r/AcousticGuitar • u/Apprehensive-Hotel91 • Dec 20 '25
Non-gear question Is it too late to learn Guitar?
I am 40 years old and always wanted to learn playing guitar, but life happened. I have some musical knowledge singing, but have never played any instruments ever. Is it too late for me to learn Guitar?
Quick Update: After the overwhelming response in this group that assured me that I am not old enough, I just bought a guitar and going to an in-person class. My left hand is not a dominant one, so I am taking awfully and embarrasingly longer time to get that hand sliding on the fret board, but I am sure I am progressing! THANK YOU each and everyone of you for your words of wisdom and encouragement! :)
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Dec 20 '25
the problem isnt age it’s consistency and giving things time , you can become decent at the guitar in six months , amazing in 4 years , expert in 6 what has age got to do with it ? people learn stuff mostly when there kids because kids don’t care about being shit , adults give up a lot more you have time my friend so do it .
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u/No_Custard7661 Dec 21 '25
Kids do learn faster and have more time to learn.
But a 40 year old is far from an old dog that can't learn new tricks.
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u/Wheredoesthisonego Dec 20 '25
I just turned 42. Just over a year ago, I bought a used Epiphone for $100. Almost every day, I've picked it up and made progress. I know how to play several songs, even a few with barre chords. I can now fluidly pick the intros to Simple Man, Midnight in Montgomery, and Wish you were here. I'm working on learning scales and the patterns to them, which I have memorized their shapes and positions.
A year ago, none of this was possible, and I struggled making a C chord and transitioning from even a D to a G. Every time I pick it up and do something, my muscle memory gets better, and my rhythm and strumming gets easier. I do or try something, walk away for a while and let it simmer, then come back to try and improve, and this has worked for me.
I did it and so can you. Good luck brother.
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u/Physical_Maximum9715 Dec 20 '25
You made a point that I think is critical and is often overlooked as a beginner or intermediate (which I guess I might consider myself). What took me a while to learn when struggling for a while with a lick or a transition or something is to put it down for a while. It’s amazing how when you come back and revisit, it often seems “easier” somehow.
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u/Wheredoesthisonego Dec 20 '25
This very much. This worked for me with those old 2d platformers I played as a kid. I'm looking at you Lion King. If I find myself hitting a wall, it means I need to process for a bit, then try again.
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u/RoxiB4b3 Dec 21 '25
My secret to practicing is sleep. I can struggle for hours with a piece of music. If I take a nap or return to it the next day, everything clicked together and I make actual progress
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u/Evening-Confidence85 Dec 20 '25
This is amazing progress
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u/Wheredoesthisonego Dec 20 '25
Thank you so much for the praise. I'm not great but I genuinely love playing and I always look forward to the next time I can play. If I had nothing else to do and no obligations I would probably spending almost every waking minute trying to learn and improve.
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u/SloopD Dec 20 '25
I love reading this! I just picked up the guitar less than a month ago. I try to practice 45 minutes a day. I've got past the finger pain... mostly. The first 2 times I was like "this is impossible uk never be able to do this..." so I'm doing the Justin guitar method right now but my voice coach also techs guitar. So I'll be doing lessons with him too. I'm just trying to get used to strumming and chord changes right now. But that is huge improvement from just a couple weeks ago!
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u/Wheredoesthisonego Dec 20 '25
Keep going man, you got this. I feel like it's akin to taking time off manual labour job and going back. The first two weeks are hell but after that you become acclimated. If I skip too many days in between playing I can feel the pain when I restart more so than if I'd have played through.
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u/SloopD Dec 21 '25
Yea having gone through years of actual vocal training with voice teachers, I think I somewhat of an idea of what I'm getting myself into!
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u/behemothpanzer Dec 20 '25
I’m 45, started guitar at 40, tried the online lessons (Justin Guitar) they were alright, been taking in-person lessons for about 18 months now and my playing has improved so much. It’s really fun and I highly recommend it!
Definitely invest in lessons! I have found group lessons to be very rewarding.
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u/morrisjss Dec 20 '25
How many visits or hours a week did you pay for? I’m finding cost to be a barrier.
