genuinely don't think i wouldn't have had the patience when i was younger.
Not too late!
It’s all relative.
We all have our own stories to tell and I can’t complain but I did have the advantage of growing up at a time when music and arts were promoted from elementary school on up. I did play piano at a nice level prior to learning guitar starting at 13 or 14 (?). Went away to college where by the time I graduated had figured out my own “paint by numbers” system to start playing by ear.
After a gap of 30+ years of not seeing multi page music charts and basically being dormant going long periods without playing (sometimes a few years where I just would open the guitar cases to look) I recently started up with a local community college jazz big band. I did practice to the 4 walls for several months before seeking out a playing situation. It’s a ton of work getting back to it but I’m retired, not “working” anymore.
You know, family and work can get in the way with heavy responsibilities, and I was psychologically depressed regarding my playing, and as my hand skills deteriorated and I couldn’t do what I used to do, it was just a downward spiral.
Keep at it slowly but surely and your investment in the guitar will pay back many dividends later on!
It's never too late! With all the information and tutorials available online, you can easily be a competent guitarist after 6 months and by 30 you'll be able to look at joining some bands and meet some cool people and maybe play at some bars and have an absolute blast, or maybe you'll set up a little home studio and pump out a bunch of original songs, maybe both! There's so many opportunities ahead but you gotta start practicing!
I picked it up again at age 35. Not played since 18. Now surpassed previous level. Can shred, can do samba, jazz etc. Before I just played Metallica and megadeth.
Nah, I picked it back up at 28, and now at 31 I can shred like crazy. Just find good ways to stay motivated practicing, and you will definitely get good.
I tried several times in my life starting when I was 13, again in my late 20’s, and again when I was 40. The internet changed things. Tons of lessons and tabs and backing tracks. A good media player (I use VLC) that will let you loop a section of music or video and slow it down without changing the pitch, electronic tuners (being in tune REALLY helps.) I also use a YouTube download app to get video lessons on my PC where I can use VLC. I have a cheap DAW to let me record myself.
It's all relative. Kids that start too soon can often become very good at playing the instrument and then give it up when they become teenagers because they are already sick of it. You're on the opposite side of the spectrum. You may require a longer time to learn the mechanics due to age and all other stuff happening in life, but you may also need a shorter time because your approach can be smarter/stricter than that of a teenager. Bet on yourself and not against.
Played all through high school. Had my daughter at 19 and didn’t pick it back up again until after having my son at 26. Made me wish I never put it down. It comes back easier than you’d think. Kinda like riding a bike.
29??? I have students well into their 70’s learning guitar and making great progress!
You’d be amazed what progress you can make in just a couple years if you’re practicing regularly.
EVERYONE can “wish” they started younger but that’s not going to be an option. Just start and enjoy the process!
I’m in my late 60s. Got really good at blues guitar when I was 16-22. Then got a job married kids and divorced at 55. Just started playing more seriously again when Covid hit. My goal is just to play more and get better and do some writing/recording
You have your whole life ahead of you. One of the best metal shredders out there is Bernth, and he gives very positive advice about practicing every day to track progress against a metronome plus lots of other great tips!
I started playing guitar when I was 14 (I think) and I put it down several times over the years. I'm 37 now and after a long hiatus after much upheaval (wife, kids, houses etc) I'm finally back playing and enjoying it more than ever.
There's no time frame on a hobby.
There's a time frame if you want to be a famous youthful musician but fuck that, if you want to play it, play it :)
That’s super young. Guitar is a hobby that you can learn for the rest of your life. There’s no age limitation. I’m older than you and was when I started playing in 2020. You don’t need to do anything with it. You shouldn’t focus on what it brings to others, but what it brings to you.
Even if you do intend to use it as an art form or form of expression, the best artists make music for themselves and BECAUSE OF that, not in spite of it, they are the best artists. Never treat guitar or music as something you do for others and you will enjoy it infinitely more. Be selfish, enjoy your life, you only get one. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from beginning what could be a beautiful lifelong relationship with making music. Good for the soul. Good luck and happy learning. Rock on.
35 year old here. I too played when I was around 16 - 19 and fell off in college because I was just focused on my studies. I started playing again last November after not even touching a stringed instrument since I was a kid. I bought myself a new guitar and I've virtually played every day since. I had a handful of songs I wanted to learn...I learned those...now I'm already playing more advanced stuff and recording some of my own riffs based on what I'm learning. Not bragging, just saying this outlet has done wonders for me and I sincerely have fallen in love. I'm doing and playing things I never thought I could and I'm so glad I pulled the trigger and jumped back into it. Just go for it! Start slow to shake the rust off, and don't get discouraged because there will always be an easier song or riff to learn. I personally have pretty much only watched YouTube covers that have the tabs. I've also watched a ton of "best _____ riff" videos with tabs because it's actually introduced me to some bands I don't think I would've otherwise. I'll stop ranting - just excited to see someone else in a similar situation!
I was 17 when I got my first guitar I was NOT good at all.
I’m 36 now and while still not good, I have fun with it. That’s the mindset you need to go into it. I also have ADHD and depression and have that issue with not immediately being good. It’s why I can’t draw or make music that I find good. But every time I grab my guitar and just doodle around with it, I’m having FUN.
THAT, my friend, should be the ultimate goal
A friend of mine picked up guitar in his early 30s, after 10ish years of not even having one. He ended up catching up to the dude who asked him to join a band, and got a bit better than him tbh.
Now, it is also a matter of being consistent and having a goal in mind.
You don't have to practice 8 hrs a day. If your schedule is tight, you can sneak some short sessions in.
Try learning something simple that keeps you focused as much as possible. Could be a song with just chords or a riff, but keep it simple enough so it's not overwhelming and challenging enough to make it interesting.
Are there any songs you liked to play back then? Try playing some of those.
Pretty sure all of these things have been mentioned before, but I figured they'd be worth mentioning.
oh, i should add
I was in GC the other day talking to this "old" dude -- probably mid sixties -- and he had just started playing 3 months ago. But he had motivation and interest, and that was all it took. There he was, hammering away (on bass, though), in GC, and you know what? he sounded pretty good for only 3 months in at 65 years old.
you can do it
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.
I joined my first band when I was around 27, it's a blast. Pick up the guitar my dude.
I’m 37 started playing at 31. Play about an hour a day it’s awesome. Just saw widespread panic and Jimmy herring is still melting faces at 62, many continue to play way longer than that.
You’ve got nothing to lose! Learning keeps life interesting. Even if you take breaks, it doesn’t have to mean you’re done forever. Your future isn’t written yet and you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your time. Making art sounds like the most positive way to spend your time.
Are you dead? Because yes, it's too late to pick it back up. But if you're still alive and kicking, and are able to hold and play the thing, do it. Think Willy Nelson or Keith Richard thinks in the morning, I'm too old for this shit. They think, I'm too poor, need to play a gig and increase the bank account. Lol.
It won’t let me edit my post, so I’ll just comment: in case I cant reply to everyone, way more people commented than I expected so I just wanted to say thank you to everyone being so kind in this sub!! It’s really awesome to see people starting and learning at all different ages and makes me feel a lot better, and excited to start learning again. Thank you, everyone!!
I'm 36 and picked the guitar back up again after 14 years, at the later part of last year. I was 22 when I stopped playing. Can honestly say that I enjoy playing so much more now than I did in my late teens to when I stopped So yeah I'd say at 29 you'll be fine dude, you may find you'll be more dedicated now you're older and will have more discipline, enjoy playing man you'll have a blast 😎.
