Thought about it for a while, but then made it my new years resolution to finally make a purchase.
I’ve never played an instrument… Huge Springsteen and had to get a Telecaster…
Bought a Mexico PII…
Literally been at this for about two weeks now. Working my way thru the lessons and having a good time learning… I have big hands, that’s for sure and mangling them into small spots is proving quite difficult, but a challenge.
Beats staring at the tv late night before going to bed… Put in anywhere from 10-30 minutes daily… Slow but steady.
One note, I’ve already played “Eruption.” Is that common after two weeks.
Oh, so you’re not that bad! I played Sultans of Swing after one week of learning!
Unfortunately forgot how it went a little later…
Slow and steady sounds great! And: keep it fun!
There are also guitars with a wider fretboard if you struggle in the long run with your big hands. Like a classical nylon string guitar or some acoustics - and very rarely electrics. But then, other players with big hand have come to master a narrow fretboard also.
When starting and struggling, maybe it’s nice to see a Nitsuj lesson to see you’re not alone.
53 is the perfect age to start… that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I started at the age of 53 and now nearly 67 I’m so very glad I did. Keep at it and you’ll be so glad you did
Hey Neighbor,
Ya sure made a great resolution. Making music imho is something you’ll take with you everywhere you go. It’s a lifetime of good vibes man.
That’s for sure. tv don’t generally make you a better person, while I’m of the opnion that making music does.
Ya’ve also found a great place to learn to play too. I wish I’d have had the chance to learn from someone like Justin. He just seems to be able to explain playing that just near anyone can understand I think.
Anyways, have a great time here.
Don’t forget to post up some audio/video of you playing. It’s a great tool imho that allows others to give you some feedback on your (or my) playing.
Welcome Andrew! As you’ve no doubt determined, it’s a friendly crew here.
I laughed when I read this:
…because my version of that is “I have small hands and stretching them across the frets is proving quite difficult”. As you point out, folks with larger and smaller hands than ours have become quite excellent guitar players. I guess we all have our challenges, but what fun would it be if it were easy.
I started at age 53 one year ago yesterday (I’m 54 now). It’s surprising how far you can get in under 30 minutes a day (I sometimes go to 45 and usually skip one or two days a week).
I do like that book, but no – I was just playing a computer simulation while on a website that asked me to set up a profile pic, so I did that little screenshot. It was actually years ago before the book (or the TV series (either one)) came out.
Hi Andrew.
Welcome to JustinGuitar and this fantastic community. Please take your time to look around and get to know the wider space. View by Categories.
We are a supportive and encouraging group of students and guitarists from across the world. Essentially, we are all here for music and to improve as players. We truly are a ‘community’. Members help and support one another and a friendly, positive attitude underpins this. We hope that all - young or old, experienced or new players - adopt and foster the pay-it-forward ethos that Justin personifies and embedded all those years ago when he started the website and forum.
Also, please make sure to read the Community Etiquette announcement for some important information and guidance.
If you want to record yourself to show your progress and / or seek feedback there is our ever popular Community Recordings section.
Behind the scenes there is a small and dedicated team who work to make the JustinGuitar experience as good as it can be. Check out the Onboarding sessions provided by Fanny. Justin also has a small group of Approved Teachers he recommends for people wanting 1-to-1 lessons to supplement his courses.
That is plenty to be going on with. It is a vast community space so if you need help as you find your way around just ask.
Cheers. Richard
| Approved Teacher, Official Guide & Community Moderator |
As you point out, folks with larger and smaller hands than ours have become quite excellent guitar players. I guess we all have our challenges, but what fun would it be if it were easy. 
