I am a 47 yo who decided to take up guitar in January 2026. This is my first musical instrument with no prior musical training. But I have three kids who are all playing multiple instruments, so I thought I’ll join in the fun. A few months in, still in the Beginner Grade 2 
Looking forward to be able to play something half decent one day. Appreciate Justin for his guitar lessons and looking forward to also learn and pick your brains from the people of this amazing community.
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Hi Ferdinand
Welcome to JG, there are lots of friendly and helpful people on here.
A small but important bit of advice, a couple of months to do Grade 1 is quite quick, most people on here say that Grade 1, 2, and 3 should take about a year, with diligent practice. I have stopped and started playing a least 4 times in my life since I was 11, now 67, and started again in Aug 2024, I did grade 1-3 in 6 months, but now realised I rushed at aspects and didn’t consolidate certain things as I was very keen to get further ahead and back to where I was 20+ years ago. Strumming and other aspects I am now having to revisit.
Have fun and enjoy the journey.
Adrian
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Hi Ferdinand
Nice to meet you, from another Aussie
I agree, into grade 2 already after only 6 months in is really quite fast! Especially with no prior musical training. Of course, everybody learns differently and it also depends on how much practice time you spend. But just for yourself, you’re probably better off going slowly to start with and getting a really solid foundation
I wish you a lot of fun on your guitar journey, you’re definitely in a great place for it with JustinGuitar, and this community is very friendly, supportive and helpful too 
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Welcome Ferdinand, the Oz crew is slowly growing, good to see you here.
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Welcome to the community Ferdinand.
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Hi Ferdinand, welcome to the community.
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Welcome Ferdinand don’t rush it the more time you spend on the basics the better you will be further on, 6 months is quick for the whole of course 1 anyway have fun and take it easy!
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Great to hear from another Aussie, a few of us lurking around here. I’ve got two daughters who live in Melbourne. I started 15 years ago at the age of 53 and keep having fun with the guitar. Hang in there it just keeps getting better and better.
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Hi Ferdinand ,
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun 
Greetings,Rogier
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Hello Ferdinand.
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 - of which I am privileged to be one.
We also host regular (virtual) JustinGuitar Community Open Mic events for community members.
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 / Moderator |
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