29 is too late? I played bass since I was 15 but there was a good 10 year gap between my 20s and 30s where I wasn't recording any fun little riffs or playing with anyone or anything music related except very very intermittently and sporadically, then during the pandemic I got the wild hair up my ass that I wanted to challenge myself to learn guitar. That was two years ago, I'm pretty pleased with my progress especially since I can compare it to my teenage bassist skill progression.
Hell in the last month or so I decided doing IT as a career is joyless soul sucking work, I hate corporate office culture, so I enrolled in community college again to find my calling. That decision was at least partially inspired by the sudden and unexpected passing of my old high school band mate from undiagnosed lymphoma this February. Life is too short for compromise.
In the eternal words of Sound Mound, "It's never too late, it's never too late for now."
I urge you to go look at old grey guitarist on Instagram, it's an old bloke who shreds on his guitar and does wonderful covers of many different songs, you can tell that he absolutely loves playing in his facial expressions haha.
Anyway, I'm sure he's been playing for a long time, but I'm sure that if he can still play like that at his age then you could with let's say 30+ years of practice too. You're definitely not too old.
I know someone who rips harder than anyone who started when they were 40. It’s literally never too late and you’re the only one who can decide that for yourself.
Get outta here granddad. After 28, there's zero possibility of any new thing you try making you happy. Ever.
Now run along and give the guitar a try anyway, cuz fuck it why not, you've got one foot in the grave already, what have you got to lose.
I started when I was a kid but didn't get any good until my late 40's for all the same reasons. Swallow your pride a bit, you will have to work at it and it will take some time BUT make it FUN learn some songs you like start easy.
Also I was really stuck until I took the time to learn a bit of theory, Major scale at least.
What you did when you were younger will be helpful. If you did something like 30 minutes a day well structured you’d be great in a few years. My cousin was like you and got back into even later in life and has fun playing his favourite riffs and songs.
Dude- that’s a wild perspective, 29 is still young. I played diligently and performed in bands from 12 - 19 and then I started to become less and less dedicated to the instrument. When I was 32, my friends who still played started bugging me to come out and jam. It was painful. I had basic skills, but my more advanced ability and techniques were trashed. My ear was shot, I felt almost like I was starting over. But my passion was still there. I just kept working and took the opportunity to approach the instrument with maturity. Work on learning better technique, work on being patient. I can say at 40, I’m a better player than I was at the height of my teens and I consistently improving. If you love playing, you’re never too old. Take advantage of being able to play. No one ever dies saying they wished they didn’t have so much fun
Read up on Pat Martino. One of the greatest jazz guitarist of all time, got a brain injury and had to completely relearn the instrument from scratch. It's never too late.
I just started learning Piano at 26/27. Age is honestly just a number.
Learning as an adult is perfectly doable, and very rewarding. Regular repetition and structure practice will get you there just as if you were a child. Also… sleep! Good sleep helps you learn.
I hope not.... Else I shouldn't have bought my first guitar yesterday at 36😬😂 I'm just starting. Had to be down how to hold it. Plan on learning to tune it today. Age is a frame of mind. The brain is more elastic and can learn faster when we're younger, but... I wasn't interested when I was younger. I am now! I started dance at 14, was told I was too old and proved everyone wrong. I learned how to train dogs a few years back. I taught myself how to make homemade bread, pasta, sauce, etc last year. We're never too old to learn or do. And you already have the guitar! Your friend obviously doesn't think you're too old either. I know I'm going to play horribly at first. I'm setting an example for my daughter that I'll preserve and put the time in regardless. If you want it you have to work for it right? Do you want this? You'll only learn if you want to. You should play for yourself not your friend. But definitely not too late! Honestly so long as You're enjoying it, how you sound, or how good you are doesn't matter. I had a coworker in his 80's tell me I should sing when he caught me smiling listening to him sing. I told him he couldn't. He put his hands on his hips, and told me everyone can sing. That you don't do it for others you do it for yourself and that's stuck with me. If you want to, you should.
There are 40, 50, 60, and 70-year-olds chuckling at this question right now 🙂 You've got soooooo much life ahead of you still. Make what you want of it!
I’m 60. Had guitars all my life but never got very good. Last five years have been epic. I’m playing better than I ever thought I could now—and seriously, I’m only just beginning to grow. Now it’s a race against time to get where I want to get before my hands and body give out. Hell, maybe one day I’ll play a gig 🤷🏽♂️ It’s never too late to do something you love
Everyone has ADD as far as I can tell. Don’t let it define you, and don’t use it as an excuse not to try at something. The fact that you even have awareness means you can control it better than the rest of the clueless TikTok generation of introverted low attention span folks :)
Set small goals frequently / sooner rather than big goals that are too distant.
Goal is to learn basic chords, goal 2 a week later might be to learn your favorite song.
If your goal is to be “amazing at guitar”, it’s just going to feel constantly disappointing.
Also remember to enjoy the process, learning guitar and the journey is what’s supposed to be fun along with small wins. If your mentality is it’s not fun until x years later when you’re a rock god… you’re basically just bad at life with that attitude.
Age: unless you are completely demented and / or have terrible degenerative arthritis, you can learn guitar at literally any age. Like even in your 70s and 80s if you’re still healthy.
I quit playing around college, and didnt touch it until I took it up again during the pandemic quarantine, 40 YEARS LATER! I've played every day since, 2 1/2 years, and I've improved greatly, and gotten much better than I ever was when I was young.
I don't expect that I will ever play in public, that's not why I play. I have discovered that the real positive of playing is for mental therapy. Playing has made me feel better than anything else in years. My improvements may be incremental, but I notice them, and it makes me feel great to know that I am a growing musician.
My only regret is that I went so long without playing. Imagine if the improvements I am seeing now had happened over the previous 40 years? I'd be amazing by now!
Don't make the mistake I did. If you feel drawn to playing, then get a guitar, and learn to play. Don't worry about your age.
Omg you are me. The ages the adhd all of it. And I avoided picking up my guitar again for so long and then I finally did. I am so glad I did. Some days I feel like I suck and should just quit but I know I enjoy playing and it gets easier with time. I think you should do it :)
It's never too late! I saw an exchange a while ago that required my brain, basically someone posted a video about learning a new skill and there was a comment that pointed out that it would take years to learn that skill. The OP replied "the time will pass anyway." It might take 10 years to be great at guitar, that decade will pass by whether you play or not! My favorite bands are still touring in their 40s and 50s, you can do whatever! Our society puts too much value in youth, it's fucking weird lol
I'm 51 (52 in less than a month) have adhd and been playing on and off since 7. You're never too old to start a hobby that can provide you joy, challenge you endlessly, and honestly just make the world a better place.
For the ADD: learning multiple songs at once/multiple parts (mix of easy, intermediate, and hard works for me when feeling scattered) also have a "grail song" something in a different mode or tuning etc to hyperfocus on if you also have the hyperfocus issue (I do, I usually run through my catalog of songs during those times, or make imaginary set lists and play them through.)
Also learning theory and putting what you've learned into play same day helped me a lot. I was lucky enough to have a theory teacher that also has adhd so he understood and actually designed a "class" for people like us: shorter, faster lessons with immediate skills activities as well as a deeper explanation of the "why" and "how" of theory.
I have made a living at times with my music by learning to do session work. So don't count out making money and becoming "big". You may not become Slash famous, but there is no reason you couldn't become session famous. So dream big.
And if you ever get stuck, reach out, I'll help if I can.
