[tanglefoot]

Well, I have finally bought my first acoustic, a Tanglewood TW28-SQN, and at the tender young age of 46 I am about to learn how to play. I like almost all kinds of music, ranging from Wagner to Willie Nelson. I will be the first to admit though, I have no real talent for music, I just like it. A lot. You may get tired of me asking questions that to you would seem obvious as far as the answer goes, but I am a complete newbie, so I beg your kind indulgence, LOL!!!

[allthumbs]

howdy TF. Read through the posts first and go over some of the lessons. then ask away. People here are pretty good finding answers.

[bluesguy]

Congrats on joining the ranks of guitarists everywhere . We all started out where you are now.

I have a couple of pieces of advice, as another person in their 40's, consistent small amounts of practice is the trick to learning, set realistic goals with your music, and consider finding a guitar teacher. In my case, I have been realistic about my goals (play for friends, family, church, friendly jams), I am pretty lousy about practicing on a regular basis but when I do it works, and I waited 10 years before getting a guitar teacher.

I have put more 'advice' on my website for beginner guitarists at http://www.jcdisciples.org/guitar/beginning.html

[Ultimate Garage Band]

Oh, you're a DANGEROUS one! You see, you actually have disposible income to throw at high dollar guitars to chase learning it! Most learners have to put up with whatever mom and dad buy them, but you're open to the 'hey man, do you realize how much a $3000 guitar would make it easier for you to learn?'

I've not played a Tanglewood but I've heard nothing but good things about them. I think 'older' beginning guitar players actually have an easier time learning because they're more experienced at knowing what effort it takes to do something and have more history in life at succeeding in achieving things. They know that anything worth something doesn't come easy and that little effort yeilds little results. Those are tough concepts for a 13 year old to grab on to.

[tanglefoot]

I wouldnt call it a "high dollar" unit, it retails for around 140 pounds ($260). I was lucky, got in on a great deal and only paid 59 pounds for it. It was the last of that model that they had in stock. I am divorced, with two kids, so disposable income is the LAST thing i have!!! ROFLMAO!!!!! I will agree though, it is a VERY nice guitar, lovely tone, and Oasis Music over here set the action for me and checked the intonation, no charge. Great guys there. The tone is very light, with a good response in the bass area. So far, I like it.
As far as older folks knowing that nothing good in life is easy, I think that you are not just right, you are EXACTLY RIGHT! I have found that you will always get out of something what you put into it, not an easy lesson to learn, but worth it.

[bluesguy]

Originally Posted by Ultimate Garage Band

Those are tough concepts for a 13 year old to grab on to.

The only advantage a 13 year old has over the an older beginner is time and very few responsibilities to anyone outside of themselves .

The teenager with motivation is going to get good very quickly - they just have more time during the day to put their fingers on the fretboard than a 40 yr old with kids, job & a marriage.

[Ultimate Garage Band]

Originally Posted by bluesguy

The only advantage a 13 year old has over the an older beginner is time and very few responsibilities to anyone outside of themselves .

The teenager with motivation is going to get good very quickly - they just have more time during the day to put their fingers on the fretboard than a 40 yr old with kids, job & a marriage.

if you can pry them off the X-box controller.

[bluesguy]

[quote="Ultimate Garage Band"]

Originally Posted by bluesguy

if you can pry them off the X-box controller.

Just don't have one in your house

[Ultimate Garage Band]

[quote="bluesguy"]

Originally Posted by Ultimate Garage Band

Just don't have one in your house

I don't.



It's at my office!