CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Calling all guitar players....my father who is 85 wants to learn to play guitar. What/who has the easiest online courses would you suggest I set him up with? He lives in PA and I live in MT so no way to help him except set his laptop up with shortcuts to online courses. I am willing to pay for them for him.

Who/what website would you suggest I have him use?

Thanks
Cindy

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Cindy, I play classic guitar and renaissance lute. From my ramblings on the web, I think Guitar Mastery Method is probably one of the better ones.
https://www.guitarmasterymethod.com/
--Bob

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Just wanted to say that I think it's awesome that your dad wants to learn to play guitar at his age. Good for him!!

I wish him the best of luck and I hope he enjoys it!!!

Dodie

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

It's great that he wants to take up guitar, Cindy. I taught myself with books when I was a kid. (Sixty years ago). There are many free resources on the web; especially on YouTube. I haven't looked for "paid" lessons but I have learned a lot with all the free lessons out there. We're never too old to learn something new.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks I will check that one out!

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

He is technology challenged...so I have to set him up with something easy to access with one click or he will get frustrated but yet offers the learning he wants...lol

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

He enjoys listening to me play when I am home and wants to play along with me...which makes me happy as well.

ImageCreator Loc: Northern California

Try Gibson guitar course. Comes with dvd’s and books. Not cheap but easy to learn from. He’ll be playing in three months. It called the Gibson Learn and Master guitar course.

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks...I will look into that one. That might be better for him.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

You can get a series of three DVDs (now via digital streaming) for a complete beginner from Homespun Tapes: Homespun.com.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

First I would ask if he has any arthritis in his fingers.
I played guitar when I was younger with no problem playing the chords. After a long gap, maybe 50 years, I started playing again. Now I have problems playing certain basic chords; C and F for example. I first bought an inexpensive nylon stringed guitar. Lots of problems pressing down the strings to the fretboard.
I researched the problem and found a brand that is better for people with arthritis. The brand is Zagar. You may recognize the name as he was one of the writers/singers of the song, “In the Year 2525…” by by Zagar and Evans. UHe imports guitars from Indonesia and modifies them for people with arthritis. They’re about $200-$300, at least when I bought mine a few years ago. True guitar enthusiasts have some reservations but this guitar certainly helped me over the nylon stringed one I gave to my granddaughter.
Now I can play many of the chords I couldn’t but practice and massaging the fingers helps, too.
There is also a device that attaches to the fretboard on which you press buttons and the chords are played.

Look up Zagar guitars and guitars for people with arthritis.
Hope this helps.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

streetmarty Loc: Brockton, Ma

Cindy, hi I’ve been playing for 60 years and wish I had YouTube back then! You need not spend a penny if you don’t want to. Best free is Justin Guitar total free and will take him from basic to solid intermediate. Also free once he gets going a little bit is Stitch Method. I think he is the best teacher on YouTube. Another excellent resource but not free but very reasonable is TrueFire. Best of luck. 🎸👍

Davido43

Hi I am also in my later years and I have found an excellent guitarist that has a free learning site that he runs alongside of his pay for course. It is not necessary to take the paid course but if you are happy with what you learn from him he would appreciate any donation that you feel appropriate.
If you just go on google or whatever search engine you use and type in Justinguitar it opens up what I consider a great world of free instruction.
Regards David

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

Thanks everyone...I did set him up with the Justin Guitar free beginner courses and Guitarlessons.com beginner courses as well....so I think we are set for now!

I appreciate the help! If he really starts to get into it and wants to advance...I will find someone to come to the house for lessons.