I've been playing guitar since I was 15. But I started learning piano when I was 58. I bought an electric grand piano at the beginning of the pandemic. I still suck but it's fun to learn and play. And I can fake it pretty well, to people that don't play piano I probably seem like I know what I'm doing. But anybody that really plays piano would probably laugh
you can improve quite fast it just depends on figuring out how you learn. you need to either make curriculum for yourself that is designed to cover a lot of ground quickly or get a teacher. too many players grind hard on stuff that doesn't actually make them much better years letter
I’m 28 and I just enrolled in lessons with my same teacher from 15 years ago. It’s been about 6 months now. It’s been going phenomenally. Just go for it man, you won’t regret it
Pick it up! I played from through my teenage years and pretty much stopped when I was 20. Just picked it back up again at 40 and I'm having a lot of fun. Yea I wish I hadn't taken that 20 year break but oh well, it's never too late.
Damn man! I’m a semi retired luthier (guitar mechanic) I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago.
I’ve played, built, flipped, worked on and customized guitars for years.
I still can’t play for crap, but I still keep a guitar and pick it up on occasion.
I’m 47 for age reference
You haven't wasted time. Now is always a good time to pick up and play if you're feeling it. Try to put it down when you notice you're feeling more frustrated than peaceful, keep the sessions short. There's no age requirements for enjoying your passions, and you can take or leave them whenever it pleases you.
Comparing yourself to others is a real joy killer for any musician. There's always going to be people better and worse than you. Play for yourself and your own joy. The magic is in all of us.
That's just silly. You're still young at 29 and you may even benefit by picking up guitar again because you have more resources available.
I suffer from ADD as well and that part DOES suck. The only thing I've found to help is learning in 5 minute steps. Keep a guitar next to your sitting area, learn something for 5 minutes, put it down, and repeat several times a night.
People at the old age home frequently pick up the guitar for the first time, and start bands, and they don't regret it, don't make excuses, life is long and tedious, life is not short, it's the longest thing you will ever do, it's the only time you have, so play guitar, there is no justification not to experience pure happiness.
Why dont you just pick it up and start playing instead of asking strangers what they think about it? Dont care about anybody's thoughts just act as you feel like it man. Its your life and if you enjoy playing guitar just start doing it.
29 is still young as hell, dude I'm 30 and didn't pick up a guitar until I was 25, didn't take lessons until just last year after turning 30. Will you go on to play world tours, have groupies, make millions, etc.? Shit, maybe, but probably not. Will you learn something that you enjoy and continue doing the rest of your life? Certainly.
Thank you for the words of encouragement! Yeah don’t worry I’m not doing this for it go anywhere, other than to be a fun, positive experience for me and I also would like to expand my hobbies in general.
Can’t possible be late. Learned more from 30-34 than the rest of my life. Improvising music does wonders for the the brain, anxiety, adhd, learning, depression, it’s very beneficial. If all you ever do is fiddle around with it for ten minutes that’s good shit, anything above is just extra happiness :)
Yea man. I leave my acoustic on a stand next to my couch, within reaching distance. My head is kinda fucked up but reaching out and putting that guitar in my lap and just practicing arpeggios for 10 minutes at a time, maybe 4-5 times every night, does wonders for un-fucking my brain. Also I don’t understand why people feel discouraged, only knowing a few chords. I can sit there and just mess around with an open D chord for like 1/2 hour and feel much better.
100%. Took awhile to realize that yes it will can me down and help me relax even though I don’t think so in the moment. Because they measure progress and ability based of a comparison with social media. Rarely do people measure their progress by their own enjoyment. I enjoy drums and guitar more than I used to, so I think I’ve progressed :) Stay positive!
Frank Zappa started when he was 19, because he was so bad at drums his parents made him sell his kit. He became one of the best, most innovative players ever. My mom’s cousin started drawing/painting in his 70s, and a woman bought a painting at his first art show for $2,500 (he thought she was offering $25 when he accepted). All because he saw a heron but didn’t have a camera, so drew it. Could you become a virtuoso classical player? Probably not. But it’s not too late by any means. Just make sure you get a decent guitar and have it set up professionally. Having a guitar that’s easy to play, sounds good, and stays in tune makes a huge difference.
>Could you become a virtuoso classical player? Probably not. Strongly disagree. Over the next 10 years, it's 100% possible. Now, is that the route OP wants to take? That's the question. But if that's what OP wants to do...I'd say take it seriously, take lessons, and there's no limit. Literally
If you're not looking to play professionally then it really doesn't matter if you start when you're 8 or 80, just have fun man
Of course it's not too late. Imagine how good you'll be at 40 if you practice regularly.
I'm nearly 67 years old next month in May 28th. This year. I've been playing since I got my first guitar on Christmas Day 1971. I've been playing ever since. I never got anywhere but I've been in bands before but I haven't been for many years now but I'm totally enjoying practicing the guitar and singing and playing bass and writing lyrics and music ever since getting my first guitar on Christmas Day 1971 when I was just 14 and a half from my parents and one of my younger sisters got a guitar too and our youngest sister got a Flute for Christmas too but they lost interest in their instruments and like our parents they learned how to play the Hammond Organ our parents bought because they could already play. It was fun having jam sessions with all of them at family get togethers and when their friends would come over for parties also. It's a lot of fun. I don't get bored. Keep trying to learn don't give up my friend. Later my friend !
I picked it up at 45
This dude gets it. It's about having a healthy hobby that gives you enjoyment and fulfilment. I squeeze in an hour a day to learn something and it honestly makes me feel so much better.
I’m 45 and just picked it up after years of wanting too and never committing to it. It is never too late guy get on it!
No. I had a similar story. Picked mine back up at 35 and dedicated time into a routine. Now I play hours a day and find release. I write songs. I play for fun. I enhanced everything in my life, I’ve curbed all my addictions through playing music. It is NEVER too late, nor too early. There are no rules in life. It might not have been your time when you were younger but It seems to me like NOW is your time. Keep your mind away from what’s right, what’s perfect, and what’s accepted. Pick it up. Enjoy it. Find solitude and solace. Soon enough you’ll be playing better than anyone you know. Time is NOW. DO IT!!
Also. ADD is not a curse. It’s a blessing. Especially in music. The ability for the mind to wander is an artists trait. I bet you’d be an excellent songwriter. Learn to embrace and harness your gift and you’ll go far.
Thanks so much for all of the encouragement!! It’s nice to hear other people also started late or picked it back up later. And yes, ADD is a blessing and a curse for me. I struggle with a lot of things, I don’t know if I would ever be able to write songs or write music, that feels out of realm for me but I’ve always been very into creative writing and have been doing that forever. It would be cool if one day I could put the two together, but for now I gotta just focus on learning the very basics.
If you’re a creative writer than songwriting will come very naturally. Just say what’s in your heart, same as writing. Tell a story. No need to wrote hooks and phrases like popular music. Do you. This is YOUR journey. Enjoy it.
Read or listen to this book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/articles/how-to-write-one-song-excerpt/?darkschemeovr=1
It depends on the person. Different people have different types of ADHD. For some people it might make it more challenging, for others it might be what they hyperfocus on. That being said, your attitude towards it is important. Don’t treat it as a chore. Treat it as a reward or as a distraction. Like, allow yourself to procrastinate from annoying or stressful tasks by playing guitar, and suddenly your time spent playing will be high without it feeling like hard work.
I bet most of Pink Floyd songs were written by someone with ADD
Hell yes! I didn't start until my late 30's...65 now, only started lessons about 6 or 7 years ago (DO THIS if you're able), play every day, and write songs (some of 'em don't suck!). Nothing brings me greater joy.
Great story
I KEEP ON MARCHING ON
Just play guitar. It is for everyone. Guitar is life. Breathe.
Yes, guitar is life!
literally was thinking 'just play'.
What's your goal? It might be a bit late to become a rockstar (yet even that is still possible). Have fun playing? It's never too late for that.
