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Learning to play an instrument.
Reading some of these replies, it seems people are only focusing on half of the process of learning an instrument.
Its not just the instrument you need to learn, it's how to read sheet music as well. Most likely, you're not going to find the exact coords to play with the delay in between written as seconds for the song you want. Its going to be in the format of sheet music, with the notes and other symbols.
That takes time to learn, like learning a new language. It's something you need to learn either before or while learning an instrument, and that is something that can put a lot of people off.
It's never too late
It does require some time investment but it's so rewarding.
How does one get started assuming one already has a guitar? I tried reading tabs but i'm just so slow and even when I do get it, it doesn't sound right.
Are you tuning your strings before the each session?
The only way to get better is to keep trying 🤷♂️ you'll start slow and hitting wrong notes n, eventually it'll be slow and right, until eventually it's almost fast enough.
Also, look for a guitar teacher 🤷♂️ lessons are generally not that expensive and just a few can really get you started
Justonguitar.comis how I learned to play and is frequently suggested for beginners. Its a free srructured couse, that will teach you everything you need to know.
Playing guitar is incredibly difficult, and having an actual teacher would save you countless hours, but its possible to teach yourself, just keep at it.
Find a music teacher in real life. There is no substitute. They will be able to see very subtle things in your technique that are hindering you. They can give you feedback in real time. Video lessons from the greatest guitarist will not come close to in-person lessons from a decent guitarist.
Also make friends with other guitarists and play music with them. Music is a social thing.
I got lessons to start off with and it helped a lot. Then years later I tried to learn jazz on my own and I was hopeless. Six months with a teacher got me to where 3 years on my own would have gotten me. The teacher identified gaps in my skills I was completely blind to - I'd have reinforced my strengths while ignoring my weaknesses.
100% this. I "played" guitar and bass for about 20 years, doing tabs and YouTube lessons. I could do plenty of stuff passably, and have been in a few bands and played a few shows in public that went fine.
I got a Rhodes piano for free, and started doing the same learning on my own. My wife signed me up for 6 months of lessons with a real teacher as a gift. I learned so much in my now 2+years with her than the 20 years on my own.
You can get any lesson you want somewhere online, but it isn't tailored to you or what you want/need to learn.
My teacher asks me what my goals are, and she figures out how to get me there. She sees where I'm at, can pick pieces and lessons to study that aren't too hard or too easy, and corrects me before bad habits set in. I've learned the benefits of reading sheet music vs tabs, I've learned scales and how to apply them, and everything I learn is in proper order to allow it to make sense!
As I spend more time learning with her, all the random stuff I "learned" in my own actually clicks into place because I'm getting taught it all in proper context. It's like building a kit by having someone read you the instructions step by step as opposed to you just opening a box full of pieces and trying to figure out what it is you're building randomly as you go.
Honestly the time investment to be able to play a few songs is actually really quick on most instruments. Like on guitar you can go from having never held one to being able to play cool rock songs in under 30 minutes. Even a newborn infant just out of the womb can play a recognizable rendition of Smoke On The Water
I mostly agree with you, but I think it takes a little time to be able to play in something resembling the right rhythm. New players often struggle with changing chords (even 2 note power chords) quickly enough to play something that sounds musical.
But yeah, people would be surprised with how quickly you can learn to be a basic-but-functional guitarist.
I guess it depends on your standards. If you're fine taking your mangled attempt and seeing what happens after running various fx through then you'll have a good time.
For sure, especially with today's access to information. Dynamic tabs, endless video tutorials, gamified apps, etc. It's the string pressure on your fingertips that you'll have to get used to first.
Guess who some time ago grapped the entry level guitar a friend wanted to give away and already mastered his first few accords! :-)
But things are going slooow when you have reached a certain age.
I just wish I already had started when I was still younger...
I started when I was in 5th grade and I still don't feel like where I want to be. Honestly, I think dissatisfaction with your current skill level is just a part of the arts for a lot of people. :)
So do I, and I always will, but that doesn't take away the joy it's brought me once I got over the first few hurdles.
I picked up the guitar during Covid, in my 60s. Over 5 years later, and I'm at about an intermediate level, and very happy with my progress.
Thanks to You Tube, learning an instrument has never been easier, especially the guitar. The best guitar teachers in the world are all over YouTube, with plenty of free content. I'm sure it's the same with any instrument.
If you want to, do it.
Piano for me.
Would be guitar for me.
You can carry it around and has a nice social aspect...
and nobody EVER asks for the piano recital of Wonderwall!
jerks
If we're counting keyboards as a type of piano, you can get some that are pretty portable too. I lucked out and got a second hand one from my ex's sister for free (she was getting rid of it anyway), and it'd pretty light and not too big!