Hi everyone, I’m Michael from County Durham, UK. I’ve made numerous attempts to learn guitar since my late teens - I’m now 48. I learned a few chords in the mid 90s then switched to bass. I played bass for a few years then gave it up until approx 2018 when I started playing again with some friends from work. We formed a band and played a few gigs but everything came to a halt in 2020 and my bass began gathering dust, hanging on the wall.
Fast forward to August 2023 - I went to a folk festival in Wales with my family and saw some amazing bands and solo artists, most of whom I’d never heard of before, and upon returning home I felt inspired to dust off my old acoustic guitar which had also been gathering dust for a number of years. I’ve recently replaced it with a newer model as there was an issue with the neck which I was told couldn’t be repaired. I now have an Alvarez AF60 which I really enjoy playing.
I’ve stared right from the beginning with Justin’s beginner’s lessons - I’m about to start module 7 of grade 1. I’ve also been attending a local guitar club where we play through some rock classics. I’ve even done a couple of solo songs - something I thought I’d never be able to do.
I thought it was about time i introduced myself and joined the JG Community!
Thank you! It’s going well so far. I think the main difference this time round is that I’m actually making an effort to learn songs and not just strum random chords. It’s so much more fun and productive that way. I’m discovering loads of new music too which is great. Looking forward to getting involved in the JG Community and connecting with other players near and far
Sounds like you’ve had a good foundation to build on. Even better you already have some folks to make music with and learn with them. That’s invaluable!
Welcome Michael. Also a Michael here. With only a love of rock and blues, and basic music knowledge learned playing trumpet in high school band, I decided to learn guitar 18 months ago. After struggling the first year to learn on a beefy Fender dreadnought, I looked for something smaller and found the Alvarez AF60. Beautiful instrument and so much easier for me to play. There is so much good to gain from the Justin Guitar experience. Have at it!
Michael @MichaelBrabs
Welcome from another Michael who lives not too far away from you in Washington.
There are a few of us in the North East active in the community.
Michael
Hey Michael, welcome to the community. I only got serious about acoustic guitar when I turned 53 and 10+ years later I’m so very glad I stuck with it. The rewards are so worth it. It’s a challenge at the start but soon you get traction and then there’s no looking back. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Hello from Belgrade and welcome to comunity.
I’m in similar situation as you , although I never hold instrument before like you did, but I’m was born in 79’. I think the key to hold interes is to actually start songs as soon as you can connect 2 or 3 chords. Playing real music gives great motivation ind. Looking forward to hearing from you and your progress. I struggle with F, keep up the good work !
Thanks Knez. It’s great to be a part of the JG community! Everyone’s been so welcoming. I totally agree with you about learning songs and that’s made a huge difference for me this time around. I’ll upload something soon, maybe over the weekend
Hello Michael from a fellow re-starter. As I am sure you’ve seen, there’s plenty of material to learn on Justin’s web pages and all the support you could want from the good people here in the community. You’ve come to the right place to stay motivated.
Hi Michael, welcome to the community. It sounds like you have a good foundation for learning guitar and a good guitar to play on. It is also good that you have the opportunity to play guitar with others. I know that you will have fun and keep on learning and playing.