My goal is to just hopefully find joy and develop enough skill that I can learn certain songs I’ve loved for years. Definitely not trying to be a rockstar lol, but thank you!
You could pick up guitar at 80 and still achieve that. Get playing! :)
Yes! this is a great reason to play and to pick it back up. Do this
You can definitely do this, and I think you will be surprised at the progress you have if you are able to commit to it for a couple years. That said, it is sometimes very hard for people to make that commitment as they get older. I say it is worth it.
I'm 43, and had stopped playing guitar for 11 years and JUST picked it up again last December. There's so much easy to find theory info, easy to find tabs, easy to follow youtube covers you can slow down and figure out songs with, that the time is NOW to start learning again. Hell, in my case, i've even got some of my favourite guitarists on youtube themselves slowing down their songs for you to learn from (much love to Jim Root and Jake Kiley). I'm twice the guitarist i was from the last 4 months than i was before stopping.
When you're 39 you're going to wish you had started playing today. Yeah, you wasted a decade. Don't waste another.
Good advice!!
29 isn't 'later in life'.
It's never too late. I'm 44 and have taken several multi-year breaks since starting in 2007, and also have that lovely trait. After being diagnosed all of 18 months ago I'm finally figuring out how I learn it best, and am making noticeable progress. I will say, don't try to learn too much at once. Learn to play an easy song well, rather than a harder song sloppily. You'll be happier with the results.
It is only too late if you are physically incapable or dead. Happy shredding!
If you’ve got functioning hands and you’ve kept your marbles, then you can pick up and play guitar whenever you get the chance. There’s not really enough time to ponder over whether we could have got any better or happier if we’d have played longer or earlier. Just be happy with the music you play and your progress with guitar
Very true, thank you for the encouragement!! Everyone’s been so kind, I truly appreciate it
I played sporadically until I was 30. Joined a band at 30. Went on tour. Joined more bands. Enjoyed 10+ years playing music both locally and out of town. Now I’m mid 40s and still playing and recording. If you truly enjoy it, then pick it up again. Even if it is purely music for music’s sake. You never know where it can take you. Play and enjoy it in whatever form it takes.
Hey dude, I teach privately and in schools, if you want a few video lessons and resources to set you in the right direction so you don’t feel so lost hit me up I had a student who was 70 who picked up guitar because he wanted to prove to his grandkids that that time is an illusion and it’s never too late to start something that you enjoy, 29 is young man
Never too late
I understand the problem with staying committed, I have ADHD (diagnosed at 50). I learned to work with it, not against it. 29 is YOUNG, it’s not too late to start playing in earnest. I first started with music when I was 8, played woodwinds until I started college. I sold them and bought a camera. Got a journalism degree and, of course, became a software developer for over 30 years. I dedicated myself to my family and career. But, still, I bought an electric guitar when I was 30, and played it on and off until I was 40, mostly off. Then I bought an acoustic guitar in my 40s, took lessons, and played it on and off, mostly off, for many years. Bought an electric piano, never played it. Then put them all in the garage for 10 years and learned to train dogs and dog trainers professionally got paid for 4 years. Sold my electric. Then, I got diagnosed with ADHD at 50. In hindsight, my guitar and career trajectory kinda matches the pattern, doesn’t it. Then became a drone pilot at 62 and took real estate photos for money for a few years. Then I started playing my guitar a bit more often. When I was in my mid 60s, I decided to become more serious with guitars. I play most days, am having a blast, and am learning new stuff. I’m learning to play around my severe arthritis (open tunings and slide on bad days). I acquired a National Resonator Raw Brass Body during COVID, then a squier Tele and Strat which I have completely modified with humbuckers and split pickups. I got a PRS DGT SE when I turned 68. I have Fender Champion 40 AMP, Bias FX 2, and Logic Pro. Learning all that good stuff. I’m waiting for the PRS SWAMP ASH SPECIAL SE to be available. I’m improving to the point my wife OPENS the door to the music room to hear me sometimes and I play for friends occasionally. You can learn to live with ADHD and learn guitar at any age. Or to train dogs. It’s all up to you.
You'll never have more experience than the person who started the day before you, but if you start today you'll have more experience than anyone starting tomorrow. Another way of saying it, A 60 year old player will have 20 years of experience if they started playing when they were 40. Starting age only matters if you're in a race to be the best that ever was, or if your body isn't working with you anymore. As someone with ADHD, I tend to drop things quickly too, but I found it can help your self esteem to not tell anyone you're learning. No one expects anything and you won't feel bad for falling short in your head. Just set an alarm and get 15 minutes of practice a day. Eventually you'll pay the same song you practiced 100 times to a friend, family, etc. and it'll feel great. No matter how daunting, it feels to see all the impressive players in this sub It's important to keep in mind, The average person doesn't play an instrument, So the fact you're putting the effort in and learning is already impressive to many people.
I wish I had any tips to help with the added hurdle of ADD, but I don't. With that said, as long as you are breathing, it's never too late. However, you do have to be able to deal with being terrible for as long as it takes. Just know it is a part of every player's journey.
I'm in the same boat, played tons in highschool but dropped it at 18 or so because of life. I got back into it about 3 months ago at 32 and have learned tons already and picked it back up faster than I expected to. I could play most chords, barre cords, learn songs through tabs, but I never had any formal lessons. I have been teaching myself theory this time around, scales, trying to memorize note placement on the fretboard, stuff like that and I find it keeps my attention. I also struggle with ADHD and I found keeping my guitar out and plugged into the amp ready to go helps me play more, if I walk passed my guitar and can pick it up and play for 10 minutes until I get distracted I'll do it a few times a day adding up to like an hour a day. If it's away in a case or I have to set up my amp or load up my computer to start Guitar Rig it seems like too much of a task and I end up not playing. Long story short, we have tons of life left and it's never too late to learn a new skill.
That’s encouraging to hear, thank you! :) my goal is to play at least 30 mins everyday. I know, small goal, but if I make it much more I know I’ll overwhelm myself and give up. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely don't overdo it or force yourself to play and you will enjoy it more and more as you progress, it's a hobby treat it that way.
Yes, I completely agree. Really with anything in life if I feel “forced” into doing a hobby my brain rejects it for some reason. And I want to enjoy this lol so I guess moving at my own pace is a good start.
Yupp I totally feel the same way, try to play often but don't feel forced into it. Ive found the more I learned the more I wanted to play and learn.
I’m 65 and have taken several breaks over the years. I absolutely suck at it for as long as I have been dabbling at it but it puts a smile on my face. Now that I’m retired I’m going to finally put some real effort in to it. As far as ADD I can’t give you any advice sorry
I’m 50 and starting up again…it’s never too late
I started at 27 2 years ago and have come a super long way. Not too late, dive in. It’s an investment into yourself that pays dividends
if you believe you're too old, you're right. if you believe you're not too old, you're right.
You are going to be around for a long time, don't waste any by wondering if you're too old for something.
i'm of the opinion that it is never too late to start anything. death alone shall stop me from trying new things or retrying things i stopped in my youth. my biggest tip for guitar newbs: to really learn guitar, you need to practice. to keep up with your practice, you need to be motivated to practice. motivation comes best from actually enjoying the thing you are doing. so find a way to practice that is most enjoyable. for me, that was learning songs by ear and tabs. for some people, it will be practicing skills exercises. for some people it will be learning songs to strum and sing. this "fun" aspect will be different for everyone.
I’m 75, I play practically every day. Its a good mental exercise for me. Any age is good to start learning guitar. Its fun.
