new guy - beginning at 60

[Duck916]

Welcome aboard. As another late starter, I'll say, "better late than never." Enjoy the ride.

I do recommend learning to read music. It's pretty easy and provides more information than a standard tab. I like to play some classical stuff and there's a lot of resources out there in musical notation.

What's your preferred type of music to play?

[Steve-arino]

Navy - welcome from me too!

I started playing at age 60 also. That was about 4 years ago. I don’t know about you, but not learning how to play the guitar would have been a “regret” for me. It was something that I passionately wanted to do since I was a kid. So I had the time, the passion, my kids were off to their lives and I was single again. Of course you can. Keep your expectations tempered and just like life, if today was a frustrating day, tomorrow will be better.

I believe strongly as well that lessons from a good teacher are important at the beginning. You’ll appreciate the structure. I took lessons from a fellow by the name of Mark Hanson - he’s a fantastic teacher used to dealing with adults. Mark worked with me via Skype. I worked with Mark for about 1.5 years at the beginning and he taught me many of the fundamentals of fingerstyle guitar and Travis picking. Today I can play Beatles tunes, Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, just all sorts of fun stuff. When you finally get to a point that the notes sound like a tune, you’ll get goosebumps.

Have fun man!!!

[jklotz]

Welcome sir. Thank you for your service!

So much great advice given so far that I don't think I need to add any. Just keep playing and enjoy the journey! It's really rewarding and well worth the effort.

There are and have been a lot of great guitar players the didn't read music. Eddie Van Halen for 1. Don't worry about it. When/if you reach a point where it's holding you back, you'll know it. Until then, just keep plugging away at what inspires you.

As a side note, there is an old muscians joke (mostly applies to electric players): how do you get a guitar player to turn down? Put a chart (sheet music) in front of him.

[Steve-arino]

Oh yeah, two more things young fella. Definitely find a guitar tech to set up the guitar so it plays easily. A guitar with high action will ruin the whole experience.

And if you watch TV - keep guitar in hand and practice.

[Glennwillow]

Hi Navy!

I'm glad you have joined us here! Best of luck to you on learning the guitar! And enjoy your retirement and your grand kids!

- Glenn

[Moonlightmile]

Welcome to the older beginners club! I have learned quite a bit from Justin, Marty Music...although I know some one on one would be most helpful for me after a year on my own.....Another online teacher that doesn't get mentioned much but has helped me quite a bit is Active Melody....fwiw.......Enjoy the journey!!!

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by vintage40s

Old Navy story. I joined in 1968. After a year of paychecks I bought a Martin D-35 and brought it aboard. Action was so hard that I took it to the carpenter shop on the ship. I filed the nut slots too low, and built them up with drops of epoxy. Lived with that until 1999 when I took it to a person with odd name of luthier.

I know of that guy ... he's a specialist ... Martin Luthier King.

[Kittoon]

A good chair/seat = a much happier back!

[PAPADON]

Originally Posted by Navy

I had always been interested in learning guitar but, when I got to a point where I could do something about it, I joined the Navy, discovered booze and a greater appreciation for girls.

Welcome aboard sailor. I've posted this before but since you're a fellow X sailor and new here I'll go again. My first band was when I was stationed with the Navy in Puerto Rico. The Base Commander liked what we were doing well enough to relieve us of our military duties and book us in the Enlisted Mens and Officers Clubs around the island. It turned out to be two years of money for nothing and the rum for free. It doesn't matter when you start. All that matters is that you have. Good luck on your musical journey.

Fort Allen Naval Communications Station, Ponce Puerto Rico 1969

[RP]

Uh oh. Thirty nine posts and no further sign of NAVY. I wonder if we scared him into re-enlisting....

[Dr356]

Welcome to the AGF Navy. I'm 75 and really just starting out.

[Dickey Clapton]

Welcome Navy. I also recommend Justin guitar for on line info. I also would suggest “The unstoppable Guitar System” by Eric Andreas
Has starter promotion where first 30 lessons are free(fantastic entry level info on the basics) Then u can sign up for actual UGS if desired for more knowledge than you ll ever use. He also constantly gives great mental encouragement to keep you grounded and focused
He often has great promotions for veterans

[dbramsey]

Originally Posted by Steve-arino

Navy - welcome from me too!

I started playing at age 60 also. That was about 4 years ago. I don’t know about you, but not learning how to play the guitar would have been a “regret” for me. It was something that I passionately wanted to do since I was a kid. So I had the time, the passion, my kids were off to their lives and I was single again. Of course you can. Keep your expectations tempered and just like life, if today was a frustrating day, tomorrow will be better.

I believe strongly as well that lessons from a good teacher are important at the beginning. You’ll appreciate the structure. I took lessons from a fellow by the name of Mark Hanson - he’s a fantastic teacher used to dealing with adults. Mark worked with me via Skype. I worked with Mark for about 1.5 years at the beginning and he taught me many of the fundamentals of fingerstyle guitar and Travis picking. Today I can play Beatles tunes, Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, just all sorts of fun stuff. When you finally get to a point that the notes sound like a tune, you’ll get goosebumps.

Have fun man!!!

Did you use Mark Hanson when you were just learning guitar, or did you already know some basic things?
David

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by Steve-arino

And if you watch TV - keep guitar in hand and practice.

Excellent advice. When I watch Netflix or Amazon, I always put on the subtitles. I am less than a year into my own guitar experience and try to do as much as I can without looking at my hands. Having the tube on gives me something to look at. And it is particularly helpful when trying to drill that alternating thumb picking pattern into my brain so that it is automatic.
David

[doublescale1]

Welcome Navy, as many have said. The You Tube video's are a great way to get started, but I'd recommend private lessons with a teacher - the personal lesson is where a good instructor can see how you are progressing, you can ask questions right then and there and you'll get homework assignments to help you to the next level of playing based on where you are at that time. The Yamaha guitar you got comes with all the notes you'll ever need, perseverance is your friend - know that you'll go along making progress but there will be
little plateau's in your playing (everyone has been there), it will seem like you're not making progress, that is where a live instructor comes in to play for the better. Put the time in the chair and you'll be surprised how soon you'll be a guitar player. Wishing you nothing but Fair Sea's and Following Winds.