I’ve wanted to be able to play guitar for most of my life, got my guitar when I was a kid, got lessons, and couldn’t understand why I couldn’t understand it. I got discouraged and gave up, thinking I couldn’t do it, but I kept the guitar. Tried to pick it up a few more times over the decades and self learn, but also didn’t get very far. About 10 years ago, when the itch in my fingers came back, I found Justin’s YouTube videos and stuff started clicking!
I still have a stick-to-it-ness problem. I’ve restarted the Grade 1 Modules several times, one time I even made it to Module 7! Each return comes a little sooner, and each time I start over I’m amazed at how much my fingers have retained. So, it gets a little easier each time. The itchy fingers have returned and I’m looking forward to diving back in and seeing how far I can get this time. My Goal is to finish Garde 1 Mod 7 and finally brake in to Grade 2. Something I’ve decided to do differently this time around is to make use of the Community boards here for inspiration, support, accountability, etc.
I’m excited and looking forward to making progress on my guitar journey again!
Hi Jenny,
Sounds like your on the right path to me.
Like you, I was on again, off again player. Last time I was off it was for 20+ years.
I started with JG at the begging. His lessons really make sense to me. He builds the next level on what ya learned in the previous lesson. He’s a good teacher and easy to follow imho.
Keep at it!
Playing guitar is a lifetime adventure I think. There’s always more to learn.
Welcome to the forum Jenny. The thing that made the difference for me in sticking to it was learning songs. And it’s a great reward to be able, down the road, to sit down and pull songs out of your back pocket to play. Hang in there, it’s worth it
I was in a pro band in the later 60s early 70s. In November 1972, I HUGE disappointment to my career hit and I put down playing the guitar and performing.
After almost 50 years, I came across Justin’s website. Something about his style sparked and I started playing again, although VERY rusty. I’m not what I was long ago. But I’m getting closer every day.
Hang in there and keep it up!
Playing guitar is a blessing.
Don’t lose it like I did.
its really great to see your will to learn guitar.
Also it is great you have realistic goals, because having realistic goals can keep you on your journey and I am sure you can do it. Enjoy your playing and soon or later you share with us your recorded progress.
(If you are not shy of course )
I have to say the effort pays off for sure. There are times when you are learning a new thing that it can be very frustrating . . . your fingers just don’t do what you want them to do. But as you progress you find that later you can do those same things without thinking and then there is a whole new thing your fingers just won’t do. But when you can do certain things without thinking, it can be one of the most relaxing things in the world to just sit back and chill and MAKE the music that you enjoy from out of your imagination. Patience pays off.
Hi Jenny, warm welcome to the forum! I am a beginner myself and this website has helped me a lot so far. Wish you all the best for learning and progressing:)
I waited until I was 80 to begin again. I’ve been playing almost every day for hours since then & I just turned 82. It’s such a great pick me up & its own meditation.
Hello Jenny & Welcome!!!
I’m firmly in the camp that believes in Having Fun… anytime guitar practice starts to feel like work, do something else guitar related that you find enjoyable! Those times when my 63 year old fingers don’t want to work, I might spend time listening to a song and try to figure out the structure or strumming pattern. If you are into Theory, spend a bit of study time! Whatever floats your boat & keeps this fun & motivating for you… after all, it’s called “playing guitar” for a reason!!!
Good luck!!!
Tod from New Mexico
P.S. Learning songs - even at a very basic level is another great way to keep the guitar in your hands when a lesson isn’t “happening” on a given day!!!
Welcome, Jenny! I had a similar path, trying several times over the years but not getting it. then finally finding my way here. And a big +1 to what @tony said: learning songs you like makes all the difference! Every time I learn a new song I feel re-energized, and if I ever get de-motivated (like the current lesson isn’t really working for me), going back to my song list and playing a few of my favorites is a great way to reset and get moving again.
@mfeeney0110 wow, they do look really similar! My avatar is of Wittgenstein’s DuckRabbit (I call him DuckBunny though ). It’s an example of how perception of a thing can change without the thing being perceived changing.
@J_L_T Jenny, Welcome! You’ve already earned brownie points by inspiring @mouseissue2 Tony to introduce himself as well. Welcome to you as well, Tony! I bet you have some stories to tell…
Jenny, I love NW Washington (I live in Oregon) …we were in Bellingham recently and fell in love with the area!
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