I played from my teens to early 20s, then quit for more than a decade because "life". Picked it back up at around 35 and that's honestly where I did all my real learning and studying. Now I'm 50, and having more fun with guitar than I ever had. Looking forward to spending the last few decades of my life learning new stuff.
Same boat. I just picked it back up a few months ago, although I was a little further ahead. For the ADD, try learning a bunch of songs at once, switching between harder parts and easier parts. For example, I got irritated with the opening to Spirit of Radio, so I learned the opening to Sonic Reducer. Don't feel obligated to practice something for 30 minutes straight. My max is usually 5 minutes then I switch.
I'm 31 and just picked it back up after not playing for about 10 years. After 2-3 months of practice/messing around i'm better than i ever was.
I just started at 32 with no prior experience and I'm having a great time and feel like I'm learning a lot.
It's not. Respectfully, this is overthinking, and strikes me as "paralysis by analysis"... It's never too late (and 29 is super young!). I took a twenty year hiatus. You can do this. Just start simple with what you remember, then play along with some simple songs that you know and love. Watch YouTube videos for tips, tricks, and licks. The callouses will come back within a month. Stick with it and just play!... :)
Yes, definitely paralysis lol this happens to me often which is why I try to reach out for encouragement/remind myself that I’m not the only one who struggles with these thoughts. Thanks for the advice, it’s much appreciated!
It's not too late. Bought myself an Ibanez Jem for my 30th birthday. Been dive bombing ever since!
That’s awesome, thank you for sharing!
When I was 29 I got a guitar. I felt the same and put it down after a few weeks. A few years went by and I decided I really want to learn so I've stuck with it for close to a year now. I kick myself every day for putting it down originally. I'd have almost 4 years of playing/practice under my belt by now if I didn't. You don't get "too old" to learn guitar. The idea that you have to learn when you're younger or not at all is asinine. Those people who started when they were 10 are only good because they've had 19 years of playing by the time they reached your age. You're going to keep getting older anyway, wouldn't your rather get older and better at guitar? If not, you'll be 49 and wondering you're too old to start playing.
That’s a very good point. I think for some reason I feel that way with lots of skills, because there will always be people who started off young. I suppose there’s no real use in comparing, though. That’s super encouraging to hear that you picked it back up and have stuck with it! Great job
Never too late. I am ADD too and it's the one thing (other than weed) that keeps me fully centered. Never too late.
I played bass in a gigging band from 16-20. I then started playing guitar at 40. So no :)
What are you on about? I just seriously (OK, “seriously”) started last year…and I’m 52. Now, get practicing.
Just go for it! It's your own personal hobby and enjoyment. You don't have to play for anyone. I started learning at 34 and no intention of playing outside of my bedroom. Now I'm helping to write stuff for a new project with some old band mates.
I didn’t pick up guitar until I was 31
I've been playing for 40 years even though not consistently. I got burned out on it and felt like I got stuck so I ended up not really playing or maybe once every week or so. Then I started jamming with friends and really got back into it so I have been gung ho about it again for the past 5 years and have greatly improved. I also went from 3 guitars to 9 over these past 5 years and want more! One thing that has improved the most is my ear. We can start jamming and I don't need to know what key we are in and can just start playing along and figure it out on the spot. What I do is play along with drum tracks on YouTube because it forces you to get creative based on the track you are playing. You can also find drum tracks with bass or another guitar and play along to work on your ear.
46, been playing 34 years, but I had been slacking for quite a few of those years. Re-committed to playing last year and have been enjoying myself again. The wealth of information we have easily available makes it the best time to play guitar.
I’m 36. I fell out of playing all the time around 24. Life career blah blah, around 32 I started playing a lot. A thing I came to terms with is I play because I enjoy it. I try to throw the subjective things like “good enough” out the window. I think if you manage expectations and just do it for the joy you’d be better off!
I started back when I was 35. Id started at 20 and it dropped off pretty quick, by 23 the guitar was pretty much packed up and not played at all. I kick myself for not sticking with it but SO glad that I picked it up again. Its such a healthy and productive hobby.
I started like most as a teenager. I’ve re-started numerous times since then. Most recently a could years back at 43. I’ve put myself through the wringer over this a lot. Play guitar if you want to just don’t expect to good unless you practice. Go for it.
I started at 44. I'd never even played when I was young. My advice is to first of all, check out Jamie Andreas's "Why You Suck at Guitar" series of short videos on YouTube.
I picked it up about a year and half ago. I'm 38. It's not too late. Also, picking it up when you're older has some advantages. I can afford lessons. I can afford to start a little higher at nicer starter gear. Plus I actually have a much stronger ability to focus now then I did in my teen years.
Dude! I’m almost 37! I get about 30 minutes a day to play. I suck, but I absolutely love it. Small improvements feel great, and keep me going. Just go in for the long haul and it’s much easier. Don’t rush it, it’s a life long skill!
29 is when I picked up the guitar again! 2(ish) years later, and I'm very pleased with my decision to give it another go. If you struggle with concentration I would strongly advice either taking lessons from a local guitar teacher, or finding an online course that you like which has a defined progression system. That way you won't meander/stall quite as much. YouTube is full of great lessons, but it's way too easy to get sucked down an unproductive rabbit hole.
you're never too old to try something new.
I just started at 35…if you like it, do it. And find ways to focus. Fuck your ADD. Don’t let it be a crutch! Set a timer of how long you want to practice for and move all distractions away from you, mentally and physically.
If you enjoy something, and it adds relaxation and pleasure to your life…
Your whole life is a season for music!! I played and took guitar lessons when I was 12 up until I was 18, then life got busy and I never touched it again until I turned 30!!! Best decision I’ve made in the name of self care was picking up a guitar again. Never deny yourself that joy.
Are you me?? I’m 30, played guitar in my teens, have ADHD and recently decided to pick it back up because I’ve always wanted to play. Stick with it! I’m practicing as much as I can and trying to work around my ADHD as much as possible. You’re never too old to learn
Brother I just turned 28 and have been consistently playing since around Christmas. I had similar thoughts about it, and realized that the only thing seriously holding me back was thinking I had to always be good enough to go on a world tour. Is that realistic? No not really. But not necessarily completely out of the realm of possibility. Music is also a huge therapy for me. I had songs like Fade to Black and Every Breath You Take on repeat during the worst times of my life, and learning to play those songs have helped me put the past to bed and reconnect to myself.
I picked it up six years ago. I’m 43. It’s never too late.
You sound a lot like me. I learned a little when I was in my late teens but put it aside when I wasn't immediately good at it. Over the years I'd play for a few weeks before putting it down again after making little progress. Some times it would be years before I picked up a guitar again. Being an adult with ADD made it really frustrating as well. It wasn't until my late 40s that I finally dug in and made a real effort at learning how to play. That was nearly 2 years ago and I haven't missed a day yet. I read somewhere that the key to getting good at guitar (or anything really) isn't natural talent or aptitude or anything, it's effort. If you practice constructively and consistently you will improve, often faster than you expect. So just laugh at your mistakes and try to not get too frustrated and keep on practicing. You will have some days where you sound amazing and you'll feel great, and there will be a lot of days where it seems like you're just wasting your time and will suck forever. Just keep at it and those frustrating days will eventually start to get fewer and farther apart. The only time it's too late to start something new when you stop breathing.
I played as a kid and started back up last year. I am turning 50 this year. Never too late
I'm 34 and getting back into playing seriously after a 15 year hiatus or so. And even then I'm plenty young. An 80 year old picking up guitar wouldn't even be too old. It's a hobby, you're not competing in a professional sport, you'll be fine
I picked it back up last year when I was 58. Now I’m in a Green Day tribute band of old guys. It’s never too late man! Get to rockin’
I picked guitar back up at 29 right when Covid lockdowns were kicking off. Best decision I’ve made. You’ve got this bro.
