Is It Ever Too Late to Learn Guitar? | Tips for Adult Beginners

In this video I discuss a common question: is it ever too late to learn guitar? Along with that, I share some tips for adults who are thinking about learning guitar! These tips really apply across the board though, so hopefully they will be helpful at any age!

00:00 - Intro
1:47 - Is it ever too late to learn guitar?
03:00 - Tips for Adult Beginners

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[better_than_nothing]

Just for reference, I was 30 years old before I picked up my first guitar and I've now been playing for over a decade.

[aikighost]

I'm 50 and started playing January 2020 as a new years resolution, am I any good? Not really. Am I having a great time? Damn right I am :)

2020 lockdown is THE time to start playing if you haven't already.

[netcatfulful]

42 years old, at least 25 years with metallica solos playing in heavy rotation in my head... my second lesson today

[AjaySharma-inji]

I'm 21 and I started on electric guitar 4 months ago, and I have to say you're one of the YouTubers who inspired and helped me whenever I needed any info. Thanks for all the awesome content Rachel!

[dhvalden]

Clay Aeschliman (Drummer from Polyphia) started playing drums at 24... yeah... and the guy is a beast. I swear he is more in time than my metronome

[DavidNwokoye]

3:41 I tend to forget this sometimes. I spend too much time trying to get better at things that I don't really stop to enjoy what I can already do.

[JaimeCaicedo]

Wow Rachel really great motivational video.
I’m 41 now and just starting the amazing guitar journey
It’s great for me to see an awesome guitar player like you sharing your experiences.
I’ll mention an additional adult advantage over myself 20 year ago: Now a got some money for gear 😂😂

[rafterman]

I started at 17 and I am 30 now. I don’t always dedicate myself to practicing new things like I should, but I can’t go a day without playing. It’s almost like meditation and it definitely is a stress reliever.

[FrankR]

I'm 54 and playing guitar is a life long dream. Played a little when I was in my teens but didnt stay committed. I picked up again a year ago and have along way to go but not giving up. Rock on! 🤘🏾🤘🏾

[tomknight]

I was 68 and got a guitar package last Christmas and after a few month I upgraded too a Squire 50’s Classic vibe and Boss Katana Mk 2 ... as I enjoyed playing .... as for playing well well to me I’m happy it’s not perfect but the grandkids love it when I play and they are now learning to play an acoustic and a ukulele so all’s good 👍

[JackDutch]

Love how happy you are when talking about guitar! It hit home to me when you said about starting 5/10 years ago but not having the passion for it, I really relate to this, I’m not 25 I had my first guitar brought for me by my dad when I was about 12, used it for a week, it started collecting dust, sold it, got another when I was 18 or so, used it for a couple of months, got fed up, sold it, I’m 25 now and I brought another guitar a few weeks ago, can’t put it down, I really feel passionate towards the instrument and I’m much more focused and I have a goal in mind now which I didn’t before

[gerikaquintos]

Im 22 and I just got my first proper guitar two months ago. Been enjoying the learning process! Just reminding myself not to put too much pressure and expectations and to just have fun. If you're looking for a sign, GO FOR IT!! Its never too late people!

[wilmahernan]

I was that kid who picked up the guitar and quit three weeks later. I've been playing on and off since I was 13 but never really got past the basic chords. Now I'm 22 and I actually want to learn, but I can't help but feel that I wasted all that time. Your guitar journey inspired me, thank you for proving it's never too late :)

[robinbhairam]

I’m 58 (and a drummer by art), but I wanted to play, I started 4 months ago, can’t put it down, first thing I do every day ... it’s an addiction, I love it and it’s never far from me in fact it’s on my lap right now!

