Hi Justin! I have to tell you that I feel struck when you say it's kinda sad to admit you are more of a teacher than player now. Let me tell you something. I value you more than dozen of John Fruciantes and Jimmie Hendrix. YOU, sir, are the only reason I can enjoy music by playing it - yeah, sure its nice to listen to guitar legends, but I would not have connected with music the way I do now, without playing guitar. You should not envy anyone out there. I dont think these huge legendary musical carriers mean you are happy with your life. Look at Fruciante drug story, Chester Bennington suicide... YOU, sir, are the real deal. You acquired huge musical knowledge and I can feel you really care to share that with us. EVERY single lesson has so much details and its free (its crazy in todays world!). I have a family, serious job, busy life, you now.. adult stuff and I cant spend all day playing guitar figuring out stuff by myself, and YOU, sir, are a blessing for people like me. YOU bring joy to peoples lifes just as much as any other guitar hero. KEEP IT UP. (sorry for spelling mistakes - not native) Alright then, now I go for a walk with my furry buddy. See you soon, bye bye.
Thanks man, I don't feel down about it, but I do sometimes wish I got to spend as much time being creative as I do teaching 0 in fact it's one of my goals this year! But I'll very comfortable in my skin :) I appreciate your kind words though dude! :)
Well said, jayjay! I am finally breaking free of my rut and getting better with my guitars every day thanks to Justin. A critical part of being a great guitar teacher is being a great guitarist and Justin is that as well as having an amazingly accessible teaching style. I find myself recommending his site to people all the time! I am really looking forward to your new recordings too, Justin!
Hey man, lay the fuck off Frusciante! If you've never had a drug problem just fuck off and keep your I'll informed mouth SHUT. And , NO, there are not 10 of him or Hendrix, they are fucking one offs, they broke their own mold. What you don't know about life is stunning my man
"Nice" to know that you have struggled with G chord. :) For me (71) all chords are a struggle because of osteoarthritis in both my hands. My struggle is also C chord because my fingers do not bend properly (G chord I manage now). Still after three years of trying to learn to play guitar. You are my biggest idol and role model for playing and learning. If someone can play guitar with his toes, I might some day learn to play with my crabby fingers, I hope (seen video about that kind of playing). Now going through your Folk fingerstyle patterns 1 -6. I haven't played guitar when I was kid. So struggle is beyond anyone can dream of. But I keep trying.
The hardest part about learning guitar is staying motivated to practice. Hearing how other great players got their initial inspiration to pickup the instrument is great motivation so thanks Justin!
My grandma into my guitar playing too! She encourages me the most out of my entire family. Its funny whenever she visits she wants me to play and she gives me her undivided attention when I play, it humbling, and super encouraging.
Justin coming from a teacher of engineering and design for 40 years I can say without any doubt you are a great teacher and the reason I have picked up the guitar after 50 years. If I had your teaching 50 years ago I never would have stopped learning back then! Found this video truly interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Maaate! Great video! Thank you for your kind words. You were playing a black Squire Tele back in Valhalla days. I sold you the Peavy when I bought my first Marshall. I remember the day we painted the fluoro orange on the Escort's rims. Great times. All the best to you.
Dude you rock! Yeah the black Tele... wonder where that one got to! And painting rims on the Escort... oh dear! No where near as cool as your V8 wagon... oh those were the days! :)
At 72 years old, your videos got me wanting to learn to play. I think you are a great guy and really admire what you are doing and what you have accomplished. Thanks for all you do.
Just love these stories from your youth. I'm from Sydney and took up guitar there from your lessons. Now in the UK and still following your lessons and donating. Thank you and stay safe x
Justin, playing since high school, but now at retirement and 69 yo, be proud you're a teacher! Learned very much from you and you have a gift for it. Thx for what you do!
8 months ago I was down a UA-cam hole and came across this Brit geek unboxing the cheapest electric guitar from Amazon. My first ever guitar video. Thought "why not try" and I've been with you ever since. I'm 63 and every video of yours I watch deepens my respect and admiration for you. And the more I learn and branch out, I always keep JustinGuitar as my base. There is no one better. My only criticism of your walks is that I'm distracted by the woods. What beautiful surroundings!
I am just starting my learning Journey with Justin's course and one thing I have to say is that Justin just comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, no BS, just straight forward and immensely likeable.
Absolutely loved this video Justin. You are a fantastically humble person & an inspiration to a lot of us guitar players out there so thank you for posting this.
You are the best I have found for relearning acoustic guitar. I am over 60 but your lessons are making me feel hopeful that I will play half way decent. Thank you Justin for all that you do.
Justin, I have to thank you for your beginner courses. You were the first teacher I watched when picking up the guitar and I've made a lot of progress thanks to you. I like these videos and hope to see more soon!
Utterly captivating!Seriously that was really nice.Really enjoyed it.More please,with Whatever topic takes your fancy.Really liked the idea of putting in pics of yourself when you were younger with your mates,your first car etc.You know,I reckon you could write a book about your life!You are very well known,in the business and with the guitaring general public,might be something to think about down the road.Nice one dude,just luv Ziggy.
I was just letting You Tube play in the background ( casting through my Telly) whilst pottering round the house on a Saturday as you do, when I started watching i just thought it was about hiking or mysterious disappearance' lol. & it took me about 5mins watching to click it was you. Absolutely great Justin, wot a top, genuine, humble & inspirational lad you are mate. Great job
Thanks Justin, an Aussie from QLD here, I enjoyed the story. I missed the run as a youngster but I'd love for my 8 year old son to take a love for the guitar. I'm not pushing him into it but throwing out the hints and trying to set an example as I work through your excellent beginner's course myself. In my late 40's not afraid to start :)
@@dr.souvikchatterjee7656 It's hard getting time for consistent practise, I've taken a step back and I'm working on some very basics to try and build up my playing skills properly. It's a long road but it'll be worth it in the end.