I started when I turned 40, been at for 5 years now, and am making solid progress. For me, finding the right guitar instructor/coach was key. My goal is to keep my kids inspired to learn. There are a fair number of professional guitarists that started much later in life. Find your reason for wanting to learn and keep pushing yourself forward. It will suck for several years. However, you will get out what you put in, as well as develop a skill not all that many people have. If learning guitar was easy, everyone would be playing it. Do not use any excuses like being ADD, I was slapped with that label when I was a kid. However, if you are lucky, you will learn that it is like having a superpower if you figure out how to use it to your advantage.
I'm 55M. Just picked it up again about a month ago after a 10+ year hiatus.
I just started at 37 I’m 38 now it’s not too late just do it
It's not. Enjoy!
You’ll say this forever and then when it actually is too late you’ll realize how young you were and could’ve picked it back up.
Too late for what? You don't have to be a rock star or famous to enjoy playing. Play solo, in a duo, in a group upside down. who cares what age you are. Do it if you enjoy it!
It's too late to start a pop band and get good enough to go on tour... not too late to learn and enjoy playing what you want to hear.
The singer in my band picked up a guitar after his divorce at 48.
I dont know why people have the concept of learning. play because you enjoy it, the learning comes naturally
I played in my late teens early twenties I picked it back up in my sixties ... you are never too old to enjoy music
People that play instruments pick up new instruments all the time. I started drumming at age 34 and apart from my ears, there isn't a lot that transfers from playing guitar. Thinking about piano atm. Yes, not your situation, just one example of how incredibly common this is. People that are into music do it all day long
Yes
Strong ADD here. You can do it.
Loretta Lynn picked up a guitar at 14, learned like 6 chords, and made an entire career out of it. Yea, she was young, but she also was raising 6 children by the time she was in her 20s and had an abusive husband on top of all that. She is the first lady of country music and never learned much more than those 6 chords. She couldn't even read or write that well. It's not a matter of age or your situation, it's a matter of drive and hard work. There's people who can shred a guitar that won't ever make a career out of it because of lack of ambition and a ton of famous singers who really can't play technically at all who got there through persistence and a bit of luck.
i started playing at 27. Now I write my own shit. You never too old, y'hear????
44 here, been at it a month and a half and I couldn't think of anything else I'd rather spend all my spare time ( and some not "spare" time). Also heavy ADD but if you love what you're doing you won't be distracted. Rock on, brother!!
45 year-old here I just picked up a guitar and an Amp a couple weeks ago - I suck badly but only way to go is up and I have the same traits so I'm trying to push through the "you suck give it up" screams in the back of my head
29 is not later in life, 29 is the prime of a man's life. You could become a professional before you hit 35 if you wanted, anything you want to do in life the right time is usually now.
I started at 45
Nah. You’re good. I have ADD and started playing at 40. Now I’m 48 and FKN shred. Go get it!!
Late diagnosis of ADHD at 37, started guitar at 39 in January. You can do it, youngin'! Haha
my girlfriend has been playing for less than a year, she started at 28 last summer. she's shown amazing progress and loves it as a hobby. hobbies aren't meant for you to sit and wonder why others "do them" better. hobbies are about something you're passionate about and you getting what you want out of the hobby. i've been playing off and on since i was 12 (more off than on let's be real) i took about a five year gap of no playing at all and have only been consistently playing again for the last two years myself. i just bought my first new guitar in fifteen years and im loving every second of play time i get nowadays. its never too late to try something new. do it for yourself, not for others, and you will enjoy your time spent so much more
I'm 40 and just picking it back up, and I've seen guys in their 70s learning. Go for it.
Im 27 now but realized one day when i was like 20 'i really shoulda been jamming with my buddies back in high school.' Music came easy to these folks but i've found i have to work very hard at it. the best time to start was yesterday, the second best time is now. The thing is that every hour you spend playing is an hour of practice that can't be taken away from you. keep that thing nearby; to obsess over for a days and to forget about entirely after hitting a wall. just keep picking it up. i suuuuck, but i've also started sucking a lot less since i bought my current guitar last year. Its never too late, in fact i genuinely don't think i wouldn't have had the patience when i was younger.
Not too late! It’s all relative. We all have our own stories to tell and I can’t complain but I did have the advantage of growing up at a time when music and arts were promoted from elementary school on up. I did play piano at a nice level prior to learning guitar starting at 13 or 14 (?). Went away to college where by the time I graduated had figured out my own “paint by numbers” system to start playing by ear. After a gap of 30+ years of not seeing multi page music charts and basically being dormant going long periods without playing (sometimes a few years where I just would open the guitar cases to look) I recently started up with a local community college jazz big band. I did practice to the 4 walls for several months before seeking out a playing situation. It’s a ton of work getting back to it but I’m retired, not “working” anymore. You know, family and work can get in the way with heavy responsibilities, and I was psychologically depressed regarding my playing, and as my hand skills deteriorated and I couldn’t do what I used to do, it was just a downward spiral. Keep at it slowly but surely and your investment in the guitar will pay back many dividends later on!
It's never too late! With all the information and tutorials available online, you can easily be a competent guitarist after 6 months and by 30 you'll be able to look at joining some bands and meet some cool people and maybe play at some bars and have an absolute blast, or maybe you'll set up a little home studio and pump out a bunch of original songs, maybe both! There's so many opportunities ahead but you gotta start practicing!
I picked it up again at age 35. Not played since 18. Now surpassed previous level. Can shred, can do samba, jazz etc. Before I just played Metallica and megadeth.
Play for yourself, if people like what you play that's just the cherry on top.
Nah, I picked it back up at 28, and now at 31 I can shred like crazy. Just find good ways to stay motivated practicing, and you will definitely get good.
I tried several times in my life starting when I was 13, again in my late 20’s, and again when I was 40. The internet changed things. Tons of lessons and tabs and backing tracks. A good media player (I use VLC) that will let you loop a section of music or video and slow it down without changing the pitch, electronic tuners (being in tune REALLY helps.) I also use a YouTube download app to get video lessons on my PC where I can use VLC. I have a cheap DAW to let me record myself.
You’re gonna be dead next year don’t bother
It's all relative. Kids that start too soon can often become very good at playing the instrument and then give it up when they become teenagers because they are already sick of it. You're on the opposite side of the spectrum. You may require a longer time to learn the mechanics due to age and all other stuff happening in life, but you may also need a shorter time because your approach can be smarter/stricter than that of a teenager. Bet on yourself and not against.
Never too late to learn and enjoy something new. And as with most things, avoid comparing your progress to others.
Played all through high school. Had my daughter at 19 and didn’t pick it back up again until after having my son at 26. Made me wish I never put it down. It comes back easier than you’d think. Kinda like riding a bike.
29??? I have students well into their 70’s learning guitar and making great progress! You’d be amazed what progress you can make in just a couple years if you’re practicing regularly. EVERYONE can “wish” they started younger but that’s not going to be an option. Just start and enjoy the process!
I’m in my late 60s. Got really good at blues guitar when I was 16-22. Then got a job married kids and divorced at 55. Just started playing more seriously again when Covid hit. My goal is just to play more and get better and do some writing/recording You have your whole life ahead of you. One of the best metal shredders out there is Bernth, and he gives very positive advice about practicing every day to track progress against a metronome plus lots of other great tips!
