From a photo session I did with Al Copeland. For jazz music, check out copelandmusic.info.

This new guest post is by Jules Fitzgerald from knowyourinstrument.com. Check out their instruments for sale and a great blog with tips on playing music. Thanks Jules!

You’re already having a tough time figuring out how your new phone works, and now you want to learn guitar? Seriously, at your age? Well, don’t dismiss the idea just yet. Let’s talk about why this isn’t necessarily the case.

Getting adult guitar lessons sounds crazy, but it sure would be fun. Well, it may be late in life, but let’s give this thing called adult learning a chance, shall we? Old dogs learning new tricks or something like that. Yep, I admit it’s never too late to learn to play the guitar.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, as long as your fingers are still functioning and as long as you have the drive to learn, there’s no reason not to get a great acoustic guitar for beginners and play your favorite songs.

That’s the short answer to the frequently asked question. Let’s take a closer look at why you definitely can learn to play the guitar as an adult.

You understand music theory easier.

Adults have developed analytical skills that allow them to comprehend music theory in a way that children do not, according to psychologist Gary Marcus of the New York University. It’s one of the things that differentiate adults from children learning to play the guitar. Being able to understanding music theory easily does a lot in saving hours of practice and making you progress as a musician faster.

You have a strong and passionate feeling about playing the guitar.

Many children or young adults learning to play the guitar were encouraged by their parents or were peer-pressured into picking up an acoustic or electric guitar. This doesn’t mean they really want to play. On the other hand, adults who want to play the guitar and sign up for guitar lessons for adults really understand what they’re getting into; it’s what they really want to do.

You have the discipline for it.

You’ve accomplished many things in life that require discipline. Perhaps it’s finishing a college course, bringing up children, holding down a job for a long time, maintaining a home - things that prove you have the discipline to see things done. You have more self-control, which is something you definitely need when managing your time and sitting through practice sessions and in-depth guitar lessons for adult beginners.

You already know the kind of music you want to play.

Unlike children who don’t really have a favorite music genre or music style, adults already know exactly what they want to play. That’s a clear goal that makes learning to play the guitar a more enjoyable affair, because you already know what you are working toward. The songs you want to play are those you love and have a sentimental value for you. It makes learning to play the guitar as an adult all the more fulfilling.

Your expectations are more realistic.

Young learners would usually dream of becoming the next Slash or Ed Sheeran - and that’s okay. They have many years ahead of them to fine-tune their skills and even become professional music artists. Some eventually make it; some don’t.

In contrast, older learners don’t usually have lofty aspirations and are happy to be able to play the songs they love. While it is possible to go pro as a recording artist, session guitarist or guitar teacher, these goals are still considered attainable and realistic for adults learning to play the guitar. You know that becoming a good musician isn’t a race, but a journey - a journey you’ve waited your whole life to make, so you’re going to enjoy every minute of it!

Those are the reasons why I think it’s not too late for adults to learn to play the guitar. So go ahead, sign up for adult guitar lessons online or at a nearby music studio. You can also check out plenty of great free resources such as Fender’s FAQs for guitar beginners as well as beginner-friendly songbooks to get you started.

Let me know how your guitar journey goes. Go play and have fun!

If you live in the Portland or Gresham area feel free to book a free lesson with Josh Taylor. Call/text 503-807-3557 or email josh@guitarlessonsgresham.com.