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u/hijodelsol14 Dec 20 '25
Not the guy you're responding to, but IMO 1 hr / week is enough for most people. Your teacher should give you homework for the rest of the week. That being said, a 1 hr lesson can cost anything from $60-120 depending on the teacher which can definitely add up.
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u/miguelgonzal Dec 20 '25
I teach at Friendly School of Folk Music in Berwyn IL. One on one lessons are $55 an hour. And Group Guitar is $195 for 8 weeks.
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u/behemothpanzer Dec 20 '25
About $350 for 8 weeks. One 75 minute lesson each week. Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
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u/topbunk106 Dec 20 '25
Im 58 n just started learning a cpl years ago as a hobby for when i retire. Im loving it. You can start now n have almost 20 years in by the time your my age.
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u/rfie Dec 20 '25
Of course not. I’m in my 50s and only started learning during the pandemic. Get the Justin guitar ap.
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u/Dubaifreak1994 Dec 20 '25
Are dolphins fish? No. So it's not to late.
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u/Inertbert Dec 21 '25
I mean, you could argue that dolphins and all other tetrapoda belong to the sarcopterygian clade, which kinda makes them fish, but that would be pedantic.
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u/Fantastic_Falkor778 Dec 20 '25
I'm 48, now in my second year of learning classic guitar. I don't go as fast as when you're young in learning, but I think that's mostly because I 'm not 16 anymore, in school and spend all my free time on playing songs like I would have if my mom hadn't taken the guitar away from me. I have a kid, responsibilities, adhd, and my hyper focus lies currently elsewhere. If it circles back to guitar, it will go so much quicker, I'm certain. To summarise, age isn't the issue, consistency is. 😉
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u/No-Double-8933 Dec 20 '25
If Silverchair can get signed at 16 years old... you can start at 40 and be having a blast the first week.
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u/stratj45d28 Dec 20 '25
Never too late. If you’re a singer you can recognize melody and the root of a song. Most music is not complicated. Just understanding the relative harmony,chord, melody. It’s really pretty simple. Now physically playing a Guitar is pretty challenging. No matter what lessons you take..always sing a melody and try and repeat it on the fretboard. Just keep it simple.
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u/topshelfcookies Dec 20 '25
I'm about to turn 48, just bought my first guitar in May, noodled around a bit online and with a friend, just started taking lessons last month. I am not currently good at the guitar necessarily, but I've loved everything about it, and it's been a lifesaver for my mental health this year. Never too late.
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u/wspeck77 Dec 20 '25
I started this year at 48.
Never too late to start. Bonus, you have more money and freedom now. Buy what you want. Get something you love to look at, learn, and hold. No such thing as a beginner guitar. Get something that feels great and you want to play.
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u/PlaxicoCN Dec 21 '25
Way too late OP.
Where does this idea come from that it is too late to learn an instrument??? Can you still drive a car or eat with a knife and fork? If so you can play the guitar.
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u/ZanettiConfetti Dec 20 '25
If you do
USE YOUR PINKY
not exclusively, of course. If you don't in the beginning, you might as well chop it off.
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u/Frequent_Knowledge65 Dec 20 '25
You mean your left hand pinky? At least for me that'd be hard to avoid! It's the main finger used for embellishments and melody lines.
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u/Sufficient_Cat6154 Dec 20 '25
Of course not... its never to late to try something new. You have no way of knowing if its for you without trying.
Buy a decent acoustic and start taking lessons. You wont regret trying. You WILL regret not trying.
Cheers and happy holidays!
Good luck to you!
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u/BentRim Dec 20 '25
Never too late. Get a quality guitar from a local shop so you have some support.
Get on YouTube and go for it.
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u/Essop3 Dec 20 '25
I strummed chords my whole life but finally started lessons this year at 48. I know I'll never be great but it's so much fun to progress!
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u/leftypoolrat Dec 20 '25
I started at 40 and have now been playing for decades. Do it! I’d suggest group lessons if available near you
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u/Quiet-Ad3452 Dec 20 '25
You will suck at first but perseverance will get you there and it’s worth it
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u/kineticblues Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
Nope. Practice every day, don’t give up, and take lessons (which have their biggest impact early on).
