Originally Posted by: jeffshaw

Took lessons as a kid, not fun. Now I am 61 starting again. hopefully can learn.

question: How long till fingers toughen up.

Hi there !

Actually, I`m 61 too. Started playing about 7 months ago and been in GT since March. When it comes to forming the calluses, everyone`s a bit different. Depends how long and often you play; whether you`re playing acoustic or electric as well as the action ( height of strings) and type/guage of strings. My experience was that it took about 3-4 weeks of consistent playing for the calluses to form and "harden" properly. For the first 8 weeks or so I had pain in my fingertips even after the calluses formed. I then had my tech lower the action and substitute lower guage strings and it made a huge difference. Acoustics as a rule require more finger pressure to fret than electrics; steel strings more than nylon and lowering the action makes it easier to fret as well.

Hopefully this will be of some help,

Jeff