They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks—well, I’m here to prove them wrong. A few months ago, I finally picked up something I had dreamed about for years—learning to play the guitar. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride.
I’m not aiming to be the next Eric Clapton, but diving into something new at this stage of life has been both challenging and rewarding. In this post, I’ll walk you through why I decided to start, the struggles I’ve faced, and some tips if you’re thinking about picking up a new skill yourself.
A Lifelong Love for Music
Music has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I was obsessed—I had over 2,000 record albums stacked high in my room, spanning classic rock, blues, jazz, and even some deep-cut progressive tracks that no one else seemed to appreciate. If I was alone (which, let’s be honest, was a lot), you’d find me in my bedroom, turntable spinning, completely lost in the music. Whether it was the soaring solos of Pink Floyd, the raw energy of Led Zeppelin, or the intricate riffs of Rush, I was there, air-guitaring my heart out, dreaming of the day I could play along for real.
I wasn’t just a passive listener. I attended every concert that rolled through town, from massive stadium shows to small club gigs. Live music had an electric energy that fueled my love for it even more. Every concert left me inspired, thinking, ‘One day, I’m going to do that.’
But life got busy. Work, family, responsibilities—they all took precedence. That dream of playing guitar? It got put on the back burner. The records collected dust, the concert tickets became memories, and I convinced myself that maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.
Finding My Passion Again
After moving to Las Vegas, I realized something was missing. I needed a creative outlet, something that wasn’t about work or responsibilities—something just for me. At first, I tried drawing, thinking it could be a fun way to express myself, but progress was slow and frustrating. It just didn’t click.
Then, last Christmas, my wife Torya surprised me with an acoustic guitar. That moment reignited an old flame. Holding that guitar in my hands brought back a flood of memories—those late nights listening to records, dreaming of playing along, and the excitement I used to feel about music. Torya’s gift wasn’t just a thoughtful gesture; it was a reminder of a passion I had buried for far too long.
I had my doubts. Could I really pick up guitar again after all these years? Would I even have the patience to push through the struggles? But something inside me told me it was time to try. So, I made a decision—this time, I was going to stick with it.
The Struggles of Learning Later in Life
I won’t sugarcoat it—relearning guitar later in life isn’t easy. There are definitely hurdles, and they hit harder than I expected.
I thought muscle memory would kick in, but my fingers, once nimble and strong, had weakened over the years. Arthritis didn’t help. Even forming basic chords that used to come naturally felt awkward and, honestly, painful at times.
Mentally, I found myself overanalyzing everything. When I was younger, I’d just dive in and figure things out. Now? I’m constantly thinking, ‘Am I holding the pick correctly?’ or ‘Why does this sound off?’ Overthinking became a roadblock—I avoided techniques simply because I was too caught up in getting every little detail perfect.
The Power of Persistence
But here’s the thing—persistence pays off. I committed to practicing an hour a day, no matter what. Some days are great, others… not so much. But every session, whether it’s nailing a chord progression or just building strength in my hands, reminds me that progress is happening. Little by little, I’m getting better.
So far, I’ve managed to conquer the basics—simple chords, strumming patterns, and timing—but I’ve actually surpassed the skill level I had years ago. I’m playing more complex riffs and techniques that once felt out of reach. I’ve learned to play songs from some of my all-time favorite bands—Green Day, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and more.
Technology: A Game-Changer for Learning
Technology has made learning guitar easier than ever. Back in the day, I relied on magazines, books, and rewinding cassette tapes over and over again. Now? I’ve got tools like Ultimate Guitar, which lets me slow down songs to actually learn them properly—something that would’ve saved me hours of frustration back in the day.
Apps like Fender Play and YouTube tutorials have been lifesavers, breaking down tricky solos and strumming techniques. The ability to access world-class instruction at the click of a button has been invaluable.
And let’s not forget the gear. I started with an acoustic guitar, but now I have three electrics—a Les Paul, a Strat, and a Harley Benton. I even treated myself to a tube amp for my 59th birthday. The right gear has kept me motivated and excited to keep playing.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn Something New
If you’ve been thinking about picking up a new skill—whether it’s guitar, painting, or even learning a new language—let me tell you, it’s never too late. Research shows that adults who stay mentally and physically active by learning new skills are less likely to develop cognitive decline and heart-related conditions. Picking up the guitar isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s an investment in my health and well-being.
The key is just to start. That first step is always the hardest, but once you take it, you’ll realize how rewarding the journey can be. Don’t worry about being perfect—just enjoy the process and let yourself be a beginner. Progress may be slow at first, but with consistency, you’ll surprise yourself.
What’s Next?
I’m focused on improving my rhythm—locking in my timing and transitioning smoothly between chords. I’m also planning something big—I want to start a Green Day tribute band called Silver Day, where every member is over 60. Who says you can’t rock out at any age?
So, there you have it—my journey in re-learning guitar. It’s been challenging, humbling, and sometimes frustrating, but ultimately, it’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done for myself.
Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn or get back into? Drop a comment below! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my latest videos on Strings of Life!