Your story about Mrs.Basilewski is exactly why you are such an incredible teacher Justin, you have a very cheerful, easy-going, encouraging demeanour, infectious enthusiasm and you make everyone believe they can do it, which is so important. Glad to hear of another famous Australian - like you my first toe dipping into music was with a spit-filled, dripping recorder from playing Hot Cross Buns in elementary school, Sydney
Hello Justin, Let me reiterate what someone below said when you said it's kinda sad to admit you are more of a teacher than a player now. Your teaching is amazing. That's not sad at all. I started teaching when I was quite young as well. I taught baseball to younger kids when I was just a teenager myself. And then I became a classroom college English and writing teacher, which I've done most of my life, clocking 33 years in the classroom, part time, while trying to put together a life in academia. I'm now 57, in a career change to be a writer, and jobless. I picked up the guitar to bring music back into my life because owning a piano right now is not feasible. I absolutely love it and your teaching. I understand that adage when someone says "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." Such a bunch of B.S. Teaching is an inspired profession, and not everyone does it well. In one of your early videos, you said that the more you learn, the less you feel you actually know, the more there is to learn. And that's absolutely right - knowledge is infinite. The fields of what you don't know grow as you learn and drill down deeper and deeper. I took piano lessons for 20 years, but I'm a lousy player - never learned to keep time well, never was taught dynamics. I can read music well and know a bit about theory, but I'm not a professional and am even a poor novice. But the enjoyment I get out of it is one of the best feelings I've ever had, right up there with sailing - letting go of life's cares and floating about with the wind in the sails. I've never seen stress disappear faster, except maybe while playing the piano. During the pandemic, I've lost my job, kinda in a career change to work on my own writing anyway. I had a guitar that belonged to my ex- that I sold - it was an albatross to the relationship and wasn't very good. I lived on a sailboat so a guitar was better than a piano. But now, with time on my hands, I decided I would learn on my own and bought a cheap Yamaha acoustic guitar. I started learning on my own from videos, at first from one of your competitors. When I noted that I liked the guy in some comments, someone had mentioned your videos. So I checked them out - whoa...... a true teacher! A master! Understanding that fundamentals are the key to success - that's how I approach teaching writing as well. Anyone can learn to write. I've been playing for about 3 months, slowing making my way through. I have your phone app. And then there are so many paths through on your website - the classic path, the beginner lessons, the app - all slightly different. Right now I'm reviewing all of the new beginner lessons to figure out how to practice and work on 5 songs to learn before moving on. I've got the 8 chords basic beginner chords down - A, D, E, G, D, Am, Em, Dm - and then some of the 7s. But my D chord sucks - like, really. I flub it almost every time. - need to pull finger 2 back behind the fret and push finger 3 forward toward the fret while keeping finger 1 close enough to the fret. And chord changing for speed is tough for me, even though I practice the 1-minute changes. I can do the changes, but while playing songs, I flub it all up. But still, I see improvement every day. I'm inspired to learn and master these fundamentals. I know I'm improving, but I also know myself and am itching to have a teacher in person who could perhaps help me avoid some bad habits I'm developing. I know with other online teachers, my habits would be worse. Your videos really do a great job in pointing out potential pitfalls and what to focus on. I'm impatient that I'm such a bad player still. But I can see, hear, and feel my improvement - so I keep that in mind. I wish I videoed my earliest attempts to play because I'm 1000% better now, and it's still rough. As a piano player, I didn't think I'd like guitar much at all, but I love it so much! I'm itching to get an electric guitar, but I'm too early in my journey. Teaching is as much a creative pursuit as playing or writing. You've touched so many people. And I feel immensely fortunate to be one of them. Thank you, my friend. - Lee
Really enjoyed watching the video. Always wanted to learn how to play a guitar, but did not have the time (should have made an extra effort), but now that I have retired, I have decided to take it up, finding it tough, but not going to give it up. Your site is great & I’m learning a great deal from there. Thank you. From London.
I too am retired and decided to give it a try. Wished I had started earlier and yes, it is extremely hard but I am not giving up. Actually doing it with my son-in-law! Thanks Justin, keep up the great work!
We decided to try and learn in our retirement. We use a mix of Justin and a private tutor , who it turns out was tutored by Justin. Yes it is hard and slow but oh so rewarding and so much enjoyment . Love to know where the walk is too. Thanks Justin.
So happy to see I'm not the only crazy one to try to learn to play the guitar so late in life! LOL I'm from Toronto in Canada and would love to hear from other seniors learning to play the guitar. I'd also like to hear any advice, other than the obvious (regular practice), from Justin for this group of seniors.
“More of a teacher than musician,” not sure of your exact words, but that may be true in terms of income and time spent, but those three CD’s you guys made deserve to be more than just a footnote. I listen to them often and they have been favorites since they were released. In my mind you are both teacher and musician.
And don’t belittle the significance of being a teacher! You are a boat with a big, big wake - making life and music better for so many people. That’s gotta be gratifying!
This video is very inspiring and shows your natural self aside from your main focus. Youve certainly taught me alot and i know over the next few months i will continue to make progress by watching your vids. David from South Yorkshire
Nothing else online beats the quality of your lessons so thank you so much for making them available for everyone. i’m only 3 weeks into the course and i know i’ll be sticking around for much longer!
hey justin , england here , been following u for years and have learnt to play many tunes because of the way you teach , u make it easy to learn , just wanted to say thanks and u deserve your youtube success.
Really enjoyed hearing about your guitar journey and I can't understand why some folk give it a thumbs down. Many thanks for all of the effort you put in Justin.
So cool to hear your story! Thanks so much for all the free content you provide. I only just started learning guitar 3 weeks ago but your app and books have made it an awesome experience so far, learned loads already!
I'm anxious to watch this on my hike this morning Justin. Thanks for sharing your personal story from a fellow Dad of dogs. Your help has been wonderful.
Wow, listening to your history makes me realise why you are such a good teacher. I stopped playing guitar about 20 years ago, just because of life I suppose, then I found your videos by chance and now I grabbed my 30 year old Yamaha FG-450S (bought in Brisbane QLD) restrung it and now I'm reteaching myself with your videos. Some of the stuff I knew stuck but I forgot a lot, so thanks for all those great videos and you made me realise I like playing jazz! Cheers mate.
Justin, I am absolutely loving these dog walks. The peaceful and harmonious vibes that come through are beyond marvelous. Your free lessons were the sole reason I am able play anything at all on the guitar and you have my lifelong respect and undying gratitude for that gift. Keep up the fabulous work that you do so well!
