A beginner for seven years

Seven years ago when I was 51 I bought a road bike and a guitar. I don't have any music backround but it's something I've always wanted and I'm finding that's exactly what this decade is about. I did self guided lessons so that I wouldn't feel totally inept when I signed up for weekly lessons with an instructor (many instructors said they wouldn't teach adults). Then I reverted back to self teaching. I never quite give it up but I feel like I learn fragmented things and can't put it together or be confident enough to play... I don't think what I'm playing sounds like a real player. I'm here because I'm seeking that lesson that brings me past that point of always stopping.. the zen of it. I love one thing I read here posted as a reply to another member that said.. "If you're too focused on results you'll fall away, love the process". How true, I'm heeding that good advise of enjoying the process. I already sense one small difference and that is that I can play at the same time the instructor is playing and that helps me keep up and so what I hear sounds like it should... This is going to be a good thing, I hope.
Evelyn.

Welcome, Evelyn! It truly is about the process. The results will come with it!

Hi.

Your story is very similar to mine, except I've been a beginner for about 28 years, maybe more. I tried and failed at one-on-one tutoring and just picked up bits and pieces of songs I liked over the years, but I was never able to play a full song and it all sounded rubbish.

It's just been this year and the introduction of some songs that I love (Boston's Rock N' Roll Band, More Than A Feeling and Peace Of Mind) that I've been able to put whole songs together and I feel I've made some good progress. However, whilst I'm learning techniques and improving my ability through these songs, I'm still ignoring the basics and the theory etc. I'm running before I can walk. But what has happened is, I've fallen in love with playing the guitar and it makes me want to learn.

Maybe I'll never love the process, but I can now see that what the process will teach me will make me love the results, and that's good enough for me. :)

Wow... ( peace of mind by the Spaniels, yes?) I have to respond to tell you that "peace of Mind" is one of my absolute favorite and signature songs that I hold as special (and there is hardly anyone I know that even knows that song!). So, thanks for replying... it's good to have something in common on this enjoyable journey.
I have noticed, that just doing the fundamentals I feel like this may make some difference because I can hear myself playing with them and can keep up because they go slow and build things step by step. Anyway, glad to touch base with you too.

Me too, only it's about 50 years since I tortured my old Watkins Rapier and finally I'm Knocking out tunes that nearly resemble something recognisable.
If I'd played properly all them years ago, it wouldn't seem so fresh now, and the enthusiasm might have waned long ago!

Hi

Just starting too learn the guitar at 48 and have recently bought a cheap acustic and cheap electric guitar. I started out by using Rocksmith 2014 which does teach you how to play, I however found i needed to find some ground rules. This site has already helped me and im only on the very beginner part of the course, so im going to start learning some very basics here and the intergrate Rocksmith as well. Hope I can knock out a tune within 12 months or less.