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sixpicker
Telecastered Instructor
Joined: 03/12/04
Posts: 756
sixpicker
Telecastered Instructor
Joined: 03/12/04
Posts: 756
03/12/2011 10:44 am
Hey all,
There's no such thing as too old IMHO. With the exception of a few riffs while goofing off on electrics, I was only performing with an acoustic until 94. I got my first tele in 93, but was just flatpicking on it mostly. I really got serious about learning techniques mid 95, and took my first road gig in June of 96. Being on the road gave me more of an opportunity to play, and when the show was over learn knew licks at the bandhouse, or hotel we were staying in. Anyone else that was doing what we were doing, I wanted to pick their brain. I tried to get some pickers to show me stuff, but they played no signatures, but in 6 months they were asking me to show them signature licks. I'm very proud of that, and I tell everyone I'm still learning too.

If I would have said I was too old to learn, I'd still be running a wire extruder, or making vinyl, or driving a delivery truck in Nashville. I was cofounder, and frontman for a professional bluegrass band for almost 10 years. We played in Nashville, and on the festival circuit, even done 6 months playing at Hooters, lol. We played all over town, and worked through Opryland which opened a lot of doors. Learning the techniques, and hanging with players like Forrest Lee Jr., Eugene Moles, and I could name a hundred more, allowed me to go back through those doors and play other styles of music.

I think doing this at a later age really helped me focus on what I wanted to do. Setting goals for myself, and reaching them because I knew how to listen. As I learned more I could recognize what was being played when I heard it. It's great to hear Brent mason play a hot lick on a song, and know exactly what he's doing. Just takes a lot of practice, and be sure to set some goals. I definitely agree with learning other styles too, because these days it's all about versatility. Best of luck to all of you, and remember if you really want to learn how to play, then you're never too old.