[mmccartney]

I took music lessons when I was 8 until 10 on the accordion. (That was in 1952-'54.) My dad said the lessons had to stop because now all the money was going to have to go for the new baby, my sister, who was born in Oct. '54. I didn't touch any instrument again until I retired at age 65. That was over 10 years ago. I decided to learn how to play the guitar because I wanted a "hobby" and to help ward off the old timers diseases. I wouldn't have even attempted to learn how to play guitar if it wasn't for YouTube, and all the great lessons, and great people on here teaching them, many not asking for anything, but just love of music, and especially playing guitar, and sharing their knowledge with others. I started with a Squier Affinity Telecaster, and a 15 watt Marshall amp. I now have a Fender Tele, an ES-335, and a Fender strat, plus my original Squier Tele, and one acoustic, an Epiphone Hummingbird Artist. Aside from a few local friends helping me along, the YouTube lessons I found were, and are priceless. It was one of, if not the best decisions I ever made. I personally want to thank you, Rachelf, for giving of your time, your experiences with the guitar, and your fantastic attitude and exuberant personality. Much love to you and yours. Stay safe, and keep rockin'!! Mike M. :)

[spbiz]

Thank you for your encouragement. I'm 58 years old I tried to start playing guitar when I was a young teenager and quit. Then I took lessons on an acoustic when I was in my thirties and quit again period and I finally bought an electric guitar that sat around for about 10 years and I picked it up a few months ago and now I'm seriously playing what I can everyday and learning as much as I can about guitars watching YouTube videos and loving every moment of it. It's definitely about the journey not the destination and there are many kinds of guitar players and no one way to do it. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and your joy.

[andychapman]

Thank you Rachel for this. I'm 58 and not long started out. Currently leaning Hotel California and it feels fantastic making and hearing progress! Added Tips: Get your guitar professionally set up, the hype is real and it makes a HUGE difference.And picks too! Picks: I have many different types and from these I have established favourites that are not only the most comfortable but also perform better and even affect sound. Try many and you'll find the right fit for you too. Strings: 9-42's Elixir Nanoweb - easier on the fingers, great play-ability/sound and last and last. You Tube leaning aids: JustinGuitar; Andy Guitar; Marty Music - structured courses, massive resources and all free. The difficult part is remaining focused as there is just so much content! Do this and you'll be able to learn even faster! Amp: I have the same amp as Rachel and it sounds incredible despite not having even scratched the surface with it as the the majority of the time I practice without it plugged in. Keep it simple to start with. Pedals: I haven't as yet found the need, but my first buy will probably be a looper. And that's it, practice makes perfect as they say. Yes, I would like to go back to 1985 just like Marty McFly (or more like 1973 when I was 11!) but its not going to happen. Rachel is right; us olden's can still make the grade, PLUS we have a damn good repertoire of music stored away to call upon!

[jeemalsoknownasjimhawkins]

Hey, everyone! I have been so busy trying to finish my second CD album that I haven't been keeping up with the incredible Rachelf! I started playing guitar at age 44 and did that on-and-off (mostly off) for 20 years and almost gave up. Then, at age 64, I saw Rachelf's first YouTubes and decided to get serious. I hired a guitar instructor (who is now my great friend), built a home studio, and like I said, I am trying to finish up my second CD album before the end of the year. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! And I am a disabled Vietnam vet. Good luck and never give up, never surrender (to paraphrase the movie, Galaxy Quest). This is such great fun! Thank you so much, Rachelf, for all you do for our benefit! Cheers.

[liverloop]

Having been a young teenager and failed guitarist to a 42 year old who picked up the guitar again on my 40th birthday. I can say I'm glad im in my 40s.
One big reason is the internet. When I was a teenager I was stuck with TABS, couldn't afford a teacher and no one to show me what to do. I was also mainly into was just one type of music (Metal).
Now I'm older I have a more diverse taste. I'm more patient and I have the internet which is a god send for anyone one wanting to learn or (relearn) the guitar.

I think the main thing that matters is motivation and available resources.

If you have both you can go far in a short time.

[fenex-guitarz]

I started playing when I was 16. Played for about a year and a half then stopped until January this year. I’m 29. It’s never to late to learn. You just have to be willing to put the time in, and realize it’s going to take awhile to get good. I e become frustrated many time at my progress thinking I’m not going anywhere. Then I look at some videos I recorded of myself from months ago and I realize how far I’ve gone in a short period of time. Be patient, put the work in, and you’ll be well off.