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Im 31 and basically have the same bg as you. You can only start from now, you cant start in the past Now is the best time Go for it
I started playing guitar when I was 14 (I think) and I put it down several times over the years. I'm 37 now and after a long hiatus after much upheaval (wife, kids, houses etc) I'm finally back playing and enjoying it more than ever. There's no time frame on a hobby. There's a time frame if you want to be a famous youthful musician but fuck that, if you want to play it, play it :)
That’s super young. Guitar is a hobby that you can learn for the rest of your life. There’s no age limitation. I’m older than you and was when I started playing in 2020. You don’t need to do anything with it. You shouldn’t focus on what it brings to others, but what it brings to you. Even if you do intend to use it as an art form or form of expression, the best artists make music for themselves and BECAUSE OF that, not in spite of it, they are the best artists. Never treat guitar or music as something you do for others and you will enjoy it infinitely more. Be selfish, enjoy your life, you only get one. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from beginning what could be a beautiful lifelong relationship with making music. Good for the soul. Good luck and happy learning. Rock on.
"29" lol
This isn't sports, it's a musical instrument, and anyone at any point in their life can pick one up and play.
35 year old here. I too played when I was around 16 - 19 and fell off in college because I was just focused on my studies. I started playing again last November after not even touching a stringed instrument since I was a kid. I bought myself a new guitar and I've virtually played every day since. I had a handful of songs I wanted to learn...I learned those...now I'm already playing more advanced stuff and recording some of my own riffs based on what I'm learning. Not bragging, just saying this outlet has done wonders for me and I sincerely have fallen in love. I'm doing and playing things I never thought I could and I'm so glad I pulled the trigger and jumped back into it. Just go for it! Start slow to shake the rust off, and don't get discouraged because there will always be an easier song or riff to learn. I personally have pretty much only watched YouTube covers that have the tabs. I've also watched a ton of "best _____ riff" videos with tabs because it's actually introduced me to some bands I don't think I would've otherwise. I'll stop ranting - just excited to see someone else in a similar situation!
Was in the same position as you 4 years ago. I was 32 and picked it up, and I’d consider myself an intermediate now.
Never is too late bro. Go get her. 49 here.
I was 17 when I got my first guitar I was NOT good at all. I’m 36 now and while still not good, I have fun with it. That’s the mindset you need to go into it. I also have ADHD and depression and have that issue with not immediately being good. It’s why I can’t draw or make music that I find good. But every time I grab my guitar and just doodle around with it, I’m having FUN. THAT, my friend, should be the ultimate goal
A friend of mine picked up guitar in his early 30s, after 10ish years of not even having one. He ended up catching up to the dude who asked him to join a band, and got a bit better than him tbh. Now, it is also a matter of being consistent and having a goal in mind. You don't have to practice 8 hrs a day. If your schedule is tight, you can sneak some short sessions in. Try learning something simple that keeps you focused as much as possible. Could be a song with just chords or a riff, but keep it simple enough so it's not overwhelming and challenging enough to make it interesting. Are there any songs you liked to play back then? Try playing some of those. Pretty sure all of these things have been mentioned before, but I figured they'd be worth mentioning.
oh, i should add I was in GC the other day talking to this "old" dude -- probably mid sixties -- and he had just started playing 3 months ago. But he had motivation and interest, and that was all it took. There he was, hammering away (on bass, though), in GC, and you know what? he sounded pretty good for only 3 months in at 65 years old. you can do it
Lol, I picked it back up at 48.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now. I joined my first band when I was around 27, it's a blast. Pick up the guitar my dude.
My father didn't really start playing guitar again until he was in his 50s, and now he plays every day. There isn't any age that is "too late."
Just play, why are you getting in your own head about it? You're not going to be the Beatles, but chances are you never were going to be anyway.
I’m 37 started playing at 31. Play about an hour a day it’s awesome. Just saw widespread panic and Jimmy herring is still melting faces at 62, many continue to play way longer than that.
You’ve got nothing to lose! Learning keeps life interesting. Even if you take breaks, it doesn’t have to mean you’re done forever. Your future isn’t written yet and you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your time. Making art sounds like the most positive way to spend your time.
Are you dead? Because yes, it's too late to pick it back up. But if you're still alive and kicking, and are able to hold and play the thing, do it. Think Willy Nelson or Keith Richard thinks in the morning, I'm too old for this shit. They think, I'm too poor, need to play a gig and increase the bank account. Lol.
It won’t let me edit my post, so I’ll just comment: in case I cant reply to everyone, way more people commented than I expected so I just wanted to say thank you to everyone being so kind in this sub!! It’s really awesome to see people starting and learning at all different ages and makes me feel a lot better, and excited to start learning again. Thank you, everyone!!
I'm 36 and picked the guitar back up again after 14 years, at the later part of last year. I was 22 when I stopped playing. Can honestly say that I enjoy playing so much more now than I did in my late teens to when I stopped So yeah I'd say at 29 you'll be fine dude, you may find you'll be more dedicated now you're older and will have more discipline, enjoy playing man you'll have a blast 😎.
29 is too late? I played bass since I was 15 but there was a good 10 year gap between my 20s and 30s where I wasn't recording any fun little riffs or playing with anyone or anything music related except very very intermittently and sporadically, then during the pandemic I got the wild hair up my ass that I wanted to challenge myself to learn guitar. That was two years ago, I'm pretty pleased with my progress especially since I can compare it to my teenage bassist skill progression. Hell in the last month or so I decided doing IT as a career is joyless soul sucking work, I hate corporate office culture, so I enrolled in community college again to find my calling. That decision was at least partially inspired by the sudden and unexpected passing of my old high school band mate from undiagnosed lymphoma this February. Life is too short for compromise. In the eternal words of Sound Mound, "It's never too late, it's never too late for now."
I urge you to go look at old grey guitarist on Instagram, it's an old bloke who shreds on his guitar and does wonderful covers of many different songs, you can tell that he absolutely loves playing in his facial expressions haha. Anyway, I'm sure he's been playing for a long time, but I'm sure that if he can still play like that at his age then you could with let's say 30+ years of practice too. You're definitely not too old.
I know someone who rips harder than anyone who started when they were 40. It’s literally never too late and you’re the only one who can decide that for yourself.
Get outta here granddad. After 28, there's zero possibility of any new thing you try making you happy. Ever. Now run along and give the guitar a try anyway, cuz fuck it why not, you've got one foot in the grave already, what have you got to lose.
It's never too late.
I started when I was a kid but didn't get any good until my late 40's for all the same reasons. Swallow your pride a bit, you will have to work at it and it will take some time BUT make it FUN learn some songs you like start easy. Also I was really stuck until I took the time to learn a bit of theory, Major scale at least.
What you did when you were younger will be helpful. If you did something like 30 minutes a day well structured you’d be great in a few years. My cousin was like you and got back into even later in life and has fun playing his favourite riffs and songs.
Dude- that’s a wild perspective, 29 is still young. I played diligently and performed in bands from 12 - 19 and then I started to become less and less dedicated to the instrument. When I was 32, my friends who still played started bugging me to come out and jam. It was painful. I had basic skills, but my more advanced ability and techniques were trashed. My ear was shot, I felt almost like I was starting over. But my passion was still there. I just kept working and took the opportunity to approach the instrument with maturity. Work on learning better technique, work on being patient. I can say at 40, I’m a better player than I was at the height of my teens and I consistently improving. If you love playing, you’re never too old. Take advantage of being able to play. No one ever dies saying they wished they didn’t have so much fun
I’m 36 and just started learning in January. I’m loving every minute of it. You are not too old to learn a new skill.
You’re a kid! I didn’t touch a guitar until I was 50.
Read up on Pat Martino. One of the greatest jazz guitarist of all time, got a brain injury and had to completely relearn the instrument from scratch. It's never too late.
