Better late than never

[tyru007]

Reaching my 40's, there are a few things that I have always wanted to do but never got around to. Learning to play guitar is one of those things. I'm not looking to play in a band, or a solo gig, or expiring to be the best. Just to play with a few friends now and again. My wife recently convinced me that I need to find activities that do not take such a toll on my body. Not that guitar playing doesn't required strength and endurance, but I have been competing in Judo tournaments, beach volleyball and soccer. It seems to take more and more time to recover from each.

I took the opportunity to bargain with my wife that I would drop an activity in exchange for taking up the guitar. She was actually very supportive, (probably happy knowing that she would finally be able to keep some ice in the freezer instead of on my body). Anyways, did a little research, including searching this site and visited a couple of local stores with a knowledgable friend to try out some guitars.

By the way, if your a begginer like me, I would strongly suggest finding a friend with some experience to help you. My friend did not say "get this one.... or get that one..." . He simply answered my questions and assisted me in setting up and testing each one I liked.

Decided to try and find a HSS setup and liked the upper level Squiers and the Ibanez SA and GSA. Ending up getting a leftover Squier Standard HSS for a price I couldn't pass up.

Now I'm in search of a decent 15W practice amp at <$100. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[millrat]

if there is a giotar center in your area they have a pretty good selection, just try 'em all out and get the one you like that's in your price range.

[Prez]

Welcome to Jam Session!

The least physically intensive instrument to learn would be the keyboard. Short of worrying about correct posture, there are no physical concerns really. The guitar involves proper sitting and positioning - Zappa (here on Jam Session, not Dweezil or Frank) has a bad back and he said that he couldn't play for more than 5 minutes a day without pain. Just something to consider.

Otherwise, the guitar is an excellent low demand instrument. The biggest mistake beginners make that leads to injury is improper stretching before practice and overuse. Pain in the hands, wrist, and fingers is your warning sign to take a rest - ignore it at your own peril. In the beginning, patience is required as your muscles slowly develop the strength and stretch necessary to play the guitar.

So, in short; take it slow, take it easy, and have fun.

[Acoustic]

Welcome to Jam Session.

[Dipsomaniac]

welcom to JS

I am also a lateish bloomer (i started at 26). i would recommend going to guitar shops and playing everything in your price range. find things you like, then check craigslist. you can usally find stuff at a good price there. then when you reach that point when you are a guitarist for life, you can start to upgrade your rig as you seem fit. its good that you know someone who has been playing for awhile to show you the basics and get ya started.

[-Atticus-]

welcome to JS im sorta new as well

[Vladdypwnz]

Welcome to JS :)