New member, and feel depressed

Hey, My name is Tom, I am only a 15 year old in Syracuse, New York.

Since I was really little, I have always loved music, especially singing. I have always been told that I have a great voice, I just never took advantage of it.

I am a HUGE DMB fan, and since the first time I heard them play I fell in love with their music, and have wanted to start playing guitar. I have a guitar, I don't play it very well, but I try. It is a classical guitar.

Anyhow, yesterday at the Taste of Syracuse festival, a good friend of mine and his band won a "Sammy Award" and played for about 2 hours, they played a plethera of classics such as the most amazing version of "Freebird" that I have ever heard. My friend is an amazing electric guitarist and he has only been playing for about 3 years. Watching them play, watching the people who congratulate them, tell them how good they are... it make me think about how much I should have taken advantage of music. I have always felt that I would never get anywhere with it... but now, I really want to get into it. Is it too late to start now? Any advice from anyone?

Some stories of your own would also be helpful. Thank you everyone.

TD

Nah, it's not too late to start playing.
With violin you are supposed to start early and blah blah but I only started a year ago and I'm 15. For a violinist that is ancient. But I'm a lot better than a friend of mine who has been taking classical lessons for 4 years. I've only just begun with guitar (acoustic - though I wish it was electric).

Yes, the truth is those who start early and take it seriously for many years DO have an advantage, but just because you start late doesn't mean you can't be good. You just have to really immerse yourself in all that is music - and take it seriously - and you'll do just fine. It seems like the passion for the instrument is already there, you just have to get familiar with it and learn the ropes around it. Hang out here a lot, get to know some players (which it seems you've already done) and listen to music as much as you can. You have to keep fueling your interest otherwise you stop growing as a musician.

Most of all have fun with it.

yea its too late, youre pretty much screwed...

not really, 15 is not that old, you still have the rest of high school and im sure you'll be able to put together a band in college. from reading your post it seems you have the talent all you need to do is work at it. just make sure you play and sing a lot, like 2 hours a day atleast. but make sure your having fun doing it, dont just do exercises, i probably practice about an hour a day and then just play around for who knows how long. also, play with your friends and and im sure theyll help you out

To that I say balderdash. I started playing bass when I was 17 and guitar when I was 18 and I think I'm doing just fine. Of course I often think of how good I'd be if I started playing at a younger age, but when I take things into consideration I also note that I didn't have the discipline or dedication to properly practice and see to it that I became the best musician that I personally could be. Praise and attention really don't compare to the moment something clicks and you feel yourself grow as a musician. In my opinion that is the best part about playing. Knowing that you've grown and feeling it too. Just last week I heard someone say pretty much the same thing, he wanted to play but he figured it was too late. Here's how you can tell it's too late. Are you on your death bed? If not then hop to. And furthermore, even if it was "too late" that doesn't mean that you can't still play for personal pleasure. You don't have to be good at something to enjoy doing it. Just try not to compare yourself to other musicians, younger, older, more experience, less experience, anything. We've all got our highlights and things to work on regardless of how much time someone's been putting into it. If you really, truly want to play then play. You've got a guitar at hand so it's not a matter of money. Besides, if your friend is as good as you say he is, then I'm sure he could help you out and fork over some of that knowledge. Just remember, what you put in is what you get out. If you play once a week then it'll show, but if your like some of us and you allow it to pretty much encompass 95% of your spare time then that will show too. I think the best advice I can really give you right now though is read. Read all you can. Books, websites, everything. That and talk to people, whenever you read something that makes no sense, ask someone to speak in lamen terms and if it still doesn't make sense, keep reading and look for various examples. That being said, go for it and good luck to you. Hooo, what a post.

[font=trebuchet ms]You're at the perfect age to get into it!

If you were younger, you'd have to deal with issues that arise when you hit your 'growth spurt' and nothing seems to fit anymore, including the guitar. You're at an age when you can learn quickly, and you have enough enthusiasm to carry you through the rough spots that we all encounter.

And, here's the best part - you have time to devote to learning/practicing/playing! In a few years, you're going to find that school, work, and a bunch of other things are all competing for your attention. Right now is the best time of your life to get serious about playing guitar.[/font]

I got my first guitar when I was 15 and only started playing my own stuff (thats when I realy learnt how to play) when I was 18... a long time ago now... Some people learn quicker than others, doesnt mean they will be better players in the long run. PLaying music is more about the ideas in your mind than what your hands can or can't do. Just my 2 cents.

go take lessons at a local guitar store don't give up ;)

this thread is meking me feel old..........

I started 2 months ago................I am 29..... :mad:


go ahead show off you are starting at 15 .... :)

Originally Posted by: marayothis thread is meking me feel old..........

I started 2 months ago................I am 29..... :mad:


go ahead show off you are starting at 15 .... :)

A perfect example on how it's never too late.

Hey, your definately not too old, play 3 years guitar, your 18, still young, and you will probably be good at it, then from there, go for your dreams, thats what im doin. Play longer and harder than the next guy and dont stop there. Show the world a thing or 2 and go forward, best of luck!

15 is not late, im 15. Ive been playing piano for 10 years and I decided to take one of those learning classes at my school for a requirement of arts, so im gettin an easy a and a credit. anyway, although ive been playing for 10 years, there are still people in the class who have better rythym than me. before, i could just play the songs but i didnt have the best rythym all of the time. now, ive learnt ruthym and am now better. its never too late to learn.

Originally Posted by: marayothis thread is meking me feel old..........

I started 2 months ago................I am 29..... :mad: .... :)

[font=trebuchet ms]Old?? You young pup! I'm 52. For a few more months, anyways...[/font]

the best gutairest i have ever seen started to play guitar about 15...

Basically, everyone unanimously agrees that you are certainly not too old to begin learning guitar.

So quit reading this, get your rear in gear and get to it! :p

Originally Posted by: AkiraSide note: Joe Satriani and Steve Vai started playing at 14. If you haven't heard of them, you should check them out. ;)

Damn you for beating me to that.