Nice one Justin really enjoyed hearing about your guitar journey. Makes me wish I had started earlier I've been playing for over a year just after my 40th birthday but manage to play and practice everyday. Can't wait for part 2
Love your videos, and the 4K is awesome. I have a music degree, but I just bought my first guitar in May. My teacher recommended your videos. I’m already playing in an all girl punk band and loving it!
Enjoyed that. Have watched your videos for years and think that you are the best in the business. This video confirmed the fact that you are a good chap. Thx for teaching me guitar. Btw, I am in my 80th year.
I'm 61 and will keep trying until I drop. Les Paul kept playing into his 90s, Keith Richards plays with arthritis in his hands, Neil Young and Pete Townsend suffer from hearing problems (as do many more). Justin enhances my guitar playing, and guitar playing enhances my life. Rock on.
We too decided to try and learn guitar in our retirement. We use a mix of Justin and a private tutor , who it turns out was tutored by Justin. Yes it is hard and slow but oh so rewarding and so much enjoyment . Love to know where the walk is too. Thanks Justin. Show less R
I just came back to your channel Justin and watched this episode. I really enjoyed this and it was very good. I play guitar no where in your league but am trying to get better.
You are your only competition when it comes to playing an instrument; so it is important to set your own goals: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/set-your-guitar-goals-pc-101 | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant
Hi Justin loved the video! Can relate to your journey so much as I live in Melbourne. You really are one of the best teachers in the world and at my age of 67 I have learnt a lot from your site. I will never be a good guitarist but I enjoy the challenge! Keep up the great work.
Justin, this video is so lovely on so many levels. It's both enlightening and uplifting to hear about your guitar journey and to come to know you better. Thanks for sharing here and for all the wonderful teaching you offer. I eagerly await the next installment and feel so lucky to have found you here.
So many of us probably started out playing the recorder in primary school music lessons, what a great way to start that was. After the recorder, I moved onto an after-school guitar club run by a teacher kind enough to give his time for free, but my main teacher was a Swedish guy on TV called Ulf Goran. He had a Saturday morning TV show in England called "Play guitar". You bought a book of TABs with a flexi-disc to go along with the TV show, and off you went. Guitar has been such a massive thing in my life, I really wish I'd had the chance to meet and thank him.
It's brilliant to hear you talking about your guitar journey Justin. It's really given me a lift after in getting from work. How about a talk on your guitar collection? Where you got your favourite guitars from, how long you've had them and what's special about them to you. I started playing when I was 15 before the tablature explosion but stupidly packed it in during my early 20s, when the band was I in didn't get anywhere and I thought I was approaching responsible adulthood. But a few years later my love for guitar playing came back and I got into acoustic fingerpicking. Now I'm 55 and looking forward to a time when I can stop work and play the guitar for hours everyday. I bought a house a couple of years ago and am still renovating it. I've dedicated a room to guitar playing. I've got all my guitars, a couple of amps and all the books and learning resources I've collected over the years. I'm going to spend my post retirement years playing the guitar all day; classic rock, punk blues, Brit pop, acoustic blues and ragtime and getting into guitar tech stuff too. There's so much stuff out there nowadays to help aspiring guitar players.
Very interesting history Justin. Love Ziggy and your dog walking area. I'm struggling with disorganised practice sessions. I have downloaded you beginners lessons and your practice assistant. I just trying to get my head around organisation. Love your UA-cam videos.
Very well done! Nice personal stories. Good storytelling skills.Honest. Great that you recorded in the forrest as it makes it interesting for the viewer!! Good framing and clear sound! Well done!!🎸👍🏼
Hi from Qld. Stumbled across this when watching one if your lessons. Brilliant. Have been using the songbook for 6 months now. Wish you had been around during my first attempts to learn guitar in the late 80s. Love your work 👍
Really enjoyed the chat . Was no way I would have seen Justin as a punk . So lucky to start playing so young and has done a full apprenticeship for sure. Looking forward to the next walk.
Justin you are such an amazing human being! always the best lessons with such a great vibe,you inspired me and i learned a lot from you,i bought your disc some years ago,the first one was i think and till now still listen to it and besides of the really great songs there is always a place of being thankful to you.I wish you always the best,you are an example of the humans that will live in a more conscious world.Cheers! Alejandro.-
Loved this, so relaxing and inspiring. I only started my guitar journey some 7 months ago and I was worried about if I was too late (being 17 already). But now I understand that everyone’s journeys are different and all we have to do is follow what we really want to do, and for me it’s guitar.
Very interesting. Can't wait for the sequel. I'm glad you became teacher! I first took up the guitar at age 13. Played for 5 or 6 years then life got in the way and I took a 50 year break. I'm back. Retired and enjoying the heck out of learning the instrument. Your lessons, courses, and song books are a big part of what makes the learning experience so enjoyable for me. Thank you for being such a great teacher. 🎸
Wow, I can't believe it took me this long to see this interesting video. It explains why you're such a great teacher. Loved the dog walk and setting as well. GT
Thanks Justin, very informative. If only someone like yourself was around 50 years ago. I only started seriously practicing when I reached 63. Things are improving, I can now play most of the Quo back catalogue, amongst other stuff ofcourse. It just goes to show your never to old.
It was great to hear about your past dude, your videos have really helped me out, starting out with guitar at 16 years old. Keep up the work man, you’re an inspiration
I am a fantastic guitar player because of you (LOL) and this is ace. Ziggy is ace and love the dog lead spin ( It's a bit like dancing), you're such a nice bloke. Love you so much bro'. I remember learning with books btw. So when I found you It got load easier. I only just subscribed but I've used your video's no end. This made me think of my own guitar journey too. Thanks so much. I look forward to my notifications. xxx
Brilliant idea Justine, walking in the woods with a dog is the best meditation you can have. I started your course a year ago, from beginner to intermediate and beyond now and the great thing is I find your theory lessons very clear and understandable and spend a lot of time walking the dogs thinking about working out chords in keys, positions on the neck such as Triads etc and other aspects of theory and it really helps when I get back to the guitar. ( PS Its also really importent to get off your ass when your over 40)
The "walk of life" found that really interesting always nice to know how things come about. I'm just approaching retirement and hadn't picked up or played a guitar in 40 odd years, brought a hollow body a few weeks back!!! Started going through your lessons and found I was more competent than I thought I would be after so long. Now picking up your song explanations and playing them, Wish the web and you were around when I started playing in the late 70's!!!! would of made my music life a lot simpler!!!! keep up the fantastic work we all appreciate what you do. UK
Great to hear stories about growing up in Tassie, at the same time I picked up a surfboard and couldn't put it down, but loved hitting the "live " pubs...(the Red Lion, McLarens, The Globe , The Goulbourne etc) the music scene was awesome. I remember those bands well. At age 55, I have finally got the time to really focus on guitar and am loving it. My teacher points me toward your tutorials regularly. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for sharing this, Justin! And thanks for all the great lessons on your fantastic site. I hope you save this for your kids and grandkids and great, great .....well you know.
