My version of a midlife crisis, learning the guitar

[gh4chiefs]

Ok, normally when guys my age reach their "mid-life" crisis they're buying sports cars or chasing 20 year old gals. But me, I decide to pick a weird one. I don't have a musical bone in my body however I'm toying with the idea of trying to learn to play the acoustic guitar.

I'm not looking to actually become proficient but simply learn enough to play a few simple chords for my own self amusement. And as such, at this point I don't plan on taking formal lessons, (although that could change if I get into it). I'd rather just do something at my own pace at least to start with.

I've read really good things about the "Learn and Master the Guitar" DVD course. www.learnandmaster.com/guitar/

So my question for the board faithful is has anyone had any experience with the course listed at the link above? Also has anyone had any experience with the Greg Bennett guitar listed there?

Or for that matter any advice at all to offer (other than don't do it old man )? Let me be clear, I have NO delusions whatsoever about this undertaking, I'm simply looking for a hobby/distraction/entertainment.

Thanks in advance.

 

[thestrangequark]

When I was a teenager I played cello in the West Seattle Community Orchestra. It was a great orchestra, most remarkable for the age range among the musicians. We had an 8 year old violinist all the way through an 88 year old cellist. What was most remarkable about that 88 year old cellist, though, was that he had been playing the cello for only 8 years. Can you imagine? Being 80 years old and thinking, "I ought to learn an instrument! How about the cello?!"

What I mean to say is that you're never too old. This is a lovely idea and I wish you luck and fun on your endeavor!

I just recently learned the guitar myself, and started a thread about it (which I really ought to update as I've learned a few more songs since then).

 

[gh4chiefs]

Well thank you for the encouragement, I appreciate that. I read your thread, or part of it anyway, looks like you have a bit of a leg up on me since you already play the cello and I guess you can read music. I can't play anything and trying to read music is "Greek to me" as the saying goes.

Actually when I was a freshmen in high school, I was accidentally put into a music class that really was supposed to be for band members. (Long story and I really remember what happened myself, it's been awhile.) Anyway, over the course of that year, I learned to play the coronet, but I never could get comfortable reading music. If I could learn notes and remember, then I could actually play a tune, but reading the sheet music or "playing by ear" was not something I could do.

But still I'm really kind of eager to tackle this. I want to buy a decent guitar and I'm willing to spend some decent money if that's what it takes, but I don't want to get carried away either. (I was blown away by guitar prices).

 

[thestrangequark]

^I wouldn't worry about reading music if I were you -- you can certainly get by well without that skill on the guitar. If you choose to become more advanced and learn classical guitar it might be beneficial, but for right now I'd focus on reading tabs. They're completely self-explanatory and will be very useful. I also just watched youtube tutorials to learn chords, which went very well. When I can't figure out a song on my own I try to find a video of someone playing it on youtube. So far I've found nearly every song I've wanted to learn. It's a great way to learn for free!

ETA: I also bought my guitars used on craigslist. You can do this fairly cheaply!

 

[gh4chiefs]

Well my interest in music lies almost entirely in Country Music, specifically with older, traditional music, what many might refer to as "hillbilly music." So I'm hoping I can learn to play that style of music. If I can play that at a rudimentary level, I'll consider my "crisis" a success.

 

[Cornholio]

go for it, dude.

thestrangequark is right, you're never too old.

I've been playin' guitar for almost 40 years, and even though I never made it professionally like I wanted, I don't have any regrets. I've met a lot of cool people, especially chicks, that I probably wouldn't have ever met if I didn't play. and I've had a helluva a lot of fun.

it's also one thing that kept me outta trouble in my teens, and helps me keep my sanity now that I'm old. it's a great way to clear my mind, and shredding is a bitchin' way to release stress.

I took some lessons in my late teens, but I'm mostly self taught, so I can't give any advice on any particular courses for learning, but I would suggest learning tablature. I can read sheet music, but tablature is much easier, especially for a beginner.

as far as buying a guitar goes, I'd suggest finding someone who knows a bit about guitars and take them with you to the local pawn shops. you can get some great deals there, and you won't have to spend too much. you can always buy something better later.

good luck, and don't ever give up!

 

[gh4chiefs]

Thanks!

 

[DeafPoet]

Reading music isn't essential to playing guitar. As tsq pointed out, tablature will get you where you're going. But knowledge of music theory will obviously get you there a lot faster.

I've been playing for 12 years and I'm entirely self-taught. Not to be immodest but I'm pretty good and I didn't shell out for any DVDs or anything.

