New member

[Ptbcath]

I'm not only a new member, but also new to guitar. I have been learning for the past 3 months. Unfortunately I'm already in my 50s so I don't know if I will ever get a good handle of this. I can only play about 10 open chords and not very well. Fingers aren't getting to the spots I need them to go quickly.  I decided to buy a taylor guitar (114e) because taylor appears to the product leader of the future.  I love this site and hope to learn from all of you.

[TaylorGirl]

Welcome. You have a great guitar to start with. Plays nice, feels good, and sounds wonderful. Stay positive, practice often, and you'll be surprised at your progress.

[Strumming Fool]

Welcome - we're here to cheer you on.  Let us know how we can help. Enjoy the journey!

[Cindy]

Hello and welcome to the UTGF! It really helps to start learning on a good guitar--and by selecting a Taylor 114e, you will go a long way with an excellent guitar! Chord changes take time to perform well. Just keep in mind you must be able to play them at a slow tempo before you can play them at a faster tempo. If your fingers are stumbling during the changes, slow down your pace. Play each as a 4-count. Change to the next chord, and play it as a 4-count. Keep repeating. Just practice the changes slowly. Don't even focus on tempo at this point. Just isolate the chord changes at a slow enough pace that will allow you to play them cleanly. Once you feel the chord changes are acceptable, then work on proper counting while slowly increasing your tempo.

That's what practicing is all about. You aren't supposed to just sit and play through a song from beginning to end. It's about focusing on the problem areas and working out the kinks. And have fun while you do it.

[donlyn]

welcome. 50s? you're still a youngster. age is not as relevant as you think. so says the late 60er. totally agree with staying positive. it does take some work, but the rewards will grow exponentially.

recently posted this to another new learner:

"if you need help, just post a message or reach out to anyone on the forum.

i am a big fan of digital tuners and would recommend you get one if you don't already have one. also recommend learning an a major chord with variant of index on g string, middle on d string, and ring on b string, all in 2d fret. index finger then becomes a sliding anchor and helps moving to e major and/or d major quickly."

[Tim1958]

Welcome and dont worry about your age. Its all fun anyway. As everyone else has already stated, you made a good choice in a guitar.....a good guitar with great playability is very important when you are starting out.

[Frettingflyer]

Welcome aboard! Age isn't a factor that should limit you, with age comes patience that should make up for the fact that it takes a bit longer to train our fingers. I know when I am learning a particularly tough chord change or picking sequence I just work it over and over on the couch, driving the other half bonkers, while we watch a show together, or a good thing to do when watching a game on the tube.
One day you will realize that you have achieved something and that will motivate you to continue. Having bought a quality instrument will really help, as has been said. If you have a cheap guitar and you play it right but it still sounds bad, that can kill your motivation.
Enjoy!

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Hi Ptbcath. Welcome to the UTGF. Congrats on your new 114e and learning how to play guitar for the past 3 months. Keep on playing and have fun.

[George]

Hey Ptbcath.  You started this tread a few weeks ago - how's the 114e sounding now - quite a bit better I imagine?  Everyone on this forum was in your shoes once, and I'm pretty sure everyone will tell you that we learn something new each time we pick up our guitars, so don't worry if your fingers don't do what you want - that will come.  Just enjoy making music!