Hello all.
Just found this as I am looking to learn guitar electric in fact. I got an ibanez gio black for christmas and a boss katana gen 3 amp.
My name is Col and I live in Swansea Wales UK. Im 58 and never played before so this is all new to me. So far since Christmas I have stated Grade one and I am on the Foudation finger lesson.
Not going to lie its hard going. First part was how to hold my guitar with a strap attached quickly got that nailed. The issue I am currently facing is fretting hand, today I was playing D & A and the strings are muted. However after about 30 mins of pain and being twisted up I went through the process slowly and worked out my elbow was right againt my left rib cage.
I moved this out by say 3 inches and no more extreme hand pain but the chords are ringing yay!! Nice to meet to all heres hoping I can lean something.
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Welcome to the community! I’m also about to get a boss katana head amp.
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Hi Toxic Vodka,
Good to see you here.
Sounds like ya got yer gear all set up and ready to play. That’s a great start. Ya got something to work with.
Now comes the hard part.
Learning to play.
It’s a long, but fulfilling journey. It sounds like ya’ve beaten your first of many challenges. And there will be many to come. Just roll with them. You’ll learn something new with every challenge. You’ll get better and better with every win from each challenge.
Stick with Justins lessons. He’s a good teacher and ya get to go at your own pace. imho, his lessons work.
If ya got questions about any lessons, ask away here on the forum. Folks here love to answer any question I’ve found.
Cool ya got the strap obsitcal overcome.
My comment is food for thought.
Ya can play sitting too… 
This is my favorite way to play as I’m too lazy to stand up and play. It ain’t like I’m playing for anyone other than me. And me wants to be comfy… Just food for though.
I’d reckon it’d be best to learn both ways. Ya got one down, one to go?
Have fun man.
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Hi Col, welcome to the community forum. You have already solved one problem with you A and D chords, so you are well on your way. Have fun learning a song or two with each module.
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Hello Col & Welcome!!!
Good to hear that you have some decent gear to work with! Now just get stuck in to Justin’s courses & you’re going to be playing songs & having fun!!!
Fun is key… if you’re keeping things fun, you’ll never give up!!
Good luck!!!
Tod from New Mexico USA
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Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun 
Greetings,Rogier
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Hello and welcome,
it is normal to struggle with something, that is part of the journey. Learning guitar takes time, also finger tips needs time to get use to pressure of strings. It will be better, you will see. 
Important thing on your journey now is to do things slow and right, than fast and sloppy, because muscle memory works and you dont wanna make bad habits.
Justin is saying “Practice makes permanent” not “Practice makes perfect”, because if you practice wrong, you will learn bad habits and not get better.
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Hi Col
Welcome to JG, there are lots of slightly older folks on here, I am retired and 67.
When I started playing again after a +20 year break I was looking for a guitar teacher and along the way one who said my posture when sitting was not helping, and in fact I was experiencing pain in the side mid section of my right ribs. The teacher told me try one of these TIGER GST35-BK | Guitar Footstool, there are loads off similar ones on Amazon, he also said I should sit on a chair with my lower legs at right angels to my thighs at first and then place the footrest under my right leg (one the guitar sits). I tried this and it really helps, allows you to sit more upright, and can bring the neck up at a better angle, He also said to keep try and keep ferreting hand wrist relative straight, you do not want your hand at right angles to the your forearm, I think Justin also talks about this in a video on posture.
Great I just found it Justin - Take Care of Your Posture
I now have several different guitars with differing body sizes/shapes and as I have progressed I now realise I have to adjust my posture to each to be comfortable and relaxed when playing.
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Although I know nothing about Amps I picked for it’s versatility and wow what an amp the 100 has extras and the Bluetooth option made a world of difference. The only part is if the app closes or the amp is in standby or off you need to re pair all the time.
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Welcome aboard.
You’re never too old to learn and many of us are in your age group.
Just take it stead and you’ll find what works for you physically, and then just stick to the practice routines and try to get to grips with some of your favourite songs.
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Thanks happy cat this is a great new hobby and I’m well up for it
Hi Col,
Welcome to the guitar community. I hope you have lots of fun with your Ibanez and quickly master your first chords and songs.
Cheers Withold
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Thanks man I’ve set a target song of dont fear the reaper for my sins haha.
Bore da,
Croeso. Great to see a Jack here.
I live in Australia now but I’m originally from the Gower and still have family there.
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Cheers Tod I’m all guns blazing here
Hi Carreta, it’s amazing I found this site. Slow and easy I don’t get a choice haha. I do hope the fretting gets better just methodical approach so far
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This is top stuff thanks so much. Yes I put a box under my right foot and this helped a bit also getting my strap correct helped massively. I sussed it so it’s the same place if I’m seated or standing. I will check your link out l.
Thanks Andy I’m working on chords and have a sing in mind although I feel it’s a long way off yet but it’s my goal.
Yay… Oz eh what a change. I also live in the Gower the epicenter of the world Gorseinon haha. Stay there the winter is Baltic so far nice to meet you.
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