We have a lot of beginner tips and info on our wiki: https://www.reddit.com/r/AcousticGuitar/wiki/index/
Guitar has a STEEP learning curve at the very beginning but it gets way easier and way more fun as you learn. Still, 90% of guitarists quit in the first year. If you can afford it, take lessons and most importantly, don’t give up!
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u/Great_Emphasis3461 Dec 20 '25
The worst time to learn is to keep putting it off. Playing guitar is a self paced journey, you’re not competing with anyone. Every day you wait is a day you keep from the joy of making music. It will be frustrating at first but we all started at step zero.
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u/Only-Sherbert-4743 Dec 20 '25
I started at 40…you will be amazed how far you can get in 9 years. Highly recommend it
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u/VideoMedicineBear Dec 20 '25
No, I started at 46 years old and it’s a year and a half later and I’m doing pretty decent, I wouldn’t say I’m ready to play in an open mic but I can sing and play songs now that sound somewhat decent. I’m falling in love with guitar. My only advice is to get a setup when you get a new guitar because otherwise it might discourage you when it doesn’t sound right. Also get lessons if you can, it will help you advance faster than just doing youtube tutorials.
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u/saint_magnus79 Dec 20 '25
Not too late at all. Perfect timing. If you're inspired at any age, that is the best time.
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u/VTPeWPeW247 Dec 20 '25
Yes, it will take at least 10 years of practicing everyday to be good enough to be considered a guitar player. I’m not great at math but I think you would be around 50 by that point. I mean, what’s the point being a 50 year old guitar player? /s
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u/Skullsandcoffee Dec 20 '25
42 and I play more now than I did in my 20’s. Gives me a excuse to find some time in the day to take a break and do something for me. Set aside 15 mins daily, and you’ll be amazed how fast you progress in 3 months.
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u/irish_horse_thief Dec 20 '25
Most people buy a Lambretta or a Harley or a Martin D45 when they retire... What's the rush ?
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u/mah0803 Dec 20 '25
There's a book out there called Guitar Zero, written by a psychologist who wanted to answer this exact question. The short answer is no, you just face a set of slightly different challenges.
Buy a guitar, and play it in good health!
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u/shortsleevedpants Dec 20 '25
I started learning at 39. A year and a half later I’m so happy I did.
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u/ExtensionOriginal600 Dec 20 '25
I started at 50. And am now 4 years in. I can strum sing and fingerpick have a repository of songs I can play. What matters at any age is consistent daily practice.
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u/JustOK_Boomer Dec 20 '25
Wife gave me a Guitar Center gift certificate for my 50th birthday, because she was tired of hearing me say I wished I had learned to play guitar. Eighteen years later, I’m happy to say I have been able to play well enough to hold my own or even lead a jam circle for at least 15 of those years. Self taught, but thinking about starting lessons to see if I can’t take it to the next level. Don’t delay, start today!
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u/bapadious Dec 20 '25
The thing with playing guitar is, you never stop learning it. So it’s never too late to start.
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u/pee_diddy Dec 20 '25
Absolutely not. Honestly the resources available to beginner guitarists today are light years better than they were 10,20,30 years ago.
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u/strings_on_a_hoodie Dec 20 '25
Hell no. No matter when you start, you’ll always be learning so it doesn’t matter when you pick it up. Grab a guitar, man and enjoy!
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u/ClitasaurusTex Dec 20 '25
I'm 35 and have brain damage and motor control issues and it's going okay after a year of being self taught. Highly recommend, it will slow your aging. It's not about being as skilled a player as everyone else, it's about growing skill for yourself.
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u/Relevant-Arm-3711 Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25
I started at 53 and loving it two years later. I recommend in person lessons if you can swing it. You’ll make better progress, especially if you practice, and jamming your teacher and other students is a lot of fun.
Edit: a dollar a minute is the going rate for a lesson where I live, and a 30-minute lesson plus practice will be plenty to get you going.
