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    Guitar for Seniors

    Never too late. 5 chords = 100 songs.

    Starter guitar ($150-300)

    • Yamaha FG800 ($230) — best beginner.
    • Fender CD-60S ($200).
    • Yamaha APX600 ($350) — easier neck.
    • 3/4 size for smaller hands.
    • Classical (nylon strings) easier on fingers.
    • Buy used — Guitar Center, Reverb.

    First 5 chords

    • G, C, D, Em, Am.
    • These = thousands of songs.
    • Practice changing between them.
    • Master = first songs possible.
    • 30 days of 15-min/day = noticeable progress.
    • Don't learn theory yet.

    Learn online

    • JustinGuitar.com — FREE, gold standard.
    • YouTube — Marty Schwartz beginner.
    • Yousician — app, gamified.
    • Fender Play — $10/mo.
    • Local lessons — $30-50/wk.
    • Senior centers often free lessons.

    Senior comforts

    • Light gauge strings (less finger pain).
    • Acoustic-electric — easier on body.
    • Strap — sit straight, don't hold up.
    • Capo — change keys easily.
    • Sit comfortably with foot rest.
    • Stop if hand pain.

    Easy first songs

    • Knockin' on Heaven's Door.
    • Sweet Caroline.
    • Wagon Wheel.
    • Country Roads.
    • Three Little Birds — Bob Marley.
    • Folsom Prison Blues.
    • Most use just 3-4 chords.

    Health benefits

    • Hand dexterity.
    • Brain new pathways.
    • Stress relief.
    • Memory exercise (chord changes).
    • Social — guitar circles.
    • Sing along = lung exercise.

    Be patient

    First 4-6 weeks fingers hurt — calluses form. Push through. Most quit too early. After 90 days you'll be playing real songs. After year you'll be playing for family. Family member learns alongside = bonding. Library has guitar books. Free + lifetime hobby.

    Guitar for Seniors | TekSure