My name is Mark and as the title says, I’ve recently restarted my guitar journey. I had attempted to start learning several years ago, but for some reason it just didn’t click with me at the time. Fortunately, I held onto the inexpensive guitars I’d purchased (an acoustic and an electric), and recently felt compelled to get them out, get brand new strings on them, and try again. Happened to come across this site in a Google search, and honestly something about the way Justin presents everything just felt like I’d found the right place to learn. It’s still relatively early days for me, since I chose to start back at square one, but I can definitely feel the tips of my fingers gradually becoming accustomed to the strings. Just gotta work some more on my chord changes, but I’m feeling good and I’m excited to keep going!
Welcome to the Community, Mark! While we each have our unique guitar origin story, you’ll find yourself in good company here: many of us starting to learn “later” in life, many having started before, put it down, come back. There’s lots of wisdom to be absorbed here, and so many eager to share, so be sure to stay in touch!
Welcome to the community, you’ve started in the right place it’s amazing how much you have not done from your previous efforts! Follow the course as is and do what is asked. It might seem a bit tedious at times but just keep it in mind that you’re learning to be a Guitarist not just someone who can knock out the odd tune (usually poorly). Learning guitar is a lifelong thing, there’s always something new to have a go at, but as you get experience new things are easier to learn. Have fun and enjoy what you’re doing, that’s the way to go!
definitely in good company. I’m another who started (for the first time) a long time ago, gave a couple more attempts to start back up again, but those attempts never took. started again a year ago and have managed to keep up and make real progress for the first time.
Having been in the same place as you a couple of years back, I wholeheartedly agree with your statement above! Justin clicked with me like no other guitar teacher… I love the way it feels as if he’s talking directly to YOU & not just a camera. That’s his “gift”, I think!
Grade 1 goes by fairly quickly for those of us in “review” mode… definitely use it to correct bad habits & mine all of those little nuggets of good info provided!
Have fun!!!
Tod from New Mexico USA
BTW, gear pics are always nice for us guitar nerds here!!!
Fantastic stuff. Similar to my story. I started at the age of 53 after one aborted attempt 20 years or so earlier. Thanks to Justin it stuck this time and the rewards of learning to play are simply awesome.
Hi Mark, welcome to the community forum. It is a good plan to start at the beginning. I did also even with many years experience as a beginning guitar player.
Thank you all so much for the kind welcome! I was already looking forward to the journey, but receiving a reception like this just bolsters my excitement that much more.
I don’t have much, but I can certainly snap some pics of what I’ve got this weekend. Is there a particular section where I should post them?
Here is the gear I’m working with. It’s nothing fancy, and nothing terribly expensive, but they’ve been working well enough for me, which I feel is the most important thing. The main guitar I use for practicing is this Fender Squier Bullet.
And here are my amps. The little Blackstar was one I got when I first tried to learn, but with how serious I’ve been feeling about learning lately, I thought “why not?” and stepped up to a Fender Champion II 25.
Mark,
IMHO, that IS the most important thing… find what works for you, more importantly, what inspires you to practice & play, and is fun/happy for you! The better you feel about making your music, the more music you’ll make… which will make you feel better as you progress & master new skills!!! It’s one of those endless circles kind of thing! Also, with this Community, there are a lot of helpful people to help you & answer questions if you get stuck - often a search about what you’re having issues with will answer your question - it’s all been done/asked before & we all have our fair share of “ups, downs & plateaus” during the Journey!
