Hi Everyone! I’m Erika, and I decided to finally jump headfirst into a lifelong goal of mine to learn to play guitar – by purchasing a new one for my 40th birthday. It’s a Squier Affinity series, which I read is a decent one for beginners. Very excited to get started! I dabbled a little with trying to learn years ago, but I don’t remember much, so I’m pretty much starting as a complete beginner.
I do have some background in music - I played flute and saxophone in high school and in a jazz ensemble, but set it aside in my mid-twenties when I decided not to pursue a musical career.
I live in California, and have two cats who aren’t too sure about my new hobby yet.
Happy 40th! You’re going to have a lot of fun. I got my first guitar (a Fender player series strat) when I was 39 and haven’t looked back. You can’t go wrong following the beginners course. Feel free to reach out if you ever need help
I’m on the west coast as well. In Oregon now, but I was in northern CA before that.
Oh, and my two cats still run away when I turn on my amp
Hi Erika,
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun
It might be the best birthday gift you could choose… a life with the guitar can be just a little easier and more fun to play alone (and less invasive in a house) than the saxophone (or drums and etc)
Start at lesson 1 en with some background you will fly by the first ones
Welcome Erika. I think cats are not music lovers. When I start playing, mine hides in the closet and yowls. That doesn’t stop me! Have fun playing and meeting people on the forum.
Welcome to the forum Erika and happy birthday. I hope you have many happy years of playing and for starters you have found the best place to begin your journey.
Back in 96, my wife bought me a Squire Affinity for my 40th and I then spent 17 years going round in circles before stumbling on Justin and this wonderful community. Reckons that means you get a 17 year head start.
Rock on and don’t worry what the cats think, they’ll come round !
So cool to start at 40 & to have found Justin along with this wonderful Community! My story is similar to Toby’s above except that I was about 35 & didn’t find Justin until a couple of years ago… what a difference his lessons have made to my playing! You’ve definitely found the right place to learn!
One thing I always suggest to “newbies” is to go get yourself a stand or wall hanger. If your guitar is close to hand, you can pick it up & play when you only have a few minutes… I like to play/practice while the coffee’s brewing in the mornings! That extra 5-10 minutes here & there will make a difference in your progress - guaranteed!!!
Good luck with your guitar Journey!!!
Tod from New Mexico
BTW - you don’t even have to plug it in - just playing your Squire Unplugged will help you to make gains with finger coordination/dexterity & your rhythm!
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