30 years playing and still new

Hi everyone!

I'm about to turn 47 and recieved my first guitar at 18. I've been stuck....like really stuck for a long time. I can play and strum open chords. I have certain strum patterns I play with and just generally enjoy sitting on the couch playing to myself. Its relaxing, Its also something I do while I watch TV. to just help pass the time.

I have an incredibly hard time learning past that. Back in my younger days I would buy the guitar mags and try to learn from one of the tabs in the back. Moved on to internet tabs as soon as that was a thing, but I really struggle with learning other peoples songs. I'm not exactly sure why.

Another area I have problems with are barre chords. I shattered my left wrist which required pins placed (which have since been removed) but still don't have full mobility there, but enough where I should be able to get better.

I think I've reached a point where I really want to know how to play. How to tune by ear. I want to know a bit about theory and chord structure. I want to know my guitars. Most importantly I want to play with other people. I'm to embarresed to play for people outside of my wife and kids, let alone with actual musicians.

My ultimate goal would be to play in a band that plays 90s alt rock, grunge.... a little metel for fun. I guess I'm tired of being a guy who owns guitars and I want to be able to say I'm a musician. I'm plan on approaching my learning as if i'm new, because teaching myself with bad tabs or youtube videos I'm sure I've picked up bad habits and missed some important lessons I should know. I think having some structured learning and dedicating time not in front of the T.V. will help me get on the right track.

wish me luck!

youre in the right place. I am in the same boat although im much younger.

Tabs suck! Without the proper techniques being explained to you and fingering.

You and I will be out of that rutt in no time. Ive already seen a huge improvement my first 24 hours subscribing. Learning all the dicky betts solos to rambling man. the right way! woohoo

Originally Posted by: TESDfan

Hi everyone!

I think I've reached a point where I really want to know how to play. How to tune by ear. I want to know a bit about theory and chord structure. I want to know my guitars. Most importantly I want to play with other people. I'm to embarresed to play for people outside of my wife and kids, let alone with actual musicians.

Good luck!

I, like yourself, have been an aspiring guitar player since I was 17. That was a long time ago. And like you, I really enjoy playing with other people. Fortutunately, for me, I have people I can jam with that understand that I am a "tag along player". What this means is that I will jump in when I feel I can.

Understanding some basic theory and knowing how to use it is important.

I think if you can find these type of players, you will find people you can hang with and be part of the jam - regardless of the level of contribution!

again, good luck and stick with it.

Edit: tuning by ear - good for you if you can, but at my stage in life, time is short. I don't waste time - its electronic for me.

Good luck but you won't need it if you keep at it. I just joined this week and love the structure that the lessons provide. This was something that was severely lacking by surfing Youtube and trying to piece together some semblance of a routine.

The journey is so much better when you understand where you're headed.

That's why you were each so smart to make this choice for how to learn to REALLY PLAY the music you love. Everything is laid for you, step-by-step.

YouTube can have some cool stuff, but this is the real deal when it comes to education. [br]Congrats and have FUN!

- Lisa