Am I too old to learn?

[MtManiac]

Do it!!!!!!

I got a lot of encouragement from TB'ers 2 years ago when I asked the same question.

I'm just starting to gig now.

I'll be 54 in June.

Good luck!

Awesome!!!!!! Way to go dude!!

 

[cowsgomoo]

you're only too old if you think you're too old

 

[Orangeclawhammr]

you're only too old if you think you're too old

If that's the case, you better think again!

 

[Atoz]

I more or less picked up the bass at 40 (the two months I spent at 22 don't really count), had my first gig at 41, and am still enjoying myself at 43 and plan to go on as long as possible. Do it.

 

[Tired_Thumb]

By the time you're 54, you'll have been playing 10 years, more than enough time to put on enough skills to convince people you've been playing since at least your teens, depending on how you practice. I'm only 24, been playing since I was 21 (granted, I've been a musician previous to that), and I'm amazed in how much I've learned in just these short years. Of course I'm not the world's greatest bassist, but I have more than enough skills to gig with most bands who throw a gig my way.

 

[jumbosilverette]

51 here. Took it up two years ago, though I had previous music experience. I'm playing my first paid gig Sunday. It's only too late if you're dead and buried.

 

[Octoberpunk]

Even a 75 years old grandma can learn anything..

 

[clarifixer]

"Gofer it, youngster!" ....said the old f**t about to turn 60. You're never to old to have a groove.

 

[chasfr]

Currently 53, started just a couple of years ago. I have fun, and I bet you will too. The only thing to watch out for is repetitive stress injuries, which can be a little more of a problem for us old folks. Get a teacher who can make sure you're using correct ergonomics, and remember to use a light touch.

Do it!

Chas

 

[mijust]

Let me tell you, Please just go for it. I was 54 when I bought my first bass. I didn't know how to hold the damn thing. That was 3 years ago. After taking lessons from a great teacher and reading everything I could find and spending hours upon hours of practice time. I now can hold my own a little. I'm having the time of my life just learning how to play. I am now retired and now looking for a new career in a jazz band soon.
Now get off this site and go Practice.

 

[Laredo]

Do it! I'm 41 and love playing bass for fun and profit. You might want to look into a wireless set up for your bass though. You don't want to trip over a cable and break a hip!

LOL!!!!...........Wait a minute, I'm 43.............Guess I'll have to look into wireless now:scowl:

 

[RiddimKing]

" think jamming with your kids is a great idea!! My 7 year old turns 8 on Monday, and he's been begging for a Squier Mini Strat, so that's what he's getting"

I dunno: unless your kid has unusually small hands, I'd say get him a regular sized Strat (Squier, etc.)--if he digs it, he's going to outgrow that mini really fast. And, at 8, he's just at the right age to start lessons.

 

[509BeeRbeLLy]

Thank you all for your very speedy and insightful replies! I guess for me, it's just the fear of the unknown and all, but I am seriously considering it. I think the biggest fear for me is learning to read music. I see what my son is going thru and I think "holy crap..what is all that?" LOL

I am going to talk further with my son's guitar teacher about who he would recommend for a teacher (I don't think he teaches bass). It is really a comfort to see all the older guys who have just gotten into it and knowing that there are other older farts out there that were in my same "shoes" at one point.

 

[dlloyd]

To address the drums vs. bass issue. I vote bass. Not because I play bass (I play drums a bit too). This is a practical issue. If you buy a bass and a small amp, you can still play after everyone is in bed. Most amps come with a headphone jack. However, if you try to practice your triplets and paradiddles on a set of drums... you may find yourself living in the garage.

Actually, that's not such a problem.

With drums, rudiments can be practiced on a decent practice pad, which is fairly quiet. Drum kits can be quietened with the use of drum mutes, which cut the volume by around 90% (if you believe the manufacturers), which isn't enough to allow you to practice while people in your house are in bed, but should cut complaints from neighbours.

 

[G-sound]

Don't fear the music! If you can get a teacher who can show you basic song structure, basic chord structure, and how to start feeling the groove, you'll be ready to fly. Learning to read music is a good goal, but you can play tons and tons of good music while you learn.

I'll be 47 in April and just started learning bass last summer. I played with one of our church bands a couple of times for Christmas. Nothing fancy, just tried to hold the bottom end and mostly stay with the drummer.

I wish I had the $$ for lessons, but for now I use a few books, the internet, and a tool for slowing songs and looping phrases. If you have the chords to a song, you can play along while you train your ears.

Just DO IT!!

 

[jholanda]

And 44 is not old.

yeah, I am also 46 and I am not that old

 

[COOL AND DEADLY]

You should absolutely pick up the bass. I started at 32 and had similar reservations. I play in a band now and hope to do so for the rest of my days if i am able.

 

[txbasschik]

Go for it!!! I didn't pick up the bass until I was 39. I'm 45 now, and always working to learn new things to be a better player. I've achieved the respect of my peers and our fans, and am feeling pretty good about my playing.

Get a teacher who will start you on the basic fundamentals, and build on those. That's what I did, even after five years of being self-taught. The scales, the scales, the scales...they are the keys to everything.

My teacher has me pick a key signature every day...E, C#, whatever...I go in order up the neck. He has me practice the natural major, the minor, pentatonics for both, and blues scales, and he has me sing each note. Then I set my acoustic bass on its butt and fret (no picking) the scale, as if it were an upright. Then I'm to deconstruct the scale, trying to create patterns and riffs with each one. I do one key sig per day. I also squeeze a jack ball between my thumb and pinkie on my fretting hand, to increase the strength in my pinkie.

You can do it, man!!! Git 'er done!

Cherie

 

[lomo]

Do it! I began 6 yrs ago at 39 with no experience after watching my 5 yr-old daughter start piano. I'm lovin' it! Started my 1st band about a year ago. We play out several times a year and jam a few times a month. Practicing relaxes me-it's my escape. BUT-IME you MUST commit to an hour per day (or more) of practice, virtually every day. It takes longer to learn at our age, but it's very doable. If you have the discipline to stay with it, you'll be amazed every 6 months when you evaluate how far you've come. Other advice is to get a good teacher. It was among the truly best decisions of my life.

 

[Steelers Fan]

Thank you all for your very speedy and insightful replies! I guess for me, it's just the fear of the unknown and all, but I am seriously considering it. I think the biggest fear for me is learning to read music. I see what my son is going thru and I think "holy crap..what is all that?" LOL

Don't let the fear of reading music scare you off. I started playing bass at 40. It was birthday gift from my wife. I couldn't read bass clef that well at the time. I initially learned playing by ear along with the wife on piano. It's amazing how much you can teach yourself with the help of bass books and this great TB forum.

Three years later, we now perform as a family with my son on drums and daughter on 2nd keyboard. We have a blast and you will too playing along with your son. I've just now started taking some lessons and working on my sight reading.
You can do it. Go for it!!!