Learning to play an instrument.
It’s never too late
It does require some time investment but it’s so rewarding.
Honestly the time investment to be able to play a few songs is actually really quick on most instruments. Like on guitar you can go from having never held one to being able to play cool rock songs in under 30 minutes. Even a newborn infant just out of the womb can play a recognizable rendition of Smoke On The Water
I mostly agree with you, but I think it takes a little time to be able to play in something resembling the right rhythm. New players often struggle with changing chords (even 2 note power chords) quickly enough to play something that sounds musical.
But yeah, people would be surprised with how quickly you can learn to be a basic-but-functional guitarist.
I guess it depends on your standards. If you’re fine taking your mangled attempt and seeing what happens after running various fx through then you’ll have a good time.
For sure, especially with today’s access to information. Dynamic tabs, endless video tutorials, gamified apps, etc. It’s the string pressure on your fingertips that you’ll have to get used to first.
Guess who some time ago grapped the entry level guitar a friend wanted to give away and already mastered his first few accords! :-)
But things are going slooow when you have reached a certain age.
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger…I started when I was in 5th grade and I still don’t feel like where I want to be. Honestly, I think dissatisfaction with your current skill level is just a part of the arts for a lot of people. :)
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger…
So do I, and I always will, but that doesn’t take away the joy it’s brought me once I got over the first few hurdles.
How does one get started assuming one already has a guitar? I tried reading tabs but i’m just so slow and even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Find a music teacher in real life. There is no substitute. They will be able to see very subtle things in your technique that are hindering you. They can give you feedback in real time. Video lessons from the greatest guitarist will not come close to in-person lessons from a decent guitarist.
Also make friends with other guitarists and play music with them. Music is a social thing.
I got lessons to start off with and it helped a lot. Then years later I tried to learn jazz on my own and I was hopeless. Six months with a teacher got me to where 3 years on my own would have gotten me. The teacher identified gaps in my skills I was completely blind to - I’d have reinforced my strengths while ignoring my weaknesses.
100% this. I “played” guitar and bass for about 20 years, doing tabs and YouTube lessons. I could do plenty of stuff passably, and have been in a few bands and played a few shows in public that went fine.
I got a Rhodes piano for free, and started doing the same learning on my own. My wife signed me up for 6 months of lessons with a real teacher as a gift. I learned so much in my now 2+years with her than the 20 years on my own.
You can get any lesson you want somewhere online, but it isn’t tailored to you or what you want/need to learn.
My teacher asks me what my goals are, and she figures out how to get me there. She sees where I’m at, can pick pieces and lessons to study that aren’t too hard or too easy, and corrects me before bad habits set in. I’ve learned the benefits of reading sheet music vs tabs, I’ve learned scales and how to apply them, and everything I learn is in proper order to allow it to make sense!
As I spend more time learning with her, all the random stuff I “learned” in my own actually clicks into place because I’m getting taught it all in proper context. It’s like building a kit by having someone read you the instructions step by step as opposed to you just opening a box full of pieces and trying to figure out what it is you’re building randomly as you go.
The only way to get better is to keep trying 🤷♂️ you’ll start slow and hitting wrong notes n, eventually it’ll be slow and right, until eventually it’s almost fast enough.
Also, look for a guitar teacher 🤷♂️ lessons are generally not that expensive and just a few can really get you started
even when I do get it, it doesn’t sound right.
Are you tuning your strings before the each session?
Justonguitar.comis how I learned to play and is frequently suggested for beginners. Its a free srructured couse, that will teach you everything you need to know.
Playing guitar is incredibly difficult, and having an actual teacher would save you countless hours, but its possible to teach yourself, just keep at it.
I picked up the guitar during Covid, in my 60s. Over 5 years later, and I’m at about an intermediate level, and very happy with my progress.
Thanks to You Tube, learning an instrument has never been easier, especially the guitar. The best guitar teachers in the world are all over YouTube, with plenty of free content. I’m sure it’s the same with any instrument.
If you want to, do it.
Reading some of these replies, it seems people are only focusing on half of the process of learning an instrument.
Its not just the instrument you need to learn, it’s how to read sheet music as well. Most likely, you’re not going to find the exact coords to play with the delay in between written as seconds for the song you want. Its going to be in the format of sheet music, with the notes and other symbols.
That takes time to learn, like learning a new language. It’s something you need to learn either before or while learning an instrument, and that is something that can put a lot of people off.
