I started with Justin Guitar lessons a couple of months ago and wanted to finally introduce myself. I’m 50+ years old and I always loved music, especially guitar music. So far I never really got in touch with an instrument properly. Initially, I was very skeptical that I could learn to play guitar. I’m so glad I gave it a try, but also, that I found JustinGuitar.
What I like most is that the course is so well structured and this makes it easy to follow. What I also find really useful is that the course had specific exercises for each module, I really need such an action plan, and it gives me confidence. But on the other hand, those exercises time-wise are “Just enough” so this then leaves time to play songs.
My dream goal is at one day to be able to improvise to songs… I’m however not sure if I ever will be able to reach this. It will be a long way for me for sure. Nevertheless, I anyway started Justin’s theory course to support this goal - but tough stuff for me I have to say
My “backup” goal is to be confident with strumming along songs that I enjoy. And well, I would say, I’m on a good way. Meanwhile learned enough chords to pick lot’s of songs I can practice. I still cannot believe it that I already can play along to some songs, it makes me very happy. I’m using the app - it’s fun and very handy, e.g. the metronome function!
I’m not expecting fast progress. I actually wished my abilities could stay more in balance with my enthusiasm But the advantage of being a bit older is that that I’m a lot more patient than in my younger years. I’m confident that regular practice will help. And it has so far. My goal is to enjoy the journey, and I want to make the most out of it. I have now finished Grade 1, but I decided to keep practicing before moving on to the next grade.
I’m btw playing an acoustic guitar. I chose dreadnought size for ergonomics and sound volume. Plays really well, sounds fascinating, and also looks great, an additional motivating factor
Welcome, Franz!
The app is a great tool for playing along to songs and the lessons are a big plus. Don’t limit yourself to just the app. Justin’s website has the lessons and a lot more. As you have found with this community.
Sounds like you’ve made a solid start, and are well on your way. Keep sticking close to Justin’s tuition, and join in the community here. It can have a real positive influence on your guitar journey.
Re your improv goals. Keep pluggin away; you may be very surprised at where you may be after 12 months.
Hi Franz and welcome!
What a great intro and really like your approach, I’m sure you’ll achieve your goals and more
Plus beautiful view from your kitchen!
All the best with your journey
With improvising, I think it often seems mysterious and unattainable from a distance – like you need to be a musical prodigy to pull it off. That’s how it seemed to me anyhow.
But you absolutely can learn to do it, even as a beginner guitarist. You only need to learn a few scale shapes and put in some time to be able to fret and pick out strings. Then, you just queue up a backing track in the key you want, and randomly hit notes in the scale until you stumble onto something that sounds good. Keep playing the things that sound good. Find a few little phrases or riffs you like and keep exploring. Chain those little ideas together. That’s it!
It’s totally achievable. If a musical dunce like me can do it, you can too!
Sounds interesting and promising. Maybe there will be a way even for me But for now, let me get back to the basics, currently I’m at improving the C-chord
so this then leaves time to play songs.
But the advantage of being a bit older is that that I’m a lot more patient than in my younger years. I’m confident that regular practice will help. And it has so far. My goal is to enjoy the journey, and I want to make the most out of it. I have now finished Grade 1, but I decided to keep practicing before moving on to the next grade.
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