Instruments are dead easy to learn with proper dedication, time, and learning tools. It will take you a bit longer to become as skilled as the youngins', but it's never too late to learn anything. Alan Rickman is proof of that.
Is 35 Too Late To Learn An Instrument?
- Thread starter Starbird
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It isn't too late. In fact, learning thing later is life is likely an important aspect of maintaining cognitive functions.
Neuroplasticity may sound like a new age heath marketing term, but it's a real thing.
Neuroplasticity may sound like a new age heath marketing term, but it's a real thing.
http://www.academia.edu/2039409/The_Ageing_Brain_Neuroplasticity_and_Lifelong_Learning
Its never too late to do anything. You might find, however, that learning things is a bit more difficult as you get older but thats not a reason to get discouraged. Also if you choose to do so, know that you're going to sound like shit the first few times you attempt to play anything recognizable. In other words, be ready to murder some music before you can pick it up well enough. Unless you're one of those musical genius freaks who everything comes naturally to... XD
EDIT: Let me add this bit, I've been playing 16+ years (lost count) and I'm always learning new things on guitar, bass, keyboard/piano... never. stop. learning.
EDIT: Let me add this bit, I've been playing 16+ years (lost count) and I'm always learning new things on guitar, bass, keyboard/piano... never. stop. learning.
Go for it, you're pretty much never too old to learn unless you can't physically use the instrument (i.e. arthritis making your fingers unable to bend), it's not going to be easy, but I think you can do it. If I could learn an instrument I would, they're too expensive.
I teach English to people in Japan. I am always astonished when I get a 60-70 year old that is highly motivated and goes from barely being able to greet me to being able to hold down a semi coherent conversation in under a year.Ash_Effect said:I knew a 60+ couple that learned Mandarin Chinese.
So, no.
Hell yea, just go for it.
Can you make any sort of noise with the instrument in you hands? Then you can play.
Can you string together some cumulative notes and do they even somewhat sound pleasant together? Then you can learn.
Especially guitar. I have to respectfully disagree with @TheYellowCellPhone, the guitar is a wonderful versatile instrument with no barrier to entry. Just get yourself a cheap acoustic or, if you're a bit of a firebrand, a cheap electric and a shitty amp and start strumming.
[<===Nothing to do with being the current owner of the Guitarist of Escapist group]
Do you have any style of playing you want to learn in mind?
Can you make any sort of noise with the instrument in you hands? Then you can play.
Can you string together some cumulative notes and do they even somewhat sound pleasant together? Then you can learn.
Especially guitar. I have to respectfully disagree with @TheYellowCellPhone, the guitar is a wonderful versatile instrument with no barrier to entry. Just get yourself a cheap acoustic or, if you're a bit of a firebrand, a cheap electric and a shitty amp and start strumming.
[<===Nothing to do with being the current owner of the Guitarist of Escapist group]
Not a bad philosophy to have but do keep in mind, that also isn't outside the realm of possibility. You can become a virtuoso at any age, it just takes a bit more effort the older you get.Starbird said:
Do you have any style of playing you want to learn in mind?
Sorry, but I'm gonna squee some more: That song was one of the very first songs I ever learnt how to play and it was the very first song I ever performed live. Joe Satriani is a Wormhole Wizard on guitar.Starbird said:
Re: Your Reflexes and coordination. I believe with enough practise, you might be able to overcome it through muscle memory at least somewhat. But I'm no expert on that, so don't quote me on it.
Some tips if you ever decide to pursue this song; Do not underestimate a song just because it is slow. It is one of the most dangerous traps to fall into when trying to learn a song. On a slow song, timing and expression become much more pronounced. I recommend learning the intro arpeggio and intro melody line until you can play it like second nature. Then you can listen to the subtle intricacies and add it to your playing.
Its in Waltz time, so if you're used to regular pop songs, you might have trouble keeping up with the rhythm. So get used to counting 1-2-3 with the beat of the song before you attempt it.
Also, the guitar solo in the middle has some killer left hand legato runs which are then followed by a groovy two handed tapped part. I recommend getting your left hand strength and coordination up before giving it a shot.
But above all: Give it a shot. You might not get it even close to right the first time, but you'll be able to learn where improvements in your playing are needed. Eventually, with enough practise, I bet you can play this song, easily.