I’ve been playing piano for 9 years now, still can barely read sheet music. I’m not saying it’s easier that way, matter of fact, i wish i could read it better.
But if sheet music is all that is keeping you from becoming a musician, fuck that and get playing
Piano for me.
Would be guitar for me.
You can carry it around and has a nice social aspect…If we’re counting keyboards as a type of piano, you can get some that are pretty portable too. I lucked out and got a second hand one from my ex’s sister for free (she was getting rid of it anyway), and it’d pretty light and not too big!
and nobody EVER asks for the piano recital of Wonderwall!
jerks
I never got into rock n roll the way I got into sex and drugs.
Rallycross. The day may come, but right now I have several higher priorities and more important places to put my money.
With Dirt Rally, you get a pretty damn good simulation experience for a fraction of the cost, a minimal time investment, and zero of the risks. All you need is a PC and a decent steeringwheel.
That would be a great way to get started before I get to a place in life where I can do the actual thing
Ice racing is super fun if you live around frozen lakes. They usually have stock class and you can’t really mess up your car. Plus it’ll get you around the scene. All you need is a motorcycle helmet. They usually will lend you one or someone from the rally will. Everyone is super friendly. The spike tire class is always interesting
Man I should look back into that, but I sold the perfect cat for it 4 years ago. We had so many warm winters in a row that I’d given up the idea.
Dancing. I am very envious at the ease certain people demonstate when dancing. The complete control of their body, the syncing with the music, the beauty of the mouvements. I am not talking classical dancing or elaborate choreography, only knowing how to dance really well at parties.
I started dancing 2 years ago in my early 30s. Salsa/bachata specifically. Never danced a step before then (or at least: not while sober). After a 2 years of practise, I now regularly get compliments at the festivals/parties, and the ladies at the dance school like it when I’m joining the lessons, since I can lead well. I’m still no expert, but I certainly get a lot of joy from it. And for the record: I’m a slightly overweight nerd who is certainly not nimble or agile. I also hate rythm games, I suck at those, but dancing on the beat is so much easier!
My point is: it’s worth trying. Find a dance school that teaches salsa and/or bachata, and go for it. If you find the right people, you will stay motivated, and it gets more and more fun!
Sounds fun, I’ll try joining. It’just that you have to make choices because weeks have only 7 days…
You say complete control of their body, but a lot of times people who dance well at parties don’t try hard to control their bodies, they would say the music flows through them, or they stop caring what they’re doing and just let their bodies move
I get the flowing with the music part. Some people seem so in tune that it looks like they have a lot of practice
Sailing. Flying a plane.
Sailing canoe rigs can be fun, and you might be able to find a decently cheap Sunfish or Laser and have loads of fun.
The plane one is a bit tougher.
The plane one is a bit tougher.
Gliders/sailplanes should be reasonably accessible.
Both great fun.
- Flying can be expensive and highly technical depending on where you are and what you fly. I had a blast while flying, got some good trips in, was able to give most of my family the experience. I gave it up when I had kids because of the priority change
- I suppose sailing too depending. I did some sailing out of Boston harbor and had a blast but they were bigger boats, more expensive. Actually the place I rented from organized extended trips down the coast and my regret was not taking any
If you’re based near a coastal city, register at the closest sailing club for training sessions they likely have Laser/ILCA Dinghys they’re very fun to sail.
Skateboarding. Wingsuit flying. BASE jumping.
All seem like SO much fun. But, Im entering middle age with two kids. Broken bones are not fun. Nor are risks not covered by my insurance, apparently. That’s what my partner tells me anyway. She gets final say on fun.
Or, the insurance company does. Whichever. They’re on the same side: against injury. And fun.
Skate- and/or long- boarding can be relatively safe in a fairly controlled environment. There’s no shame in getting fully decked out in protective gear and pads.
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For me it was: Goth and the kink scene (not necessarily both together). Also I wanted to collect collectibles, but clutter and choctky drive me crazy.
You’re never too old to dye your hair and paint your nails black.
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Have you tried to be born in to a rich family? I have understood its the bare minimum to get started. Atleast everybody who is serious about the hobby does that.
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Upcycling. There’s just so much stuff we throw away and I currently have no creative hobbies where I am producing something… I might start this year.
