Of course, adults can start an instrument at any time. The real determining factor of success is the ability and willingness to commit to practicing. Although chances for fame may be slim, students in their 60s and even 70s can start an instrument and find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It can be a great way to have fun and stay sharp during the golden years.
For children, starting at the right age is a key factor to the success of their lessons. The sooner the better isn’t always right for an optimal learning experience. Waiting until the child has reached the right age and size greatly improves the odds of success.
For guitar lessons we recommend waiting until 7 years of age. In some cases where the desire is great and there is proper guidance, a younger student can have success but this is rare. If the student cannot get a clear tone when they press on the string due to lack of hand strength, then the student would be advised to wait another year. Starting on piano or violin would be a better choice for such a student. Physically, these instruments are easier than the guitar. A student can learn about notes and timing on one of these easier instruments, and then when he or she is ready to switch to guitar later, he or she will have a basic musical foundation to work from.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
Pre-production for a new Learn Guitar DVD is underway at The Musician’s Toolbox. It will teach how to read TAB, and feature play-along songs and practical lessons. We’re very excited about the content and will keep you all posted as we make progress.
Andrew Wonacott, President
Please visit our site to learn guitar chords, learn how to play guitar, and to order the learn guitar chords dvd.
www.1stpersonguitar.com
If you are a beginning guitar player, no matter what your age, your main challenge is pressing your fingers down with enough pressure to get a good sound. It’s incredibly frustrating to hear your guitar clanking, buzzing, blipping away while you practice. You may be tempted to just smash your guitar into a million pieces, but hang on, there’s a simple solution.
1.) Slow down.
2.) Make sure you press your fingers down close to the metal fret, and press firmly and HOLD your finger down for a split-second longer.
3.) Use the tips of your fingers.
Concentrate on being accurate, not fast. This will build your muscle memory and will in turn improve your tone.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
You can “learn” a lot on the internet. Seriously, that’s not tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. You can learn a hundred lifetime’s worth of information. This is especially true when it comes to music and learning the guitar, guitar chords, scales, whatever.
However, on a more, philosophical level (metaphysical?), we are humans and we need interaction. And that’s a cliche for a reason. It’s true.
No where in life could this be more true than in music. You need to get out there and experience music with other people. Take some music lessons, ask around your neighborhood, your apartment complex, whatever, go find people that enjoy what you enjoy. Not on Twitter, not on Facebook, not on YouTube, but in the flesh. Learn from other people face to face.
It’s this combination, learning stuff on the internet for free, or for a few bucks, and then going and applying what you’ve learned in real life that will give you real satisfaction.
Much Respect,
The Musician’s Toolbox