Terrific video, Justin, mate. Another Aussie from Melbourne this time :) Great story telling... and could just imagine y'chatting on the couch over a cup o' tea. Looking forward to hearing about how/where your music has taken you in terms of geography... what emotional things you hope to *express* with your music... how you use music to enhance your everyday... Fanx! again for a great 'chat' :)
I found this very interesting! We have much in common. Thank you Justin for sharing! I have learned so much from you over the last many years. Very much enjoy your teaching.
Really enjoyable video. Great to hear some of your musical background. The woods where you walk Ziggy, remind me of woods where I walk my own dog. Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed this vid...inspiring actually and love that you are so authentic ! Hard to find these days. Thank you for sharing and being so real ! Very much appreciated. Looking forward to the next vid.
I love to hear about your guitar journey, Justin. I recommend your site to so many other guitarist and they always love your clear and patient teaching style. They particularly like the fact that you're a boy from Hobart (where I am) made big in London. Southern Music is still giving lessons up there in Elizabeth St. Cheers, keep up the great work mate. Looking forward to the rest of your journey videos. Thanks, cobber.
Really cool video mate. Love the insight of how one of favourite online tutors got his first guitar, first band and so on. Love the scenery to. Relaxing to listen and watch.
Aw man Justin.... This is exactly what I've been trying to find! I mean it's interesting to hear how players get into guitar, their progress and all...... It's really inspiring and makes me feel like I could do it too! This just goes on to show that musicians are normal ppl... Definitely talented but tangible, a very human side to them. Thanks Justin for all that you have done so far and I can't wait for your interviews!! Keep 'em coming!!!!
I'm interested and I'm sure many others are too. I tried guitar 50 years ago in a place where there were no one played and no resources. I gave up. Fifteen years ago I spoke to a guy playing in a band and said I always wanted to play. He asked if I had a guitar. No I said His reply was well, you'll need a guitar. I went out and bought one the next week and while I likely don't have enough time ahead of me to become a guitar gawd I'm having fun learning. Many thanks to you!
Same here buddy. Was in college with no extra money for lessons and no one around me that was musical. Instead of viewing guitar music as chords or scales, saw it as memorizing hundreds of steps, quickly got frustrated and stopped without even learning a song. The wife has been taking care of her Mom every other weekend that last few years, so it gave me some extra time to attempt again after almost 30 years. Folks like Justin and Marty are unbelievable resources. Has just added so much enjoyment to life to play songs that I've grown to love. Even better now that I'm starting to improve on singing while playing, something I never thought possible. And getting the wife on the mic for drinks and music night at the Gilliams :-)
Thanks for this video. A good insight into how a musician starts and develops. Parts of It remind me of things I did too. But maybe I didn't get as far as you! But I'm still working on it.
Thanks a lot Justin! This filled my workday morning with lots of inspiration! Do more of these! Maybe start another UA-cam channel "Dog walks with Justin" just dedicated to these! :D
Must be very strange feeling, on this side we all feel like we know you and you know nothing of us. That thing called fame.. :) Really nice to see ya in that casual conversation mode even if it is one sided. Anyway thanks for all you do Justin. Im 56 yrs old and noodled for years on the guitar for years. But in the last two have really applied myself and with your help... (and a couple of others) I have improved greatly and feel like I can call myself a musician. But there is still so much to learn!! Thanks
Hi Justin!
I have to tell you that I feel struck when you say it's kinda sad to admit you are more of a teacher than player now. Let me tell you something. I value you more than dozen of John Fruciantes and Jimmie Hendrix. YOU, sir, are the only reason I can enjoy music by playing it - yeah, sure its nice to listen to guitar legends, but I would not have connected with music the way I do now, without playing guitar. You should not envy anyone out there. I dont think these huge legendary musical carriers mean you are happy with your life. Look at Fruciante drug story, Chester Bennington suicide... YOU, sir, are the real deal. You acquired huge musical knowledge and I can feel you really care to share that with us. EVERY single lesson has so much details and its free (its crazy in todays world!).
I have a family, serious job, busy life, you now.. adult stuff and I cant spend all day playing guitar figuring out stuff by myself, and YOU, sir, are a blessing for people like me. YOU bring joy to peoples lifes just as much as any other guitar hero. KEEP IT UP.
(sorry for spelling mistakes - not native)
Alright then, now I go for a walk with my furry buddy.
See you soon, bye bye.
Thanks man, I don't feel down about it, but I do sometimes wish I got to spend as much time being creative as I do teaching 0 in fact it's one of my goals this year! But I'll very comfortable in my skin :) I appreciate your kind words though dude! :)
Well said, jayjay!
I am finally breaking free of my rut and getting better with my guitars every day thanks to Justin. A critical part of being a great guitar teacher is being a great guitarist and Justin is that as well as having an amazingly accessible teaching style. I find myself recommending his site to people all the time! I am really looking forward to your new recordings too, Justin!
Exactly
I obviously didn’t get into guitar because of Justin but he sure is the reason i stayed with it
Hey man, lay the fuck off Frusciante! If you've never had a drug problem just fuck off and keep your I'll informed mouth SHUT. And , NO, there are not 10 of him or Hendrix, they are fucking one offs, they broke their own mold. What you don't know about life is stunning my man
@@justinguitar The simple truth is YOU ROCK JUSTIN!