This isn't of course to say that it won't work for you. But an internet connection (to find decent tabs) and a bunch of your favourite CDs are all you really need.

But I would recommend reading up on some basic theory, also widely available for free on the web. Tabs are great for showing you where to put your fingers but if you understand why you're putting them there the whole process will come a lot more easily.

 

[Cornholio]

But I would recommend reading up on some basic theory, also widely available for free on the web. Tabs are great for showing you where to put your fingers but if you understand why you're putting them there the whole process will come a lot more easily.

yeah, that's basically why I took some lessons. I wanted a better understanding of what I was doin', and also to improve my improvisational skills. otherwise, I was just a musical parrot. learning a bit of theory, and a few basic scales did wonders for my songwriting too.

 

[SmoothieX]

I say go for it. It sounds healthier and cheaper than what I did when I turned 30, which was go back to graduate school.

 

[JonathonWally]

Like everyone else has already said, just learn tab, and you'll be fine.

Honestly, I would say forget the dvds and take a lesson or two, the teacher will show you the proper way to fret the strings (right behind the fret) how to palm mute, harmonic, pinch harmonic, how to pick or pluck the string. Basically, a hands on instructor is best to have just for the mechanics part in the beginning, but ya, after that, just read tab and go slow.

Accuracy is more important than speed. Work on accuracy and proper technique, speed will come.

Once you learn some basic chords and riffs, and you get your hands trained than you can worry about more complex stuff.

But seriously, it's not too hard, just don't get discouraged in the beginning when your hands don't cooperate with you. When you start out they'll be clumsy and frustrate you, but you'll see how they become quick and precise.

 

[ITL]

Yep, learning guitar is worthwhile. And fun. And no matter how long you've been playing, there's always something more to learn.

 

[Pingfah]

I don't see anything about a Greg Bennett guitar on that page, can you provide a different link to the guitar you are thinking of?

My initial response would be to do a lot more research on the acoustic you want, don't get something just because they recommend it. The range of mid priced acoustics available is massive these days and the variety of quality within that range is also massive.

 

[TheBrew]

When I was a teenager I played cello in the West Seattle Community Orchestra. It was a great orchestra, most remarkable for the age range among the musicians. We had an 8 year old violinist all the way through an 88 year old cellist. What was most remarkable about that 88 year old cellist, though, was that he had been playing the cello for only 8 years. Can you imagine? Being 80 years old and thinking, "I ought to learn an instrument! How about the cello?!"

What I mean to say is that you're never too old. This is a lovely idea and I wish you luck and fun on your endeavor!

I just recently learned the guitar myself, and started a thread about it (which I really ought to update as I've learned a few more songs since then).

Please do. Since you mentioned in the thread, I actually learned how to play "Betterman"

 

[Pingfah]

Love that song.

 

[J.T.B.]

Good advice so far, but just to add:

1. Taking lessons from a good teacher, at least initially, will go a long way toward you being able to teach yourself. Reading tabs is OK, but it is better to know why chords work well together or what scale a pattern of notes is from and why it sounds well with some chords and not others.

2. If you take lessons, find out if the teacher is familiar with the kind of music you want play. A good teacher can come up with hillbilly tunes that fit in with the lessons you are learning, and you will practice more if you are learning the kind of stuff you want to play.

3. Buy as much guitar as you can afford. Nothing will discourage you like a guitar that won't stay in tune, has uncomfortable frets, neck, action &c. My first acoustic was a Yamaha FG-450 SA solid-top dreadnought, not fancy but not cheapo, either. It was about 400 USD twenty years ago, and served me very well till a couple of years ago when I went for something up-market. I still play it, too, it's been a great guitar. That's not to push anyone toward Yamaha, but shop around and find something in your price range that feels good and is from a maker with a good reputation. I assume if you like trad country you will be going toward a steel-string dreadnought- or jumbo-style flat top.

Luck and calluses,

Justin

 

[Yeoman Randi]

To the OP, good for you and that's awesome! I think it is a great idea.

A couple of years ago i started teaching myself (with a little help from my daughter) how to play the clarinet. I didn't know how to read music and had never picked up the clarinet before. I was doing pretty good actually but didn't stick with it because i am so ADD and if i can't become a master at something right away i lose interest. I have been thinking of trying it again. I wish i hadn't stopped in the first place.

Do it! I really think learning an instrument is a terrific thing for anyone at any age to do!!!

