[rstaight]

Just turned 60 in February. Started taking lessons in the late 60's due to a head injury playing youth football that put an end to organized sports.

My guitar teacher used Mel Bay and Hal Leonard. Both are good systems. I used the same when she started sending me some of her students that had trouble connecting with an older instructor.

Once she felt confident you knew the fretboard, capable of reading music she was fine with you picking a music book at the store. Then she would work with that book breaking down the theory and progressions.

I was given a ukulele for Christmas a few years ago. The book that came with it was indispensable.

Two weeks ago I purchased a mandolin. I watched a few YouTube videos and now know the C, G, and D chords. Some scales, and can even throw in a bass note while strumming. Still going to a book and maybe some lessons.

Books are structured and make learning easier IMO. It makes reviewing easier. I still look at those advanced books as a refresher.