• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Starting age

#42
Not at all. I'm fifteen, and I started playing about a year ago, even though I had owned a bass and tried to pick it up for about seven years prior. It's better to start as young as possible, don't get me wrong, but nothing wrong with starting at this age. I see kids my age, or even younger, who seem to be pros already, and find out they've been playing years before I started. That scares me. But then I'll see my teachers making the most amazing music on their respective instruments, and when I ask when they started, their answer is usually 17 or 18. So stick with it, and you'll find your starting age is perfect.
 
#43
I just started playing bass at the tender age of 47 (6 months ago) with the goal of gigging by my 50th birthday. You're never too old! I'm putting in my shed time, grinding every day and loving every second of it. I have previous musical experience (woodwind instruments), but nothing that compares to how much I'm loving playing now. It's not about where or when you start, it's all about the journey. Have fun!
 
#47
No it's never too late, or too early for that matter, to start learning an instrument and play music.

The sooner the better though, you learn easier at a younger age and you don't have a thousand other commitments that take up your time. I played other instruments at school, but started playing bass in my late twenties. I'm sure I'd be a better player today if I had started earlier, but for my purposes - having fun with music rather than making it a career or becoming the world's best - it doesn't matter really. I fool around with other instruments as well, just for fun as I royally suck on all of them, but again, it's all in good fun and I have no aspirations of becoming seriously good at it.

Sounds like you're on the right path though, taking lessons and all.
 
#48
I started at 9. But that does not make me any better or lesser than players who started last year.
I wouldn't think to brag about playing for over 30 years, because that would invite people ether thinking I'm pretentious or under skilled for my years.
At 16, you should be thinking jobs, girls, cars and bass. Good for you.
Go hard, and remember - practice, practice, practice.
Good luck!
 
#49
Sorry to reply to my own post, but edit to add:

Do yourself a HUGE favour and don't pigeonhole yourself.
Don't become a rock bassist
Don't become a punk bassist
Don't become a funk bassist
Don't become a hardcore bassist

Become a bassist. Learn and listen to as much as you can - every genre has it's benefits, and the more versatile you are, the better chances you have of becoming a solid, rounded player.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bassmeknik and FretNoMore
#51
You are the perfect age, so to speak. The younger the better. With all due respect young bassist, I suggest asking yourself where you got the notion that you were to old to do most anything. Just keep at it and don't limit yourself to music you want to play. Learn as many different styles as you can. Time will render you an accomplished bassist through your continued efforts. Start now. You will know soon enough if it is your "calling" (what you love to do and want to do).

I am 57 and picked up the bass at 15 after a few years at piano, trumpet, and guitar. By 16 it was "speaking to me" and I knew it was what I wanted to do and I have had a lot of fun working at it. I am not rich or famous but I love what I do.
 
Last edited:
#53
Vytautas said:
Hey, guys. I recently started playing bass, and I'm 16. Ain't this age too late for starting playing an instrument? Thank you for the answers
Click to expand...

Things sixteen is too old for:

  • Any kind of run at Olympic gymnastics
  • Child star on TV sitcom
  • Getting into Zoo free
  • Dating Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis
I'm sure there are more, but those are the funniest ones I could think of offhand. In all seriousness, I started playing bass for real around age 46. I'm starting to be in demand now! (I'm 51)
 
#55
I have a dear friend that started playing dobro at age 32. Seven years later he found himself touring with a Bluegrass legend and has played and sang with Alison Krauss and several other big names.

No, you're not too old to start playing an instrument.
 
#57
You're never too old. As long as your fingers kinda sorta mostly work, you can keep playing til they have to bury you.

I started at 17 and have been playing on and off for 25 years. I'm still a total hack, rising to the stellar heights of "passable" on a good night, but it doesn't mean I enjoy it any less.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back