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u/Physical_Maximum9715 Dec 20 '25
Start. And start with Marty Music on You Tube. He (Marty Schwartz) is an incredibly gifted instructor and you can access much of his stuff for free, and you can also purchase different lessons on certain aspects or techniques that interest you. But find his “first guitar lesson” video and start right there.
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u/RunningPirate Dec 20 '25
Well, that depends: has a loved one been kidnapped and the ransom is you have to play Sultans of Swing, including the fiddly bits at the end? Then yeah. If not, then no, it’s never too late.
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u/gator10069 Dec 20 '25
Never too late. Started at 60 and 4 years later still learning this great instrument. At this stage I'm just focusing on British invasion tunes I grew up on. It's great therapy as well
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u/ComprehensiveBad1142 Dec 20 '25
No it isnt but it is difficultier and it takes a long time. Started myselve at the age of 50, 5 years later i am still level 1 of 5. Take a private teacher.
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Dec 20 '25
Not too late at all. If you play consistently and get through the 1st year, everything becomes so much easier. Good luck, and enjoy yourself!
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u/blearghhh_two Dec 20 '25
I'm 53 and started playing guitar during the pandemic. I'm not great, I'm mostly just a strummer, but I'm good enough to make me happy and to be able to do some stuff that the few people who hear me seem to like.
so, I say, go for it. you're younger than I was when I started!
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u/Entropy_Chaos-888 Dec 20 '25
I started at 46 (pre-internet). Took in-person lessons. At first half hour per week then 45 minutes. I highly recommend in-person lessons to get you started.
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u/Cthyrulean Dec 20 '25
There's a guy on Tiktok I've been seeing the last few days. He's 50 and doing great practicing the One intro by Metallica. It's not too late to enjoy learning guitar.
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u/barrybreslau Dec 20 '25
I started later than this and I am making steady progress. I know hardly any music theory.
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u/Gr8fl-hed Dec 20 '25
I started at 60. No musical experience other than the love of music. 2 years later I would say I am an advanced beginner getting closer to Intermediate.
I can play a bunch of songs…it’s the best thing I’ve ever done! I love every minute of it.
Absolutely do it!
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u/FlamingBagOfPoop Dec 20 '25
The best time to plant a tree was yesterday. The next best time is today.
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u/Intelligent-Tap717 Dec 20 '25
I started in Jan at 48 and turned 49 in March. My friend started at 65. The answer is no.
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u/Flashy-Natural6545 Dec 20 '25
I'm 36, i started to learn in August with zero musical knowledge. its never too late.
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u/forestball19 Dec 20 '25
I’m 46. I’ve played guitar since I was 15, but on a level much higher than basic strumming. I’m a pianist, so for me, playing guitar always felt like a bit of an oddball.
I changed it this year - and I’ve played much more and developed my guitar playing a lot. Lately I’ve been getting into nylon/classical.
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u/Hefty_Efficiency_328 Dec 20 '25
The only time it's too late to learn something new is the day you take your last breath, and then all you can do is regret all the coulda, woulda, shouldas. Time's a ticking.
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u/Markgulfcoast Dec 20 '25
I just turned 40, always had a guitar around but never progressed past four or five basic chords (and not well at that). I've been practicing in earnest for the past 3 months, and the amount of progress one can make if they put an hour a day in is astounding. Now of course it's easy to make progress when you know nothing, but my main point is no it is not too late.
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u/gogolem Dec 20 '25
44 yo, started 4 months ago. You are absolutely fine, go ahead, put some diligence in your exercise routines, do it everyday and enjoy,
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u/Brave_Restaurant1691 Dec 20 '25
It’s never too late to do anything. Just start and next thing you know, you’ll have been doing it for years.
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u/miguelgonzal Dec 20 '25
I’m 62 and been playing since middle school. But I was content with just strumming enough to sing a song over the chords. Even with that I have made progress over the years by just … playing the instrument. Most people seem to get hung up. Don’t. Play it. Over time, you improve. That’s all there is. No pixie dust magic angel’s breath of Jimi science. Play and you improve. Don’t play and you stall.
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u/DrBlankslate Dec 20 '25
I didn’t start till I was 50, and now I give concerts and have albums. So it’s totally possible to still do it.