"Nice" to know that you have struggled with G chord. :) For me (71) all chords are a struggle because of osteoarthritis in both my hands. My struggle is also C chord because my fingers do not bend properly (G chord I manage now). Still after three years of trying to learn to play guitar. You are my biggest idol and role model for playing and learning. If someone can play guitar with his toes, I might some day learn to play with my crabby fingers, I hope (seen video about that kind of playing). Now going through your Folk fingerstyle patterns 1 -6. I haven't played guitar when I was kid. So struggle is beyond anyone can dream of. But I keep trying.
How is your playing now? Are you still enjoying it?
Love this comment
The hardest part about learning guitar is staying motivated to practice. Hearing how other great players got their initial inspiration to pickup the instrument is great motivation so thanks Justin!
My grandma into my guitar playing too! She encourages me the most out of my entire family. Its funny whenever she visits she wants me to play and she gives me her undivided attention when I play, it humbling, and super encouraging.
Very cool vibe to these videos. Loved it
Justin coming from a teacher of engineering and design for 40 years I can say without any doubt you are a great teacher and the reason I have picked up the guitar after 50 years. If I had your teaching 50 years ago I never would have stopped learning back then! Found this video truly interesting. Thank you for sharing!
This was great!! Enjoyed learning about your journey. Truly appreciate all you do Justin! Thank you from Dallas
Cheers!
Maaate! Great video! Thank you for your kind words. You were playing a black Squire Tele back in Valhalla days. I sold you the Peavy when I bought my first Marshall. I remember the day we painted the fluoro orange on the Escort's rims. Great times. All the best to you.
Dude you rock! Yeah the black Tele... wonder where that one got to! And painting rims on the Escort... oh dear! No where near as cool as your V8 wagon... oh those were the days! :)
Well, this “walks” is just awesome!
Thanks!
At 72 years old, your videos got me wanting to learn to play. I think you are a great guy and really admire what you are doing and what you have accomplished. Thanks for all you do.
Just love these stories from your youth. I'm from Sydney and took up guitar there from your lessons. Now in the UK and still following your lessons and donating. Thank you and stay safe x
Justin, playing since high school, but now at retirement and 69 yo, be proud you're a teacher! Learned very much from you and you have a gift for it. Thx for what you do!
8 months ago I was down a UA-cam hole and came across this Brit geek unboxing the cheapest electric guitar from Amazon. My first ever guitar video. Thought "why not try" and I've been with you ever since. I'm 63 and every video of yours I watch deepens my respect and admiration for you. And the more I learn and branch out, I always keep JustinGuitar as my base. There is no one better. My only criticism of your walks is that I'm distracted by the woods. What beautiful surroundings!
I am just starting my learning Journey with Justin's course and one thing I have to say is that Justin just comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, no BS, just straight forward and immensely likeable.
I love listening to your history. You’re such a great guitar teacher and I have learned a ton from you. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely loved this video Justin. You are a fantastically humble person & an inspiration to a lot of us guitar players out there so thank you for posting this.
This video is the best! So great to hear a proper guitar players journey. Super keen for the next installment.
You are the best I have found for relearning acoustic guitar. I am over 60 but your lessons are making me feel hopeful that I will play half way decent. Thank you Justin for all that you do.
Justin, I have to thank you for your beginner courses. You were the first teacher I watched when picking up the guitar and I've made a lot of progress thanks to you. I like these videos and hope to see more soon!
Of course the personal story of someone who dedicates so much free time for those of us intetested. Thank You
Wonderful vid
Enjoyed this walk and learning more about you. There are certainly a LOT of us that are happy/grateful that you are now a teacher.
-Jed 🤠
Thank you so much! Cheers 😊
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Utterly captivating!Seriously that was really nice.Really enjoyed it.More please,with Whatever topic takes your fancy.Really liked the idea of putting in pics of yourself when you were younger with your mates,your first car etc.You know,I reckon you could write a book about your life!You are very well known,in the business and with the guitaring general public,might be something to think about down the road.Nice one dude,just luv Ziggy.
I was just letting You Tube play in the background ( casting through my Telly) whilst pottering round the house on a Saturday as you do, when I started watching i just thought it was about hiking or mysterious disappearance' lol. & it took me about 5mins watching to click it was you. Absolutely great Justin, wot a top, genuine, humble & inspirational lad you are mate. Great job
Thanks Justin, an Aussie from QLD here, I enjoyed the story. I missed the run as a youngster but I'd love for my 8 year old son to take a love for the guitar. I'm not pushing him into it but throwing out the hints and trying to set an example as I work through your excellent beginner's course myself. In my late 40's not afraid to start :)
How's been your progress ?
@@dr.souvikchatterjee7656 It's hard getting time for consistent practise, I've taken a step back and I'm working on some very basics to try and build up my playing skills properly. It's a long road but it'll be worth it in the end.
Thanks for the glimpse into who you are. I only wish I could take lessons in person. I'm 59 and just beginning but my expectations are modest.
Your story about Mrs.Basilewski is exactly why you are such an incredible teacher Justin, you have a very cheerful, easy-going, encouraging demeanour, infectious enthusiasm and you make everyone believe they can do it, which is so important. Glad to hear of another famous Australian - like you my first toe dipping into music was with a spit-filled, dripping recorder from playing Hot Cross Buns in elementary school, Sydney
Great video Justin. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to part 2 and the interviews.
Hello Justin,
Let me reiterate what someone below said when you said it's kinda sad to admit you are more of a teacher than a player now. Your teaching is amazing. That's not sad at all. I started teaching when I was quite young as well. I taught baseball to younger kids when I was just a teenager myself. And then I became a classroom college English and writing teacher, which I've done most of my life, clocking 33 years in the classroom, part time, while trying to put together a life in academia. I'm now 57, in a career change to be a writer, and jobless. I picked up the guitar to bring music back into my life because owning a piano right now is not feasible. I absolutely love it and your teaching.
I understand that adage when someone says "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." Such a bunch of B.S. Teaching is an inspired profession, and not everyone does it well. In one of your early videos, you said that the more you learn, the less you feel you actually know, the more there is to learn. And that's absolutely right - knowledge is infinite. The fields of what you don't know grow as you learn and drill down deeper and deeper.
