I joined JG about 2.5 years ago, so I’m not brand new…except to the “community “ posting part. I dabbled with guitar, piano, and trumpet up through middle school, but never stuck with it. I loved the idea of playing, but couldn’t seem to get far enough to really enjoy or understand what I was doing. I wasn’t learning, because I didn’t enjoy the process. Then I discovered Justin and everything changed. His methods fit and his passion is contagious, but he’s also relatable. He hasn’t forgotten how it is to just be starting and how important making it fun is. I wish I’d found him on YouTube 20 years ago! Better late than never though, even at 60.
Of those 2.5 years, I’ve been learning for just under two. A long post retirement trip to Europe and an unlucky middle finger injury on my fretting hand ate into some time. I’m currently working through Grade 3 and am starting to feel like I can almost play guitar now! We’ll see if I can muster up the courage to post any videos. Unlike my daughter who started learning around the same time, I can’t seem to figure out singing, strumming, and fretting all at once. Too bad since I sing so well…not!
Anyway, I’m glad to be here and be learning to create music like all of you. Even if I play backwards!
As you mentioned, having fun is one of the key things for us older students… not sure what your personal goals are but most of the “Old dogs” here aren’t trying to be an older version of Keith Richards… wait, is that even possible?
I tried righty, but there ain’t no rhythm in my right hand it seems and holding a guitar that direction just seems so freakin’ weird! Be nice to have more choices in instruments though.
Still have my horn, but it hasn’t been used in a great many years.
Hi Scott, welcome to the community. I’m 69 and just finished grade 3. I didn’t get the courage to post videos until I was in grade 3, but I started with a grade 1 song to make it easier. I hope you are having a lot of fun learning to play songs.
@SteveL_G99 Yes it is It is a sweet 1973 Yamaha FG-75. Unfortunately It is in the process of a neck reset. But I am very much looking forward to finishing it, then stringing it up.
Hi Scott, I too started two & half ago and follow Justin also. Albeit, not so much currently. Doing Intermediate Grade 4 presently and dabbing with songs I like in the seventies (67 years old), finger picking and lately Blues.
Get into singing Scott, as it helps with rhythm etc.
Welcome Scott,
I am a newbie to JG, but I am completely with you on this one. Whilst I admit I have strayed away to other Guitar learning pastures occasionally I have remained predominantly loyal to JG since finding him Sep 2025 shortly after I picked up a guitar after a 25 year break, I am now 67. I am currently doing the 3rd iteration of the JustinGuitar Blues Immersion course and really enjoying it, re-learning skills I had lost, learning new ones, and fixing poor technique. Well worth considering doing, when you are ready if you like the Blues.
Hello Scott.
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.
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 |
We’ll see if I can muster up the courage to post any videos. Unlike my daughter who started learning around the same time, I can’t seem to figure out singing, strumming, and fretting all at once. Too bad since I sing so well…not!
wait, is that even possible? 
players unite.
