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Is there a time when it IS too late to learn ?

#4
It's never to late to learn, that's what keeps our brains active and hands and fingers flexible. Today there are lots of online lessons available, take a look at a few and choose one that suits you.
I started by playing along with my favourite tunes back in the 60's.:bassist:
 
#7
I think learning something new when you suffer from dementia is kinda hard.. but before then no i don't think Any moment is too late but you might want to set your goals differently.. for example my mom startend learning an instrument, she's 58:) my grandma wanted to learn djembé, she s 83:)
 
#8
That's the standard. I first picked up the bass when I retired. I play every day and enjoy it. Am I getting any better at it? Yes! Is learning harder for me than it used to be? Probably! Will I every earn a cent by playing professionally? No! But I refuse to accept that as a reason to give up.
 
#9
A lot of my clients with Teach Me Bass Guitar are guys and gals that are enjoying Second Life and want the bass to be part of their lives. They're having fun with it and learning, so I think the answer is it's only too late when you stop breathing or being able to use your hands or feet (Dave Pomeroy made me aware of an amazing bassist who plays with his feet because he has no arms!).
 
#12
When I was younger I never had time to practice, so I never improved, got bored and gave up. Now I have more time to practice and more money to buy good quality equipment. I actually look forward to practice. There are some benefits to starting later in life.

I found a teacher that's teaching me music theory and technique. I find both to be fascinating (even if I get things wrong) The thing is I'm learning and having fun. And with the theory behind me I understand music more.
 
#13
johnnyzbass said:
It's never to late to learn, that's what keeps our brains active and hands and fingers flexible.
Click to expand...

Good point. There is a saying that goes..."use it or lose it", i.e. when we reach a certain age it is important to keep active both mentally and physically to slow down the ageing process. Surely it is a great thing to be able to do this and have fun doing so.
 
#15
i would say, until poor physicality inhibits your learning (to play bass), it is not too late.

but to answer the op's question whether he meant it this way or not, I hope to be learning until the day I die. Knowledge is what we as humans thrive on, IMO, and it is never too late to learn.
 
#16
I'm 56 been playing bass since high school give or take a few years. I never learned more than a few barre chords on guitar. Two years ago I decided i wanted to learn fingerpicking on guitar. I'm thrilled with my progress. So in my experience no it's never too late; unless you believe it is in which case self-fulfilling prophecy is probably the issue.
 
#17
Personally I think that since I'm just a couple of months away from 60 it's too late for me to be the next Victor Wooten or Jaco Pastorius, but that only means that my goals have to be realistic. So I strive to be the best bass player I can possibly be, locking in with the drummer to make a solid rhythm section, keeping time the best I can, and serving the song. I can't be Hadrien Feraud, but I can be Ron Blair! :bassist:
 
#20
Yes.

For a guy like me who had re-constructive surgery in his right hand, I will inevitably be getting arthritis in my right hand. Once it becomes hard to play it would be pointless to learn.

I would like to think I would have acquired enough hobbies and interests by that time to keep me occupied.
 

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