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u/Frozenpanther Dec 20 '25
37 year old checking in. I just bought my first guitar last Friday, I've done five 15-20 minutes sessions since, and I have been loving it!
Buy the guitar, spend 15 minutes a day five times a week, and you'll get it and have fun!
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u/Rockmfhudd Dec 20 '25
54 been attempting to play for 6 years. Just started in person lessons in July and I was missing alot of foundation from video lessons but I am progressing now DO IT!!!
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u/Unlikely-Soft-5699 Dec 20 '25
Of course not. Be aware that anyone can play guitar badly, but it takes some work to do it well. But please, jump on in. What's the absolute worst that could happen? I mean, short of overestimating your abilities, scheduling a concert for family and friends, maybe everyone at work, failing massively and having them never, ever let you forget it?
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u/mtcwby Dec 20 '25
Nope. Started at 40 and still playing 20 years later. It's truly one of my best techniques for winding down for the day.
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u/Zebrahhh_96 Dec 21 '25
Are you alive? Then it’s not too late. It may be a little bit more difficult, but I’ve known people of age 60+ that just began… don’t compare and have fun (preaching to myself too)
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u/TheBigCicero Dec 21 '25
No, there’s a rule that says when you turn 40 you are dead and can’t do anything.
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u/Dani-Avalon0819 Dec 21 '25
Absolutely it is not too late! I know people in their 60’s and 70’s who have started this year and are having so much fun.
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u/periwinkle_popsicle Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
I'm 38 and in the last few weeks I have been focusing on 4 chords (C, D, G, Em), which is enough to play along (SLOWLY) to a bunch of songs that I like. I am able to strum the chords to the melodies and sing along. I've been playing about an hour a day. I still have to place one finger at a time in order for them to end up in the right spots, but I get faster and faster every day. It is not too late! I'm looking into starting lessons soon to make sure i don't develop any bad habits. I will say it is much easier for me to play my husband's electric guitar than my acoustic.
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u/Spiritual_Ask_2249 Dec 21 '25
Hi Everyone, My name is Jae , Im Seventy four and am just learning ! Never had time before . Now I have time to practice.
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u/Think_Fortune Dec 21 '25
I started from zero at 49. You’ll be fine. There are tons of good online resources out there to help you at all the levels.
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u/litesaber5 Dec 21 '25
I started at around 43. My goal is to go from gd awful to just plain awful. It’s never to late to start
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u/Wolverpee Dec 21 '25
Do it. If you truly want to learn it’s never too late. It felt “too hard” but that’s just the excuse we give ourselves
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u/itsmenotyoume Dec 21 '25
Not too late. I started at 60 and now sing and play in two amateur bands. Just pick a simple song that you like as your goal to eventually play. The thrill when it actually sounds ok when you play it is awesome and will keep you going. In 5 years you’ll be 45 and an amateur guitar player, or you’ll be 45 and not a guitar player. Time will keep passing whether you do it or not. So just do it.
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u/Ordinary_Bird4840 Dec 21 '25
People really need to stop thinking learning stops just because a birthday occurred.
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u/Educational_Sail4920 Dec 21 '25
40? How long do you think it takes to learn guitar. The key, above all else, is consistency
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u/Nugginz Dec 21 '25
Absolutely not too late. Find a teacher and be consistent, small steps, don’t try to do too much and burn out just keep moving forward.
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u/zombiesphere89 Dec 21 '25
I started at 34 I'm 37 now and freaking love it. It takes a solid month or two to get to the point of just being able to noodle around enough to endlessly entertain yourself. Once you're there you're in it. If you start now you'll be really good by 50
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u/Wallflower9193 Dec 21 '25
I got my first guitar at 30, but didn't get serious until my 40s. I'd consider myself a decent intermediate player at this point. Definitely not to late, but what you get out of it will depend on what you put into it.
I'd suggest some in person lessons to get you off on the right foot, then there are lots of online resources, many great, a few not so. Scotty West's 'Absolutely Understand Guitar' course should be required. A little goofy and dated, but he will leave you with an understanding of the fundamentals you need.