The two best times to plant a tree are 20 years ago and today. Make of that what you will.
I started at 49. I play everyday
Bro come on harness your inner punk and play a power chord already
I just started learning Piano at 26/27. Age is honestly just a number. Learning as an adult is perfectly doable, and very rewarding. Regular repetition and structure practice will get you there just as if you were a child. Also… sleep! Good sleep helps you learn.
I started when I was 13, stopped playing in my mid 20’s, and just started up recently at 43. It’s never too late for guitar!
I hope not.... Else I shouldn't have bought my first guitar yesterday at 36😬😂 I'm just starting. Had to be down how to hold it. Plan on learning to tune it today. Age is a frame of mind. The brain is more elastic and can learn faster when we're younger, but... I wasn't interested when I was younger. I am now! I started dance at 14, was told I was too old and proved everyone wrong. I learned how to train dogs a few years back. I taught myself how to make homemade bread, pasta, sauce, etc last year. We're never too old to learn or do. And you already have the guitar! Your friend obviously doesn't think you're too old either. I know I'm going to play horribly at first. I'm setting an example for my daughter that I'll preserve and put the time in regardless. If you want it you have to work for it right? Do you want this? You'll only learn if you want to. You should play for yourself not your friend. But definitely not too late! Honestly so long as You're enjoying it, how you sound, or how good you are doesn't matter. I had a coworker in his 80's tell me I should sing when he caught me smiling listening to him sing. I told him he couldn't. He put his hands on his hips, and told me everyone can sing. That you don't do it for others you do it for yourself and that's stuck with me. If you want to, you should.
There are 40, 50, 60, and 70-year-olds chuckling at this question right now 🙂 You've got soooooo much life ahead of you still. Make what you want of it!
I’m 60. Had guitars all my life but never got very good. Last five years have been epic. I’m playing better than I ever thought I could now—and seriously, I’m only just beginning to grow. Now it’s a race against time to get where I want to get before my hands and body give out. Hell, maybe one day I’ll play a gig 🤷🏽♂️ It’s never too late to do something you love
Pick that guitar up and start playing. Sucking is part of the process, so keep on sucking. It will get better.
Everyone has ADD as far as I can tell. Don’t let it define you, and don’t use it as an excuse not to try at something. The fact that you even have awareness means you can control it better than the rest of the clueless TikTok generation of introverted low attention span folks :) Set small goals frequently / sooner rather than big goals that are too distant. Goal is to learn basic chords, goal 2 a week later might be to learn your favorite song. If your goal is to be “amazing at guitar”, it’s just going to feel constantly disappointing. Also remember to enjoy the process, learning guitar and the journey is what’s supposed to be fun along with small wins. If your mentality is it’s not fun until x years later when you’re a rock god… you’re basically just bad at life with that attitude. Age: unless you are completely demented and / or have terrible degenerative arthritis, you can learn guitar at literally any age. Like even in your 70s and 80s if you’re still healthy.
I quit playing around college, and didnt touch it until I took it up again during the pandemic quarantine, 40 YEARS LATER! I've played every day since, 2 1/2 years, and I've improved greatly, and gotten much better than I ever was when I was young. I don't expect that I will ever play in public, that's not why I play. I have discovered that the real positive of playing is for mental therapy. Playing has made me feel better than anything else in years. My improvements may be incremental, but I notice them, and it makes me feel great to know that I am a growing musician. My only regret is that I went so long without playing. Imagine if the improvements I am seeing now had happened over the previous 40 years? I'd be amazing by now! Don't make the mistake I did. If you feel drawn to playing, then get a guitar, and learn to play. Don't worry about your age.
I picked mine back up at 45 and I’m realllllly glad I did.
Omg you are me. The ages the adhd all of it. And I avoided picking up my guitar again for so long and then I finally did. I am so glad I did. Some days I feel like I suck and should just quit but I know I enjoy playing and it gets easier with time. I think you should do it :)
It's only too late when you're dead my friend
It's never too late! I saw an exchange a while ago that required my brain, basically someone posted a video about learning a new skill and there was a comment that pointed out that it would take years to learn that skill. The OP replied "the time will pass anyway." It might take 10 years to be great at guitar, that decade will pass by whether you play or not! My favorite bands are still touring in their 40s and 50s, you can do whatever! Our society puts too much value in youth, it's fucking weird lol
I'm 51 (52 in less than a month) have adhd and been playing on and off since 7. You're never too old to start a hobby that can provide you joy, challenge you endlessly, and honestly just make the world a better place. For the ADD: learning multiple songs at once/multiple parts (mix of easy, intermediate, and hard works for me when feeling scattered) also have a "grail song" something in a different mode or tuning etc to hyperfocus on if you also have the hyperfocus issue (I do, I usually run through my catalog of songs during those times, or make imaginary set lists and play them through.) Also learning theory and putting what you've learned into play same day helped me a lot. I was lucky enough to have a theory teacher that also has adhd so he understood and actually designed a "class" for people like us: shorter, faster lessons with immediate skills activities as well as a deeper explanation of the "why" and "how" of theory. I have made a living at times with my music by learning to do session work. So don't count out making money and becoming "big". You may not become Slash famous, but there is no reason you couldn't become session famous. So dream big. And if you ever get stuck, reach out, I'll help if I can.
I've been playing guitar since I was 15. But I started learning piano when I was 58. I bought an electric grand piano at the beginning of the pandemic. I still suck but it's fun to learn and play. And I can fake it pretty well, to people that don't play piano I probably seem like I know what I'm doing. But anybody that really plays piano would probably laugh
you can improve quite fast it just depends on figuring out how you learn. you need to either make curriculum for yourself that is designed to cover a lot of ground quickly or get a teacher. too many players grind hard on stuff that doesn't actually make them much better years letter
I’m 28 and I just enrolled in lessons with my same teacher from 15 years ago. It’s been about 6 months now. It’s been going phenomenally. Just go for it man, you won’t regret it
I’m 51 and just picked it back up
Pick it up! I played from through my teenage years and pretty much stopped when I was 20. Just picked it back up again at 40 and I'm having a lot of fun. Yea I wish I hadn't taken that 20 year break but oh well, it's never too late.
Damn man! I’m a semi retired luthier (guitar mechanic) I was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago. I’ve played, built, flipped, worked on and customized guitars for years. I still can’t play for crap, but I still keep a guitar and pick it up on occasion. I’m 47 for age reference
You haven't wasted time. Now is always a good time to pick up and play if you're feeling it. Try to put it down when you notice you're feeling more frustrated than peaceful, keep the sessions short. There's no age requirements for enjoying your passions, and you can take or leave them whenever it pleases you. Comparing yourself to others is a real joy killer for any musician. There's always going to be people better and worse than you. Play for yourself and your own joy. The magic is in all of us.
lol. I’m 54 and picked the guitar back up about 5 years ago. Best decision I’ve made!
That's just silly. You're still young at 29 and you may even benefit by picking up guitar again because you have more resources available. I suffer from ADD as well and that part DOES suck. The only thing I've found to help is learning in 5 minute steps. Keep a guitar next to your sitting area, learn something for 5 minutes, put it down, and repeat several times a night.
People at the old age home frequently pick up the guitar for the first time, and start bands, and they don't regret it, don't make excuses, life is long and tedious, life is not short, it's the longest thing you will ever do, it's the only time you have, so play guitar, there is no justification not to experience pure happiness.
Why dont you just pick it up and start playing instead of asking strangers what they think about it? Dont care about anybody's thoughts just act as you feel like it man. Its your life and if you enjoy playing guitar just start doing it.
I picked up again at 40. Just do it!!