I took piano lessons for 20 years, but I'm a lousy player - never learned to keep time well, never was taught dynamics. I can read music well and know a bit about theory, but I'm not a professional and am even a poor novice. But the enjoyment I get out of it is one of the best feelings I've ever had, right up there with sailing - letting go of life's cares and floating about with the wind in the sails. I've never seen stress disappear faster, except maybe while playing the piano.
During the pandemic, I've lost my job, kinda in a career change to work on my own writing anyway. I had a guitar that belonged to my ex- that I sold - it was an albatross to the relationship and wasn't very good. I lived on a sailboat so a guitar was better than a piano. But now, with time on my hands, I decided I would learn on my own and bought a cheap Yamaha acoustic guitar.
I started learning on my own from videos, at first from one of your competitors. When I noted that I liked the guy in some comments, someone had mentioned your videos. So I checked them out - whoa...... a true teacher! A master! Understanding that fundamentals are the key to success - that's how I approach teaching writing as well. Anyone can learn to write.
I've been playing for about 3 months, slowing making my way through. I have your phone app. And then there are so many paths through on your website - the classic path, the beginner lessons, the app - all slightly different. Right now I'm reviewing all of the new beginner lessons to figure out how to practice and work on 5 songs to learn before moving on. I've got the 8 chords basic beginner chords down - A, D, E, G, D, Am, Em, Dm - and then some of the 7s. But my D chord sucks - like, really. I flub it almost every time. - need to pull finger 2 back behind the fret and push finger 3 forward toward the fret while keeping finger 1 close enough to the fret. And chord changing for speed is tough for me, even though I practice the 1-minute changes. I can do the changes, but while playing songs, I flub it all up.
But still, I see improvement every day. I'm inspired to learn and master these fundamentals. I know I'm improving, but I also know myself and am itching to have a teacher in person who could perhaps help me avoid some bad habits I'm developing. I know with other online teachers, my habits would be worse. Your videos really do a great job in pointing out potential pitfalls and what to focus on. I'm impatient that I'm such a bad player still. But I can see, hear, and feel my improvement - so I keep that in mind. I wish I videoed my earliest attempts to play because I'm 1000% better now, and it's still rough.
As a piano player, I didn't think I'd like guitar much at all, but I love it so much! I'm itching to get an electric guitar, but I'm too early in my journey. Teaching is as much a creative pursuit as playing or writing. You've touched so many people. And I feel immensely fortunate to be one of them.
Thank you, my friend.
- Lee
Really enjoyed watching the video. Always wanted to learn how to play a guitar, but did not have the time (should have made an extra effort), but now that I have retired, I have decided to take it up, finding it tough, but not going to give it up.
Your site is great & I’m learning a great deal from there. Thank you.
From London.
I too am retired and decided to give it a try. Wished I had started earlier and yes, it is extremely hard but I am not giving up. Actually doing it with my son-in-law! Thanks Justin, keep up the great work!
We decided to try and learn in our retirement.
We use a mix of Justin and a private tutor , who it turns out was tutored by Justin.
Yes it is hard and slow but oh so rewarding and so much enjoyment .
Love to know where the walk is too.
Thanks Justin.
Me too
So happy to see I'm not the only crazy one to try to learn to play the guitar so late in life! LOL I'm from Toronto in Canada and would love to hear from other seniors learning to play the guitar. I'd also like to hear any advice, other than the obvious (regular practice), from Justin for this group of seniors.
“More of a teacher than musician,” not sure of your exact words, but that may be true in terms of income and time spent, but those three CD’s you guys made deserve to be more than just a footnote. I listen to them often and they have been favorites since they were released. In my mind you are both teacher and musician.
And don’t belittle the significance of being a teacher! You are a boat with a big, big wake - making life and music better for so many people. That’s gotta be gratifying!
This video is very inspiring and shows your natural self aside from your main focus. Youve certainly taught me alot and i know over the next few months i will continue to make progress by watching your vids. David from South Yorkshire
Nothing else online beats the quality of your lessons so thank you so much for making them available for everyone. i’m only 3 weeks into the course and i know i’ll be sticking around for much longer!
hey justin , england here , been following u for years and have learnt to play many tunes because of the way you teach , u make it easy to learn , just wanted to say thanks and u deserve your youtube success.
An entrepreneur at a young age! Brilliant story, Justin, thank you for sharing your journey.
Really enjoyed hearing about your guitar journey and I can't understand why some folk give it a thumbs down. Many thanks for all of the effort you put in Justin.
Thanks for sharing Justin !
Would be nice to hear more from you bro !
So cool to hear your story! Thanks so much for all the free content you provide. I only just started learning guitar 3 weeks ago but your app and books have made it an awesome experience so far, learned loads already!
Thx Justin for sharing!!! Can't wait for Part 2.. Rock n Roll brother.... Greetings from the state of Indiana , USA.. Close to Chicago
This was absolutely delightful. Taking a nice walk in the woods and hearing about your life. Thank you so much for sharing this, I loved it!
Does Ziggy play guitar?
I believe he can play it left hand.
Only with the Spiders From Mars.
Played better than Weird and Gilly too
@@Biking360 He makes love with hes ego tho ziggy.
Brilliant!
14:08 I laughed so hard. It shows how humble and shy you are. There is a lot of value we all can learn from you. Thanks for sharing lessons!
I'm anxious to watch this on my hike this morning Justin. Thanks for sharing your personal story from a fellow Dad of dogs. Your help has been wonderful.
Wow, listening to your history makes me realise why you are such a good teacher. I stopped playing guitar about 20 years ago, just because of life I suppose, then I found your videos by chance and now I grabbed my 30 year old Yamaha FG-450S (bought in Brisbane QLD) restrung it and now I'm reteaching myself with your videos. Some of the stuff I knew stuck but I forgot a lot, so thanks for all those great videos and you made me realise I like playing jazz! Cheers mate.
Justin, I am absolutely loving these dog walks. The peaceful and harmonious vibes that come through are beyond marvelous.
Your free lessons were the sole reason I am able play anything at all on the guitar and you have my lifelong respect and undying gratitude for that gift.
Keep up the fabulous work that you do so well!
Nice one Justin really enjoyed hearing about your guitar journey.
Makes me wish I had started earlier I've been playing for over a year just after my 40th birthday but manage to play and practice everyday. Can't wait for part 2
Love your videos, and the 4K is awesome. I have a music degree, but I just bought my first guitar in May. My teacher recommended your videos. I’m already playing in an all girl punk band and loving it!