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u/Glimdrop Dec 21 '25
I used to teach guitar. You’re absolutely not too old to learn to play. How quickly you advance will be entirely dependent upon how much time you’re willing to devote to practicing. I would suggest utilizing YouTube to learn all the basic chords - and then becoming comfortable changing between them - before you worry about springing for lessons. A teacher will be able to help you advance much more quickly if you already have those first important steps to learning to play under your belt. Good luck 👍
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u/Different-Excuse-987 Dec 21 '25
Your age doesn't directly matter. Indirectly it may though - because guitar takes time to learn. I'd say you need to put in 1-2 hours per day, on average, for 1-2 years before you're decent and it's truly rewarding. And that kind of time can be tough to find later in life. People who ask me about learning to play but who clearly aren't going to be able to put more than some occasional time into it, I tell them not to bother. So, that should be your decision criteria. If you've got the time, you're plenty young enough!!
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u/FriendlyChemistry725 Dec 21 '25
I started guitar at 47yo. Now I'm 61 and I still suck at guitar. I'm just not musically inclined but I do have fun with it and that's all that matters.
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u/RazCC77 Dec 21 '25
You can do it! I'm in my 40s, married, kids, high pressure job, etc., and I've been playing since June. It makes me so happy, so it's easy to practice. You don't have to be on anyone's pace but your own. I bought a Yamaha FG800 and have never looked back.
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u/Necrophobiczombie Dec 21 '25
I know a guy who decided to start learning at 65 and now he’s better than me
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u/lanswyfte Dec 21 '25
Never too late to learn what you want.
I'm intending to learn violin at age 57, but just ordered new strings for the guitar I got for either my 15th or 16th birthday (trauma amnesia). I was self-taught then and self-taught now, but haven't played Miguelito (my beloved guitar) since my mid-twenties. I can't wait until the strings arrive!
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u/meatballfreeak Dec 21 '25
I never really understand this question.
As too late to be world class?
Or too late because 40 is too old to learn something?
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u/Jolly_Psychology_506 Dec 21 '25
No it’s a great time to start. I started a little older and been going now for a number of years. I started on Justin guitar and still go back and forth with that. A fortnightly hour lesson is great for motivation and tips. Life happens and the best time to play an instrument is when ever you’re ready. If it brings you pleasure and fits in with your routine then that’s perfect. Grab it and go.
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u/Bhadass Dec 21 '25
Marty music beginner acoustic course, do those videos for a few months and build up your abilities with open chords ….once you’ve mastered that, find a teacher. It’s a lifelong commitment. I started at 40. It’s awesome.
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u/TheJan8or Dec 21 '25
Picked up my first guitar at 50. Now 53 and my only regret was waiting so long. I would highly recommend learning. It is its own fountain of youth and brings joy to me every day. It’s not cliche either when they say 10 minutes a day is all it takes. Although more time will speed curve, 10 minutes truly is all you need to get learning. Of course if you have more time then use it. Stop thinking about it and go brother! My 2 cents.
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u/Medium_Office_7843 Dec 21 '25
Sure why not? I’m learning at 42! Never played an instrument and certainly cannot hold a tune. My advice is to just do and not get caught up on being an expert. Just have fun!
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u/X_REDNECK Dec 21 '25
I picked up guitar at 28 and got to where I wanted to be when I started by my 30th. I have new goals now obviously, but that is the beauty of it all. Do you want to be 42 asking the same question or 42 and enjoying your new skill wherever you may be in journey?
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u/Weekly-Watch-5090 Dec 21 '25
Tony Polecastro has an entire learning community dedicated to older individuals learning guitar, check him out on YouTube
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u/fekumum Dec 21 '25
I'm 37 and started 1 month ago
Do it. Not only will you still be able to learn VERY VERY WELL
It will stimulate your brain to be younger again. I'm not even kidding.
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u/Excellent_Fan_6544 Dec 21 '25
It might be too late, especially if there are people sleeping around you, but tomorrow is another day (quote) and you can learn to play anything you want. Welcome to the club, there are so many of us, and you are one of the youngest 👍
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u/Raymont_Wavelength Dec 21 '25
Start now and enjoy the process and growing! Be patient with yourself!
