Late starter saying Hi

MajikUK · #1 May 28th, 2008

Hey guys and gals,

In a fit of exasperation and wanting to chase a dream to keep myself sane (divorcing sucks!!!!), I treated myself to a Lindo guitar from ebay. I've no doubt it's not the world's greatest guitar, but I've got to start somewhere and can't afford to spend much at the mo.

Ten years ago I played bass in a li'l rock band, but wasn't exactly inspired. I've always wanted to be able to pick up a guitar and strum something out, singing awfully (naturally

) and generally enjoy being able to make music and express myself.

So here I am, at 31 years young stepping into six string for the first time and desperately seeking any advice I can get on the road I'm about to travel down.

My musical tastes range from 80s to hard rock and plenty in between.

Majik

dejankuki · #2 May 28th, 2008

First... it's NEVER late for start!!!

Second, my experience tells me that the best way for beginners is...

Take song or two which are made of two, three or four chords...
Play them and learn those chords...
Then, take, some other which have some diferent chords... and play them too..

then.. start looking for songs which have more chords and diferent rhythm in it.

when you are able to reproduce all main chords and rhythms then you can start to learn little theorys.. how chords are made, scales, tones... and stuffs like that...

BUT!!! you must be patient and to know that you can learn everything i a month... Some time you will have difficulties to play some chord, solo, or rhythm... but be consistent and at the end you will play enough to start explore the music in way you like!!!

And of course, take lessons you may find here... it's a very good way to go!

Cheers!

have pleasent voyage through musical space!!!

MajikUK · #3 May 28th, 2008

Thanks boss. Seems like good advice. the egotist in me thinks a great way to stay focussed is to go for songs I like - I suppose it's a matter of getting hold of the chaords/tab and practice, practice, practice. Also a matter of working out which songs are simple enough for a cack-handed idiot such as myself

The lessons from this great site are on the list too

windsong · #4 May 28th, 2008

hi there, just have fun, choose a song and go at it, of course it may take time but as you know by playing bass before it can be done with much satisfaction so again just enjoy and have fun

si16 · #5 May 28th, 2008

Hi there Majik. Welcome.

blackcat · #6 May 28th, 2008

I started in my forties, so to me you are an early starter, you have come to the right place for advice,this site has been an absolute god send to me , and i'm sure many others.
I think the first song i learnt to play was mull of kintyre by paul mcartney and wings, and the version i did had only three chords A D and E ,i can remember the feeling of great satisfaction on being able to play a song that i enjoyed listening to.
Best of luck

thodwris · #7 May 28th, 2008

Hello Majic and welcome to the site...
It is never too late to pick up an instrument,I recently turned 29 and I started playing less than a year ago...
I sarted playing the acoustic guitar for a few months and along the way I got an electric.You can start pretty much where you like.Learning the basic chords is the first step,getting a clear sound and then use them in accompaniament songs learning to change among them...
Good luck with your first steps.Have fun there!
All the best,
Theo

knight46 · #8 May 28th, 2008

Hello Majic and welcome. Great advice above, just remember that the guitar is a journey, sit back and enjoy the trip.

Maddog54 · #9 May 28th, 2008

Welcome Majik!

If its too late for you, then I'm in trouble

X4StringDrive · #10 May 29th, 2008

Welcome

Enjoy

Noodler · #11 May 31st, 2008

MajikuK, sorry but 31 is too old to start playing guitar. Your hands must be crippled with arthritis by that age.

(Just joking, I'm 33).

Can I recommend a couple of songs?

Throw your arms around me - Hunters and Collectors
To Her Door - Paul Kelly
American Pie - Don Maclean

Try Guitar Tabs, Guitar Chords and Lyrics - ChordieAs others are saying, 3 chords is all you need for hundreds of songs. It was mostly enough for Bob Dylan! But seriously mate, have lots of fun and sing poorly by all means, but do it with gusto! Just do it over there...further...further....

Singing and playing are great stress reliefs and you don't have to do them particularly well for that. Enjoy.

I want to be sitting outside on sunny spring days playing jazz on an archtop guitar when I get old, in a jazz combo or solo. 31 is not old.

coldethyl · #12 May 31st, 2008

Welcome aboard Majik.

divineangel1973 · #13 June 1st, 2008

hey i am 35 and i am just starting and hey i am getting a divorce too!..lol...glad i have someone new now who is way cool to be with.. and it is never to latet o learn i say.. it is a great tool to lose yourself in..mine the red marks from the strings i have from playing new chords i learned today..my fingers hurt..ouch!.. have fun!!

Mike8307 · #14 June 1st, 2008

been divorced and married a second time. Time heals all wounds. Started in my early 40's so you'll be fine.

there are a lot of songs out there that use the chords A D & E. Those chords are easy to master. Wild Thing comes to mind right off. Good song to just wail away at.

Welcome to the group, and a good one it is.

Mike