Enjoyed that. Have watched your videos for years and think that you are the best in the business. This video confirmed the fact that you are a good chap.
Thx for teaching me guitar. Btw, I am in my 80th year.
Hi Justin, I'm Steve one of your subscribers. I'm 55 but love your lessons and your books. Enjoyed the video. Thanks.
Why 55 but ? You mean people that age arent supposed to ?
I'm 61 and will keep trying until I drop. Les Paul kept playing into his 90s, Keith Richards plays with arthritis in his hands, Neil Young and Pete Townsend suffer from hearing problems (as do many more). Justin enhances my guitar playing, and guitar playing enhances my life. Rock on.
We too decided to try and learn guitar in our retirement.
We use a mix of Justin and a private tutor , who it turns out was tutored by Justin.
Yes it is hard and slow but oh so rewarding and so much enjoyment .
Love to know where the walk is too.
Thanks Justin.
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R
I live in a place where there's a lot of snow right now... to see a green forest is kind of relaxing
I just came back to your channel Justin and watched this episode. I really enjoyed this and it was very good. I play guitar no where in your league but am trying to get better.
You are your only competition when it comes to playing an instrument; so it is important to set your own goals: www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/set-your-guitar-goals-pc-101 | LievenDV | JustinGuitar Official Assistant
Hi Justin loved the video! Can relate to your journey so much as I live in Melbourne. You really are one of the best teachers in the world and at my age of 67 I have learnt a lot from your site. I will never be a good guitarist but I enjoy the challenge! Keep up the great work.
Justin, this video is so lovely on so many levels. It's both enlightening and uplifting to hear about your guitar journey and to come to know you better. Thanks for sharing here and for all the wonderful teaching you offer. I eagerly await the next installment and feel so lucky to have found you here.
That forest is beautiful.
Edit: This is just awesome video format, love it. Keep it up Justin!
Agreed
Enjoyed this format very much. ! Please continue !
So many of us probably started out playing the recorder in primary school music lessons, what a great way to start that was. After the recorder, I moved onto an after-school guitar club run by a teacher kind enough to give his time for free, but my main teacher was a Swedish guy on TV called Ulf Goran. He had a Saturday morning TV show in England called "Play guitar". You bought a book of TABs with a flexi-disc to go along with the TV show, and off you went. Guitar has been such a massive thing in my life, I really wish I'd had the chance to meet and thank him.
It's brilliant to hear you talking about your guitar journey Justin. It's really given me a lift after in getting from work.
How about a talk on your guitar collection? Where you got your favourite guitars from, how long you've had them and what's special about them to you.
I started playing when I was 15 before the tablature explosion but stupidly packed it in during my early 20s, when the band was I in didn't get anywhere and I thought I was approaching responsible adulthood. But a few years later my love for guitar playing came back and I got into acoustic fingerpicking. Now I'm 55 and looking forward to a time when I can stop work and play the guitar for hours everyday. I bought a house a couple of years ago and am still renovating it. I've dedicated a room to guitar playing. I've got all my guitars, a couple of amps and all the books and learning resources I've collected over the years. I'm going to spend my post retirement years playing the guitar all day; classic rock, punk blues, Brit pop, acoustic blues and ragtime and getting into guitar tech stuff too. There's so much stuff out there nowadays to help aspiring guitar players.
Very interesting history Justin. Love Ziggy and your dog walking area.
I'm struggling with disorganised practice sessions. I have downloaded you beginners lessons and your practice assistant. I just trying to get my head around organisation. Love your UA-cam videos.
Thank you Bob! Keep your practice sessions short and track your progress, it’ll help! Cheers
Very well done! Nice personal stories. Good storytelling skills.Honest.
Great that you recorded in the forrest as it makes it interesting for the viewer!!
Good framing and clear sound! Well done!!🎸👍🏼
Hi from Qld. Stumbled across this when watching one if your lessons. Brilliant. Have been using the songbook for 6 months now. Wish you had been around during my first attempts to learn guitar in the late 80s. Love your work 👍
Really enjoyed the chat . Was no way I would have seen Justin as a punk
. So lucky to start playing so young and has done a full apprenticeship for sure. Looking forward to the next walk.
Justin you are such an amazing human being! always the best lessons with such a great vibe,you inspired me and i learned a lot from you,i bought your disc some years ago,the first one was i think and till now still listen to it and besides of the really great songs there is always a place of being thankful to you.I wish you always the best,you are an example of the humans that will live in a more conscious world.Cheers! Alejandro.-
Loved this, so relaxing and inspiring. I only started my guitar journey some 7 months ago and I was worried about if I was too late (being 17 already). But now I understand that everyone’s journeys are different and all we have to do is follow what we really want to do, and for me it’s guitar.
I am 65 years old and started learning guitar. It’s more difficult at these later years. Enjoy your journey !
@@jjiacobucci I’m still loving it today, two years later. Enjoy your journey too!
@@TMillsMusichi! how has your journey been? It's 23 here. Seeme quite late. But well I am loving it!
@@shubhankarsharma8705 I'm playing right now! Still loving it everyday!
@@TMillsMusic hahah mine is too beside me :) :)
Very interesting. Can't wait for the sequel. I'm glad you became teacher! I first took up the guitar at age 13. Played for 5 or 6 years then life got in the way and I took a 50 year break. I'm back. Retired and enjoying the heck out of learning the instrument. Your lessons, courses, and song books are a big part of what makes the learning experience so enjoyable for me. Thank you for being such a great teacher. 🎸
Wow, I can't believe it took me this long to see this interesting video. It explains why you're such a great teacher. Loved the dog walk and setting as well. GT
Nice to have some insight into your background
This series is gonna be awesome! I’m gonna watch all the vids when I’m walking MY dog!
Certainly was interesting Justin. Looking forward to chapter 2!
Thanks for sharing your guitar journey with us. Looking forward to seeing more videos.
Thanks Justin, very informative. If only someone like yourself was around 50 years ago. I only started seriously practicing when I reached 63. Things are improving, I can now play most of the Quo back catalogue, amongst other stuff ofcourse. It just goes to show your never to old.