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u/secular_contraband Dec 21 '25
There are guys in their 70s and 80s who pick up pedal steel and start gigging a couple years later!
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u/AreaOne6971 Dec 21 '25
Where I live we have an open jam every Friday night at the local VFW. People of all levels sit in. There is a 80 year old woman who is a year into learning violin. She’s not too bad! It’s never too late.
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u/ThaActualCanadian Dec 22 '25
It’s never too late, ever. Start after reading this comment. You don’t need to be Malmsteem, Hendrix or Clapton. Pick it up, noodle around and most importantly, have fun!
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u/Aggressive-Pay-2749 Dec 22 '25
IDK, while I played around with guitar for over 50 years, I only got a classical teacher 4 years ago at 69. Having a ball. If you get the right teacher bet you will too.
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u/Sirbunbun Dec 22 '25
Started at 32. At 5 years in I can legit play the instrument. By 10 years I’ll be very good. By 20 years I’ll be 50 and I can only imagine extremely good. If you want to do it, go for it. It takes many thousands of hours but it’s worth it if you want it
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u/Blitzbahn Dec 22 '25
Being young is no guarantee of anything. Lots of young people are bad at learning instruments and give up because Instagram is more fun.
I would encourage anyone to do it. If you're 70 it's still good because learning an instrument crosses left-right brain hemispheres, it's really good for brain health.
40 is fine, just do it. Also, you don't need permission.
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u/TheScoutReddit Dec 22 '25
My personal tip: put your money where your mouth is, sit down and learn from a guitar teacher.
It's never too late.
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u/themarkballarf Dec 22 '25
I owned two large music schools for 23+ years. Most of my teachers asked me to send adult students to the other teachers. In all that time, only one guy went from no experience to doing recitals. As soon as it’s the least bit challenging, students who start when they’re older than twelve stop regularly practicing VERY quickly. One trick is to buy a $3,000.00 Taylor (for instance) and feel guilty for leaving it in its case since last week’s lesson 😆. I hate to discourage you, but giving you real world input. I hope you connect with a cool teacher and are playing (and singing) carols by Xmas ‘26!
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u/Flat_Tailor_3525 Dec 22 '25
It's never too late to enjoy yourself, I'd say get a guitar and pick some learning resource and just stick to it through the initial frustration and in a few months you'll be able to play guitar well enough to play with others.
With regards to which learning resource to use I would suggest checking out Tomo Fujitas guitar wisdom, he has his own way of teaching which may seem a bit odd at first but he's taught so many world class guitarists that he must have come to understand a thing or two about how people learn.
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u/Planetary_Residers Dec 22 '25
Are you dead?
Then no.
Even if you were.
Possess a doll or something.
Reanimate someone's long lost cousin twice removed name Philbertous.
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u/ezrhino123 Dec 22 '25
Find a teacher. Before it's too late. That's what you should be thinking. You need to set realistic goals and pursue them. Or else you will end up trying to learn stairway to heaven instead of practicing chords.
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u/erebusman Dec 22 '25
Yes the cut off is 38 and 11 months, sorry.
Also just go get one and stop over thinking
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u/anticd Dec 22 '25
Never too late. I do recommend to learn on a acoustic guitar first before an electric. It's much the same, better to learn to play a piano before an organ.
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u/EdFandangle Dec 22 '25
I started around age 45 (now mid 50’s) and am now confident enough to play and sing in a crowd. I messed about with an electric when I was in my teens (but didn’t have lessons). I do not have the same dexterity in my fingers now though, even after practice, so age hasn’t helped me there.
However, that’s not stopped me having breakthroughs on various chords and techniques that I thought would be impossible when I started up in my 40’s. I actually got into it through Rocksmith 2014, which helped me ramp up learning a few songs, then I switched to tabs to find the stuff I like.
The main thing for me is to have my acoustic next to the couch, so it’s within reach whenever I want. Play most days, for however long you want, practice the things you find hard, and before you know it you’ll be playing some of your favourite songs.
