Intro

[eric]

Hey guys, I'm almost 55 years old now. I've been a beginner for about 4 years, but have been practicing seriously for almost a year. I don't feel that I'm where I should be, learning guitar is tough for old people, or it may just be me. I joined to try to learn as much as possible, but I don't want to take in to much to soon. I've been working on my chord changing speed, so if anybody has any tips I sure would love to hear from you. Thanks.

[robert]

Hi Eric, welcome!

Play/practice often, and get guidance from a good teacher now and then. And have fun!

[reb]

welcome, eric!

learning anything new past 40 or so takes a lot of perserverance. i think it was in 'the peter principle', something like 'getting anything difficult done requires a monomaniac on a mission.'.

be the monomaniac, and you'll get the guitar down well!

[GaryP]

Welcome, I am in the same position and I guess it just takes time and practice. I keep practicing scales and chords but I have to add in an attempt at a short lick or something each practice session to keep it fun (something that sounds like music). If it stays as much fun as I am having it will keep improving I hope. As it is now do I call it 4/6 time if it takes 2 extra  to change chords.

[DetroitBlues]

Practice, practice, and more practice.  Its better to play slow and precise and build speed slowly then to try to rush yourself to keep up.  Speed comes with time from practice and muscle memory.  You'll get there.  Robert can help, check out his lessons!

Welcome to Dolphin Street!

[Memory Lane Jr]

Hey guys, I'm almost 55 years old now. I've been a beginner for about 4 years, but have been practicing seriously for almost a year. I don't feel that I'm where I should be, learning guitar is tough for old people, or it may just be me. I joined to try to learn as much as possible, but I don't want to take in to much to soon. I've been working on my chord changing speed, so if anybody has any tips I sure would love to hear from you. Thanks.

Hey Eric how ya doin' mate, I totally agree with you it is very hard to learn to play guitar as you get older, I don't think guys that have been playing for most of their lives realize how difficult it is, I decided to pick up a guitar a couple of years ago & I am fifty seven now ( I think, brain fade)  The first year I spent trying to get comfortable with the guitar & the fretboard and the second year I had some epiphany's & started feeling a lot more comfortable working my way around the fretboard. A lot of my friends did not think I would stick to it & I have had a lot of times when I have thought that it is all to hard & I will take up racing bikes again HaHa.
Crazy but when I brought my first guitar I thought I would be playing in a band by now, incredible the stupid thoughts the old brain comes up with
I now realize that I am not going to be shredding in a rock band any time soon, but I do enjoy trying to come up with my feeble riffs.
Anyway I have been rambling again, so I think just keep practising & enjoy what you have Eric.  

[hillbilly-joe]

Hi and welcome to the forum