Am I too old to get started in this?

[retslock]

Many people are taken by the idea of learning guitar or bass. Age is no problem. What has to be present is the drive to learn and practice. Without those you'll end up where you were before. With them, the sky's the limit. Good for the brain and the spirit. Go for it but be prepared to accept that it won't come without work. Good luck and get playing.

 

[Winslow]

54 and FINALLY learning drums.

You're fired.

 

[trickyric]

I took lessons in high school and played in a band where my friend who was a stud guitarist just wrote tabs for me to play to songs. I knew nothing.
never touched an instrument again until my son started to play guitar and at 50 I decided to take lessons.
Having the time of my life now. Really learning to play bass

 

[Low Note Slinga]

I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).

As we age playing music keeps the mind sharp. Go for it!

 

[Basically Bob]

I started playing bass when I was right around your age. I'm 65, now, often play out of the house 3 times a week & having a blast! Go for it!

And by the way ... 42 is not late in life

 

[chris_b]

43 is the new 18. Go for it.

 

[Robscott]

I started at 64, 67 now and gigging once a month on average. You really are as old as you feel, lots of old guy bands out there, and believe me they are not cr***y dad bands either.

 

[Robscott]

I just started learning the Chapman Stick at 60 years old. (Yes, it's mind-blowing, but also way cool.) No such thing as "too old". Rather, "what do I feel like spending what time I have left on?"

Can we see a photo (the Chapman Stick, not you )..or maybe both?

 

[Joe Nerve]

We're only limited by what we think limits us and by what we can physically can't do. And the latter doesn't even effect some who think positively enough.

Now go buy a bass if you haven't already.

 

[MojoPenguin]

BB King played in his 80's still got 40 years of play in you man Go for it !

 

[kdf;zsjdlxkjgndfg]

I am 39, autistic, partially disabled, depressed and living with more than a chronic illness and constant, 24/7 pain. I started five months ago.

Will I ever be on a pro level with it? No.
Will it take me forever to be proficient? Possibly.
Am I having fun and does it distract me from my daily woes? Absolutely.

It's not about the destination, it's the journey that fills your life. As my bass mentor told me: it's ok not practice even for weeks on ends. The important thing is, just never quit. Nobody is breathing down your neck. You enjoy it? Just do it. Everything else is noise.

I want to read about your progress here on these pages! Take care.

I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).

 

[SteveHeissner]

We're not talking about playing in the NFL. Your age is irrelevant. Go for it! Take lessons if you can swing it.

 

[lfmn16]

You're too old when you're dead. Anytime before that is a good time to start. The bass player in my Rockabilly band started upright lessons at 70.

 

[Hounddog409]

I am 43 now. I tried learning the bass 2 years ago. I like it, but I just didn't practice enough and didn't learn more than just a few cords. I had an Ibanez GSR200 that I actually got on Ebay, new for $140 shipped. Unfortunately, I have since sold it.

Over the past 2 years, I was thinking that I want to give it another shot. But, now I'm 43. I jumped on a few forums for beginner bass guitar reviews and see that most folks seem to be teenagers. So, that got me thinking about age

Just wondering if there were other folks out there who started later in life too.

The bass guitars I'm considering is getting another Ibanez GSR 200 or the Dean Custom Zone in Electric Green (I just really like the look of it). Thoughts? I'd like to spend as little as possible since I'm just starting out; under $200 (I know the Dean is $229).

I wish I started that young!

started at 45. no regrets. As for bass, Ibanez is hard to beat at any price point. quality basses.

But the best advice is to take lessons! Find a bass instructor and take some lessons. This is the best thing you can do.

 

[HubbardsFate]

It could be argued that the fact that you're now middle-aged is THE reason to take up the bass.

Apparently there's been a study or two done that shows that, versus the general population, people who play musical instruments have a much greater chance of NOT developing dementia and other mental/memory issues as they get older.

For that reason alone, although I am more of a hobbyist player/bass collector these days than a serious gigging player, I will always practice/play bass.

 

[mrjim123]

43 - no problemo. I would strongly recommend lessons, something I wish I had done when I first learned bass.

 

[misslynn909]

I thought I was too old to learn. I'm only 15. But hey, after seeing all these other amazing bassists that started a year before me made me feel happy. Oh, my dad is 42 and hes learning also. He started this year, I don't think you are.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

It's never too late, but you have to put in the practice time.
Any modern axe will do, it's the hands not the tool.

Oh yeah, have fun!
Dirk

 

[pbal]

I think the forum has spoken. I've been playing for longer than you've been alive and I still get chills when I learn something. I don't play music to feed my body.. it would be a hellava weight loss plan. I play music to feed my soul. My soul is well fed and happy. I wish you many happy and healthy years!

 

[JaxonHaze]

I'm 40 years old, and the most important thing I've ever learned is that you can always learn more. I say go for it