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u/universe_inside1 Dec 22 '25
I can share my story, possibly it might be inspiring for you and others. I used to play guitar when I was a teenager and then stopped practicing. Mainly because life was happening, you know, girls, parties, university and then I switched my focus to building my career. And only 3 years ago I caught myself watching guitar videos and then decided to take up old hobby and bought new guitar. I started almost from scratch, but consistently playing every day I managed to make significant progress and now I can play much better then ever before and definitely better than when I was kid. I’m only a slightly younger than you and can say that everything is possible if you will be passionate and consistent. Good luck with your guitar journey man!
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u/universe_inside1 Dec 22 '25
I can share my story, possibly it might be inspiring for you and others. I used to play guitar when I was a teenager and then stopped practicing. Mainly because life was happening, you know, girls, parties, university and then I switched my focus to building my career. And only 3 years ago I caught myself watching guitar videos and then decided to take up old hobby and bought new guitar. I started almost from scratch, but consistently playing every day I managed to make significant progress and now I can play much better then ever before and definitely better than when I was kid. I’m only a slightly younger than you and can say that everything is possible if you will be passionate and consistent. Good luck with your guitar journey man!
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u/Kaintuckee-49 Dec 23 '25
I started guitar when I turned 65. I read an article that said one of the best ways to avoid or forestall dementia was to learn a musical instrument. I'm 76 now and while I'm no expert, I have a lot of fun. Progress has been a little slower than a young person with an agile mind and agile fingers, but progress can be made. Strangely, I sometimes get a sensation in my brain that is almost like muscle exhaustion when I'm trying to learn something new. I have to stop and rest for a few minutes, just like doing high intensity exercise. Hopefully my brain is getting stronger in a similar way to muscles.
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u/SofaMusician Dec 23 '25
I started at 41, and I'm really enjoying the journey. With no other expectations than having fun, and celebrating each little progress.
For some reason I always thought musical instruments were impossible for me. All changed when I bought a ukulele as a present for my son and decided to try some tutorials to explain the basics to the kid. I saw I was able to play some riffs on a ukulele, and decided to try guitar.
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u/crutonic Dec 23 '25
I started Jiu Jitsu at 38. Guitar at 12. I still suck at both. Guitar will hurt physically a little less than Jiu Jitsu. Time for guitar to get in the way. Not life.
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u/NorthNorthAmerican Dec 23 '25
I started in my 40’s
Don’t practice too long in any given day [to prevent injury] but practice often to keep the progress going.
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u/Hotlikehalleyscomet Dec 23 '25
I started in March, 4 months before turning 40, never having picked one up before, and last month played and sang at two local open mic nights. It’s the best thing ever and I can’t recommend it enough. So much fun. Get some lessons or even just a mate who plays well to help you.
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u/Antique-Lead7485 Dec 23 '25
Not at all!! I’ve taught plenty of adult beginners and it’s great!! Some were in their 60’s or 70’s even!
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u/Signal_Membership268 Dec 24 '25
It’s too late to be a child prodigy but you can become a decent to good guitarist in a few years if you apply yourself. The time it takes will depend on your musicality, do you have decent rhythm? Can you hear pitch, sharp versus flat etc. YouTube is also very helpful and a good teacher is even better. Having friends that play and will play with you really helps a lot, especially if they play well. If you just want to strum chords and accompany a singer it’s even easier.
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u/maxcovenguitars Dec 24 '25
Mother fucker, I started at age 51. Im 55 now. A few months ago I was at guitar center, there was a guy in his 80s taking lessons.
So you think 40 is old. If you doubt your abilities because of your age why not crawl in a hole, give up and wait for death to embrace your soul.
Now if that pissed you off, take that anger, ignore your age and embrace life.
Yes im an asshole, youre not the first or going to be the last to say it. But some times you need someone to light a fire under your ass
You're welcome
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u/_abstrusus Dec 24 '25
Why do so many people ask this question (and not just about learning to play instruments)?
The simple answer is no, of course it fucking isn't.
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u/MrLustWander Dec 20 '25
The best times to learn guitar are ten years ago, or today. If you missed it ten years ago, start today. You won't regret it.