I'm in the same boat as you OP'er. I'm going to get a digital piano when I have the money. It's strange how as a kid I had access to a piano, but I didn't have the interest. Now as an adult, I have a burning desire play classical music for the piano and the pipe organ.
I also wanted to play the violin, but I have a problem with my left arm so it's out of the question for me. Being that I'm 36 I feel deep down that I wish I would have had this burning desire years ago.
I also wanted to play the violin, but I have a problem with my left arm so it's out of the question for me. Being that I'm 36 I feel deep down that I wish I would have had this burning desire years ago.
Nope, of course not! I've got an interest in learning tons of instruments myself, but at the moment I'm finding a lot of them way too expensive as a broke college student.
I do have a drum set that I jam on every now and then, but I'd call myself a novice, to be honest. Other than that, I'd love to learn to play the bass guitar because of songs like this.
But right now, it seems like a bit of a far-off dream.
Anyways, to further respond to your question, there's plenty of resources you could use on the internet these days to help your progress. And a private tutor probably wouldn't be a bad idea if you can find one either.
To echo others, you still need lots of dedication to learning and maintaining the knowledge you gain. I don't know how it feels for a 35 year-old, but I imagine it might take a little more effort to retain all that stuff.
I do have a drum set that I jam on every now and then, but I'd call myself a novice, to be honest. Other than that, I'd love to learn to play the bass guitar because of songs like this.
But right now, it seems like a bit of a far-off dream.
Anyways, to further respond to your question, there's plenty of resources you could use on the internet these days to help your progress. And a private tutor probably wouldn't be a bad idea if you can find one either.
To echo others, you still need lots of dedication to learning and maintaining the knowledge you gain. I don't know how it feels for a 35 year-old, but I imagine it might take a little more effort to retain all that stuff.
Join a choir, and/or just learn to sing. Easy to start, hard to master, lots of fun. And no need to drop money on an instrument; you've got it in your throat!
Seriously, anyone who's never tried to properly, actually sing -- it *looks* very, very easy, but it is in fact most certainly NOT. Neither is trying to get 100+ people to make the exact same vowels, consonants, pitches, etc., all at the *exact* same time (as a choir does). But it is really damn fun regardless!
Seriously, anyone who's never tried to properly, actually sing -- it *looks* very, very easy, but it is in fact most certainly NOT. Neither is trying to get 100+ people to make the exact same vowels, consonants, pitches, etc., all at the *exact* same time (as a choir does). But it is really damn fun regardless!
Well, most bands generally record their most beloved albums early on in their career, as they have the energy and, as some might say, immature creativity of youth. Or even the anger of a rebellious young adult. Etc. But if you're just looking for a hobby as a way to pass time, there'd be no age limit whatsoever. Have at it man!
To some extent, a lot of it is training rather than learning. Your hands are not made to do chord shapes, and you will suck for quite a while until your tendons stretch and the skin on your fingertips starts to harden. I learned to play left handed and my friend who was teaching me said he couldn't play my guitar! His left hand just fell into position for whatever chord he wanted but his right hand just wouldn't do that.
Therefore, I'd say getting basic competence at fairly simple songs is really just a question of trying until your hands adapt. Getting really good will take a long time, but you can play most stuff without being really good. You will need to get really good if you want to play professionally, but it's not required if you just want to pass the time.
Therefore, I'd say getting basic competence at fairly simple songs is really just a question of trying until your hands adapt. Getting really good will take a long time, but you can play most stuff without being really good. You will need to get really good if you want to play professionally, but it's not required if you just want to pass the time.
Not at all, learn the guitar if you want to, just know that it's difficult to do so at any age and requires dedication and practice.
I really need to find time to learn, my guitar is gathering dust in the corner and it makes me sad.
I really need to find time to learn, my guitar is gathering dust in the corner and it makes me sad.
Nope! Pick up an instrument and go nuts!
I imagine it's more optimal to learn it when you are younger, but there is no age at which you can no longer learn an instrument or a language; it just becomes more difficult, but not impossible!
I imagine it's more optimal to learn it when you are younger, but there is no age at which you can no longer learn an instrument or a language; it just becomes more difficult, but not impossible!
That Satch song is actually very doable. It's quick, yeah, but there's nothing super complicated going on, it's just lots of pretty legato licks. If that's what you're aiming for, just putting 15 minutes per day into improving will get you there within what, a year or two? There's a ton of guitar tutorials on youtube and you can pick up an instrument super cheap if you're ok with something second hand.