 

[gh4chiefs]

Good advice so far, but just to add:

1. Taking lessons from a good teacher, at least initially, will go a long way toward you being able to teach yourself.

I know that's probably real good advice, but for now, I relaly want to do something at my own pace, and I just kind of have an aversion to actually taking formal lessons. But I recognize that's good advice and I'm certainly not disagreeing with you or disregarding your advice.

One of the reasons I'm leaning towards one of these DVD courses is that even though I'm not wild about taking formal lessons, I do want a certain amount of structure to what I try. Because I know me. I was leaning toward the "Learn and Master the Guitar" DVD course but it's expensive and if I don't order it today, it's even going to be more expensive as they're having a sale on this weekend. But I don't want to rush into this.

3. Buy as much guitar as you can afford. Nothing will discourage you like a guitar that won't stay in tune, has uncomfortable frets, neck, action &c. My first acoustic was a Yamaha FG-450 SA solid-top dreadnought, not fancy but not cheapo, either. It was about 400 USD twenty years ago . . .

That's something I"m struggling with, I don't want to invest THAT much money just yet, BUT again, I understand what you're saying. I know that getting the right guitar to start with can be very helpful as a beginner. There is a local music shop here and I've been told they have a great selection and a good reputation. So my next step will probably be to go there and talk to them and see if they can help me pick out a good one in a reasonable price range for me. Because I won't know a good one from a bad one.

 

[DeafPoet]

A couple of years ago i started teaching myself (with a little help from my daughter) how to play the clarinet. I didn't know how to read music and had never picked up the clarinet before. I was doing pretty good actually but didn't stick with it because i am so ADD and if i can't become a master at something right away i lose interest. I have been thinking of trying it again. I wish i hadn't stopped in the first place.

That's pretty ambitious of you
. I'd encourage you to pick it up again.

I played clarinet for exactly 3 months in grade 9. My highschool music teacher wouldn't let anyone play saxophone unless they showed a little bit of facility with the clarinet. I squeaked by I guess because she chose me to "graduate" to the sax. Ironically, I found the clarinet much more difficult to play. The demands of the embouchure are (in my limited experience) greater than most woodwinds.

I ended up playing alto sax for 5 years in highschool through band and music class and that's where most of my music theory knowledge came from.

All instruments, to some extent, fall into the category of easy to learn, difficult to master. But (getting back to the topic) guitar is easier than most to learn, and it's probably more difficult than most to master.

Anyone with a kid in a highschool music class can attest to the fact that a clarinet or a trumpet can be a dangerous thing in the hands of a beginner. By contrast, anyone with a good work ethic can play something resembling music on a guitar in weeks.

Anyway what I'm trying to say with this meandering post, Yeoman Randi[/i], is that you should be commended for trying to pick up the clarinet but it's hard as hell to play something listenable with it without a lot of practice. Some of my classmates were making me cringe during certain phrases after having played for 5 years.

But it sounds good when it's played well. I'm of the opinion that no instrument should be played on a lark. It's really all or nothing. You do it because you love it and you do it until you're sick of it. And then you do it some more.

 

[JonathonWally]

Good advice so far, but just to add:

1. Taking lessons from a good teacher, at least initially, will go a long way toward you being able to teach yourself.

I know that's probably real good advice, but for now, I relaly want to do something at my own pace, and I just kind of have an aversion to actually taking formal lessons. But I recognize that's good advice and I'm certainly not disagreeing with you or disregarding your advice.

One of the reasons I'm leaning towards one of these DVD courses is that even though I'm not wild about taking formal lessons, I do want a certain amount of structure to what I try. Because I know me. I was leaning toward the "Learn and Master the Guitar" DVD course but it's expensive and if I don't order it today, it's even going to be more expensive as they're having a sale on this weekend. But I don't want to rush into this.

3. Buy as much guitar as you can afford. Nothing will discourage you like a guitar that won't stay in tune, has uncomfortable frets, neck, action &c. My first acoustic was a Yamaha FG-450 SA solid-top dreadnought, not fancy but not cheapo, either. It was about 400 USD twenty years ago . . .

That's something I"m struggling with, I don't want to invest THAT much money just yet, BUT again, I understand what you're saying. I know that getting the right guitar to start with can be very helpful as a beginner. There is a local music shop here and I've been told they have a great selection and a good reputation. So my next step will probably be to go there and talk to them and see if they can help me pick out a good one in a reasonable price range for me. Because I won't know a good one from a bad one.

Seriously, I wouldn't invest too much in dvds, everything is on YouTube for free.