I. Introduction: A Dream Put on Hold
I’ve always loved music. As a kid, I remember watching guitarists play with effortless skill, their fingers flying across the fretboard, making magic with just six strings. I thought, One day, I’ll do that too. But as life often does, it got in the way.
Work, family, and responsibilities took priority. I spent years building businesses, coaching executives, and providing for my family. The idea of learning guitar stayed in the back of my mind, a quiet whisper that I never quite listened to.
Then, I turned 60. And something changed.
I started to reflect on everything I had always wanted to do but never made time for. Guitar was at the top of the list. I had no grand ambitions of becoming a rock star—I just wanted to be able to strum along to my favorite songs, to challenge myself, and to prove that age doesn’t define what we can or can’t do.
So, I did it. I picked up a guitar and started my journey. And if you’ve ever had a similar dream—no matter how long it’s been—I’m here to tell you that you can do it too.
II. The Challenges of Starting at 60
Learning guitar at 60 isn’t the same as learning at 16. Let’s be real—there are challenges. But they’re not impossible to overcome.
1. Physical Challenges: Arthritis & Dexterity
One of my biggest obstacles has been arthritis. My fingers don’t move as easily as they once did, and stretching them into chord shapes sometimes feels like I’m trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
The first few weeks, my hands would ache after just 10 minutes of playing. I started questioning whether this was even possible for me. But I adjusted—learning finger exercises, stretching before playing, and taking more breaks. It turns out, even with arthritis, you can build dexterity over time. It’s just about patience and persistence.
2. Mental Blocks: Am I Too Old for This?
The voice in my head kept asking, Am I too old to start?
But then I asked myself a different question: Why not?
We live in a world where we’re constantly told to slow down as we age. But I’ve never been one to follow the script. If a kid can start playing guitar from scratch, why can’t I? Learning new things at any age keeps us mentally sharp, and I realized the only thing stopping me was my own mindset.
3. Finding the Time to Practice
Between work, family, and life in general, finding time for guitar felt like a challenge. But here’s what I learned: you don’t need hours every day.
I started with just 10 minutes a day. That’s it. No pressure, no overwhelming practice sessions—just small, consistent effort. And over time, those 10 minutes turned into 20, then 30.
Now, picking up the guitar is part of my daily routine.
III. The Benefits of Learning Guitar Later in Life
Challenges aside, there have been huge benefits to picking up the guitar at 60.
1. Brain Health & Mental Sharpness
Studies show that learning an instrument strengthens neural connections, improving memory and cognitive function. I’ve noticed that since I started playing, my focus and problem-solving skills have improved.
2. Stress Relief & Creativity
There’s something almost meditative about playing guitar. After a long day, I pick up my guitar, strum a few chords, and suddenly, the stress melts away. It’s a creative outlet, a way to express myself that I never really had before.
3. The Sense of Accomplishment
I’ll never forget the first time I played a full song from start to finish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. Learning something completely new at this stage in life brings a special kind of joy. It’s proof that growth never stops.
4. Social Connection
Music brings people together. Since I started playing, I’ve met others who share the same journey—some online, some in person. It’s a great way to stay engaged with a community of lifelong learners.
IV. How I Got Started (And How You Can Too!)
If you’re thinking about learning guitar but don’t know where to start, here’s what helped me:
1. Choosing the Right Guitar
I started with a beginner-friendly acoustic guitar that was comfortable to hold and easy to play. The key is to get something that feels good in your hands.
2. Finding the Best Learning Resources
Gone are the days when you needed private lessons to learn an instrument. I found YouTube tutorials, guitar apps like Fender Play, and beginner-friendly courses that made learning fun and accessible.
3. Setting Realistic Expectations
I knew I wasn’t going to play like Eric Clapton overnight. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, I focused on one small win at a time—learning one chord, one riff, one song.
4. Overcoming Frustration
I won’t lie—there were times when I wanted to throw my guitar out the window. Barre chords felt impossible, my fingers hurt, and I kept messing up simple transitions.
But I reminded myself: Every great guitarist was a beginner once.
I gave myself permission to be bad before I got better. And guess what? Progress came.
5. Staying Motivated
The key to sticking with it? Playing songs I actually enjoy. Instead of boring drills, I started with songs I love, even if they were simplified versions.
V. Encouragement for Others
If you’ve ever thought about learning guitar (or any skill, really), here’s what I want you to know:
- You’re never too old to start something new.
- Progress is slow, but it’s still progress.
- The joy of learning is worth every bit of frustration.
- You don’t have to be great to enjoy playing—just start.
I started learning guitar at 60, with arthritis and no prior experience. If I can do it, so can you.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to start, let me tell you—that time is now.
Pick up a guitar. Strum your first chord. Enjoy the journey.
You’ve got this. 🎸
Final Call to Action
Thinking about learning guitar? Let’s do it together!
✔️ Subscribe to my YouTube channel for my progress updates and tips.
✔️ Follow me on social media to share your journey with me.
✔️ Drop a comment below—what’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t started yet?
Let’s make the most of every stage of life—starting now. 🚀