Too old to cut the mustard?

Michael · #1 July 22nd, 2004

Hello.

I have a very basic question to ask.

First the facts. I am 61 years old, have been playing piano for the last 5 years (classical stuff) and take lessons every week and will continue to do this.

I don't know why, but want to start learning and playing the guiar, but very informal and at this stage, what with my piano don't intend to take guitar lessons.

A friend has lent me what I believe is a classic guitar which I find very difficult, the fret seem very wide and having small hands have difficulty reaching (all I know how to do is form a couple of chords).

I now want to buy my own guitar and another friend has advised me that an electric one (he said they have narrower frets) would be ideal for me and an electric is much more forgiving. I want to learn a few rock 'n' roll riffs and intros and just accompany myself singing, all of it strictly for personal consumption.

Others tell me I should start with accoustic and see how I go with that but at my age I am not going to make a career out of this, I just want to have some fun.

Basically what I guess I am asking is what is the difference between accoustic and electric in terms of what you can play, what can I do with one that I can't do with the other.

Sorry about the long post.

Michael

Kirk Lorange · #2 July 22nd, 2004

Hi Michael.

Acoustic and electric are basically the same ... same tuning at least. Acoustics are definitely the best to start out on. Getting a good sound out of an electric is not automatic. Acoustics are a lot friendlier on the ear, too, and I don't mean your ear, I mean your loved ones' ears.

My advice is to learn chords first. Get those fingers of yours to obey! It's not easy at first, no doubt about it, but a little practice and your hand will remember what to do. If you need to come up with your way to finger some of these chords, do so. Leave notes out, whatever. The main thing is to get playing and feeling comfortable about it.

Michael · #3 July 22nd, 2004

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I guess what I am thinking is that I don't want to have to buy a series of guitars as I progress (I hope).

Is it correct that the classic or Spanish guitar has a wider fret than say an accoustic, or do they come in all sizes?

I do have small hands and it is a bit of a problem with the piano. My own feeling is an accoustic with steel strings.

Michael

Shabbadoo · #4 July 22nd, 2004

One other thing you could try if the size is a problem is purchasing a smaller guitar. Instead of getting a full-size accoustic, you could go for a 3/4 size (or smaller), which would have frets closer together.

When your shopping for a guitar, make sure to pick them up and see how they feel...even if you plan to buy one online, go to a music store and check out their guitars just to make sure that the one you plan on buying is going to comfortable for you.

country_takamine · #5 July 25th, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I guess what I am thinking is that I don't want to have to buy a series of guitars as I progress (I hope).

Is it correct that the classic or Spanish guitar has a wider fret than say an accoustic, or do they come in all sizes?

I do have small hands and it is a bit of a problem with the piano. My own feeling is an accoustic with steel strings.

Michael

Yes, they usually have a wider neck. As you progress in your playing, you don't usually buy an electric to replace your accoustic, you will get one in addition to it. Guitar playing is very addictive.

6string · #6 July 31st, 2004

Yes the 3/4 size is good for small hands.

as for Classical/Nylon string guitars, I find its not the width of the neck that's the problem but the thickness of it, older classical guitars have thick necks, some companies are now making them with thinner necks, just as wide across but not as thick underneath or behind the fret board, it makes a big difference, and they do make 3/4 size classical guitars also.

Ruben · #7 August 4th, 2004

I'll agree with 6string in the comment that a 3/4 size may work for you but I recently found an inexpensive Johnson JG-535 which is just slightly larger than a 3/4 size and has better action and sound than I might expect from so-called student guitars (3/4 size). It pays to shop around as long as you can. If your friend has a classical to lend maybe you could hit up another friend for a different type?

I's still very much a beginner at 45 yrs-old but I really enjoy the variety of types of sound from all kinds of guitars.

Good luck! and I know I don't have to tell you it's never too late!!

papadog65 · #8 December 28th, 2005

The best guitar I ever had was a Martin nylon string. In my case, it was a full size instrument, but easy to play and had a great sound. I don't know if Martin make a 3/4 size, but it might pay to shop around. My current acoustic is a Washburn steel string, but most of my playing now is on a Peavy electric. I'm 67 years old and have been taking lessons from a great instructor for several years and have made a lot of progress. I used to play keyboard informally, but haven't missed it a bit. I think the guitar is just as versatile with a lot less hassle, even with the learning curve from keyboard to fretboard.

jade_nobody · #9 December 28th, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael

Hello.

I have a very basic question to ask.

First the facts. I am 61 years old, have been playing piano for the last 5 years (classical stuff) and take lessons every week and will continue to do this.

I don't know why, but want to start learning and playing the guiar, but very informal and at this stage, what with my piano don't intend to take guitar lessons.

A friend has lent me what I believe is a classic guitar which I find very difficult, the fret seem very wide and having small hands have difficulty reaching (all I know how to do is form a couple of chords).

I now want to buy my own guitar and another friend has advised me that an electric one (he said they have narrower frets) would be ideal for me and an electric is much more forgiving. I want to learn a few rock 'n' roll riffs and intros and just accompany myself singing, all of it strictly for personal consumption.

Others tell me I should start with accoustic and see how I go with that but at my age I am not going to make a career out of this, I just want to have some fun.

Basically what I guess I am asking is what is the difference between accoustic and electric in terms of what you can play, what can I do with one that I can't do with the other.

Sorry about the long post.

Michael

heeeey..im not really answering your question..but i just gotta say, good for u for putting yer age aside & doing what u wanna do & just havin some fun with it!!age shouldn't matter...so yeah, just wanted 2 say thats awesome & good for u!!!lol bye

-jade nobody

tsfrance · #10 December 31st, 2005

Michael,

Sounds like you just want to have a little fun with the guitar and learn some rock and roll and some cool intro's and see where that takes you. I would start with an electric because it will be much easier to play and if it's easier to play, you will stick with it. If you were more interested in other types of music that lend better to an acoustic, then I would get acoustic but for what you want, I would start on an electric. The main thing is that if you stick with it. Good luck to you no matter what you choose.

Thomas

battlepanda · #11 January 3rd, 2006

First of all,
Good on you, Michael, for stepping up to the plate. You'll be too busy learning new things to get old!

I too have small hands. There are a few chords that are just real stretches for me. I thought a 3/4 size would be easier, but the guitar store guy told me that 3/4 size guitars are only smaller in the body with fewer frets, but that the frets themselves are still the same distance apart. Sure enough, we looked at one and he was right. Are there many companies making 3/4s where the frets are closer together?

missileman · #12 January 3rd, 2006

Bottom line, as you practice your fingers, no matter how small, will be able to reach farther.
My best suggestion is learn a few basic chords on your friends guitar, you don't have to play them well just remember how they are fingered. Then go to a guitar store and try out a bunch of different models both acoustic and electric. Plan on spending several hours looking. You will find one that suits you.

seagull · #13 January 4th, 2006

Michael, I don't think you could have hands any smaller than mine, and I have managed on the classical just fine. You will be suprised how much you can stretch those fingers once you start practicing. I would go for the guitar that sounds best to you. Nylon strings are definately easier on your fingers as a beginner. After awhile my fingers got used to the steel strings, but I still prefer the sound of a classical guitar. I hope that helps, and it won't hurt to have both, if you can afford it. The more I get into playing and looking around, the more I realize nobody has just one guitar, not for long anyways. Good luck with your decision.