Love this, thanks for sharing. This was really relaxing to have on in the background while working on scales ^^
It was great to hear about your past dude, your videos have really helped me out, starting out with guitar at 16 years old. Keep up the work man, you’re an inspiration
I am a fantastic guitar player because of you (LOL) and this is ace. Ziggy is ace and love the dog lead spin ( It's a bit like dancing), you're such a nice bloke. Love you so much bro'. I remember learning with books btw. So when I found you It got load easier. I only just subscribed but I've used your video's no end. This made me think of my own guitar journey too. Thanks so much. I look forward to my notifications. xxx
Hey Justin! Thank you for sharing. It was beautiful watching this video and listening to your guitar journey :)
Thanks for this insight into your formative years Justin. Some powerful messages and learnings here. You're such a good human.
Brilliant idea Justine, walking in the woods with a dog is the best meditation you can have. I started your course a year ago, from beginner to intermediate and beyond now and the great thing is I find your theory lessons very clear and understandable and spend a lot of time walking the dogs thinking about working out chords in keys, positions on the neck such as Triads etc and other aspects of theory and it really helps when I get back to the guitar. ( PS Its also really importent to get off your ass when your over 40)
The "walk of life" found that really interesting always nice to know how things come about. I'm just approaching retirement and hadn't picked up or played a guitar in 40 odd years, brought a hollow body a few weeks back!!! Started going through your lessons and found I was more competent than I thought I would be after so long. Now picking up your song explanations and playing them, Wish the web and you were around when I started playing in the late 70's!!!! would of made my music life a lot simpler!!!! keep up the fantastic work we all appreciate what you do. UK
Great to hear stories about growing up in Tassie, at the same time I picked up a surfboard and couldn't put it down, but loved hitting the "live " pubs...(the Red Lion, McLarens, The Globe , The Goulbourne etc) the music scene was awesome. I remember those bands well. At age 55, I have finally got the time to really focus on guitar and am loving it. My teacher points me toward your tutorials regularly.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for sharing this, Justin!
And thanks for all the great lessons on your fantastic site.
I hope you save this for your kids and grandkids and great, great .....well you know.
Thanks Justin, I found it interesting hearing you talk about your journey to get to where you are today as a Musician / teacher
Justin, you're such a great guy. You really inspire me, not just as a guitar player. Thanks a lot for everything you do)
Justin you rock man awesome teacher
I know that your lessons are the name of the game, but that is my favourite "Justin" video!! I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment...
Great vid Justin. Never realised you were an Aussie too. Keep p the great work and keep on Mr Abdertons case about his practice. Cheers
Terrific video, Justin, mate. Another Aussie from Melbourne this time :) Great story telling... and could just imagine y'chatting on the couch over a cup o' tea. Looking forward to hearing about how/where your music has taken you in terms of geography... what emotional things you hope to *express* with your music... how you use music to enhance your everyday... Fanx! again for a great 'chat' :)
I found this very interesting! We have much in common. Thank you Justin for sharing! I have learned so much from you over the last many years. Very much enjoy your teaching.
Really enjoyable video. Great to hear some of your musical background. The woods where you walk Ziggy, remind me of woods where I walk my own dog. Thanks for sharing.
A really fascinating listen! Off to get part 2 :)
I really enjoyed this vid...inspiring actually and love that you are so authentic ! Hard to find these days. Thank you for sharing and being so real ! Very much appreciated. Looking forward to the next vid.
I love to hear about your guitar journey, Justin. I recommend your site to so many other guitarist and they always love your clear and patient teaching style. They particularly like the fact that you're a boy from Hobart (where I am) made big in London. Southern Music is still giving lessons up there in Elizabeth St. Cheers, keep up the great work mate. Looking forward to the rest of your journey videos. Thanks, cobber.
Really cool video mate. Love the insight of how one of favourite online tutors got his first guitar, first band and so on. Love the scenery to. Relaxing to listen and watch.
Really enjoyed your walk. Look forward to the next episode.
thanks for taking us down your memory lane! really enjoyed it.
thank you for everything Justin. :)
Aw man Justin.... This is exactly what I've been trying to find! I mean it's interesting to hear how players get into guitar, their progress and all...... It's really inspiring and makes me feel like I could do it too! This just goes on to show that musicians are normal ppl... Definitely talented but tangible, a very human side to them. Thanks Justin for all that you have done so far and I can't wait for your interviews!! Keep 'em coming!!!!
I'm interested and I'm sure many others are too. I tried guitar 50 years ago in a place where there were no one played and no resources. I gave up. Fifteen years ago I spoke to a guy playing in a band and said I always wanted to play. He asked if I had a guitar. No I said His reply was well, you'll need a guitar. I went out and bought one the next week and while I likely don't have enough time ahead of me to become a guitar gawd I'm having fun learning. Many thanks to you!
Same here buddy. Was in college with no extra money for lessons and no one around me that was musical. Instead of viewing guitar music as chords or scales, saw it as memorizing hundreds of steps, quickly got frustrated and stopped without even learning a song. The wife has been taking care of her Mom every other weekend that last few years, so it gave me some extra time to attempt again after almost 30 years. Folks like Justin and Marty are unbelievable resources. Has just added so much enjoyment to life to play songs that I've grown to love. Even better now that I'm starting to improve on singing while playing, something I never thought possible. And getting the wife on the mic for drinks and music night at the Gilliams :-)
Thanks for this video. A good insight into how a musician starts and develops. Parts of It remind me of things I did too. But maybe I didn't get as far as you! But I'm still working on it.
Thanks a lot Justin! This filled my workday morning with lots of inspiration! Do more of these! Maybe start another UA-cam channel "Dog walks with Justin" just dedicated to these! :D
Really enjoyed the walk about and chat. I am always interested in hearing about other guitarists' journey during their development.
Must be very strange feeling, on this side we all feel like we know you and you know nothing of us. That thing called fame.. :) Really nice to see ya in that casual conversation mode even if it is one sided. Anyway thanks for all you do Justin. Im 56 yrs old and noodled for years on the guitar for years. But in the last two have really applied myself and with your help... (and a couple of others) I have improved greatly and feel like I can call myself a musician. But there is still so much to learn!! Thanks
This video just popped up, although I do watch your videos, nice back story, very enjoyable.