Hey, it’s a bit late but you could make upcycling your yearly theme (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE relevant video by cpg grey)
Skateboarding. I was into punk in middle/high-school, some of my friends were skateboarders, but I never bought a board. I’m pushing 40 now and it’s way too late to start, even as a midlife crisis.
I’m pushing 40 now and it’s way too late to start, even as a midlife crisis.
What? “Pushing 40” is very literally PRIME mid-life crisis timing. Go buy a fuckin’ board, just take it easy on your joints.
Oh, no, I agree that I’m primed for a midlife crisis, but it’s way too late to start skateboarding. I’m in pretty good shape, eat fairly healthy, exercise regularly, etc., but I can’t shake off an a injury like I did in my teens or twenties. I’m not risking permanently messing up my knees learning how to ollie.
LONGBOARDING MAH DUDE.
Oo yes, this is a good option. You can do tricks on a longboard but that’s not “the point.”
I was an old school skater all through the hey-day of Tony Hawk, and I also fought Muay Thai for decades. By the time I hit thirty, I was like a case study for orthopedic doctors.
I bit the bullet and accepted I’d boarded until the wheels fell off and I couldn’t keep getting hurt. Picked up a longboard and it’s like my #1 hobby now. Just did 25 miles in sub-freezing temperatures right before we got slammed with the blizzard.
So no more half pipes. Just throw on a death metal album and pack a bunc of joints and cruise.
In hindsight I wish I would have learned some charisma and became a cult leader.
Van life
I’m single and childless, so I’ve been fortunate to do everything I’ve ever wanted to do.
The one thing that comes to mind is meditation. I can’t really get my thoughts or brain to shut off.
The one thing that comes to mind is meditation. I can’t really get my thoughts or brain to shut off.
I seriously don’t understand how people can do that
Cooking, in a serious way. I started waiting tables, then salad/prep and mid house, but I never went any further. I was a professional musician about 40 years and full time sysadmin for 21 years, but cooking was a missed opportunity I didn’t take. I was just thinking about this yesterday.
An actual regret. I would never have had enough hours leftover for the dedication required.
It’s never too late to get into cooking! No need to become the world’s best chef, it’s one of the most joyful things to do!
Well, you have a pretty regularly scheduled incentive to learn.
The trick I’m learning is to plan one meal. Any meal. Just pick one coming up, and plan what it will be. Nothing fancy, could be anything, like rice, or scrambled eggs, just plan ahead to add a little something extra. Like, maybe this time you sprinkle some cheese on those scrambled eggs as you cook 'em. Flip the sucker in half, boom, ya gotta an omelate.
Next time, when you feel like it, maybe toss in a few pieces of deli ham, or even better, smash some cherry tomatoes with ya frikin fist and toss those goodies in with the cheese. Maybe you’ll plan that again. But then you notice there are different kinds of cherry tomatoes at the store, so you get a few of each and try them out. Look at that, you’re becoming a chef already. You didn’t need to do anything but make a simple plan for a simple meal and get hungry.
There’s very little in life that feels more rewarding than feeding yourself something you fucking love. Therapy should start with learning the basics, like how to feed yourself (before you try to feed others).
I’m gonna bake a loaf of bread this week because I never have and I saw a stupid easy recipe on YouTube. The only thing I needed to do was remember to grab yeast while at the grocery store. Next loaf, I think I’m gonna try sticking chunks of garlic in it. Treat yourself, feed yourself.
There are things I really wanted to do but couldn’t due to a crippling fear of heights. Rock climbing, parachuting, high diving all look so fun. But I find myself crawling back, shivering in fear, trying my best to control the panic attack.
but couldn’t due to a crippling fear of heights
I grew up with a 50m cliff as a backyard.
Absolutely stunning view, the kind that super-wealthy people pay many tens of millions for these days. My parents picked it up in 1977 for practically a song because nearly all the construction companies came from the prairies and had no clue of how to develop on anything other than a pancake-flat piece of land.
But still. It installed into me a particularly overactive fear of heights. I have trouble getting onto roofs thanks to it. When putting up Christmas lights, my wife needs to hold the ladder, as I am tensed up six ways to Sunday by the time I’m at the top.
Skiing is just as bad. I can take most any slope up to and including a double black diamond. It’s only the triples I cannot handle, because that involves vertical drops.
So I understand that fear. Just not the desire to bodily leap out of a perfectly functional aircraft. That’s nuts.
Dude that’s a good thing. I’m probably going to die from my lack of fear of heights someday. You’re the normal one, not me.
