Hey there. I’m Ben—one of the guitar teachers with Lessons In Your Home, and if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve got a guitar somewhere collecting dust. Maybe it’s been years. Maybe you’ve never quite gotten past the first few chords. Either way, let me tell you something: now is the perfect time to dust off and learn play guitar again.
Start Where You Are, Not Where You Left Off
Too many returning players feel embarrassed they “forgot everything.” Trust me, you haven’t. Muscle memory is a funny thing—it comes back quicker than you’d expect. I’ve had adult students who hadn’t played since high school pick it up again with confidence in just a few lessons.
The key? Don’t overthink it. We start simple:
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Open chords like G, C, D, Em—chords that unlock hundreds of songs
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Basic strumming patterns that make playing feel natural
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One song you love, not just a random exercise
Want help choosing that first piece? I recommend starting with three-chord songs from your favorite genre. This Reddit thread is full of solid beginner song ideas from real players who’ve been exactly where you are.
Make Practice Work For You
I’m a firm believer that practice doesn’t have to be long—it has to be consistent.
Here’s what I usually recommend for my returning students:
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5 minutes of warm-ups or finger stretches
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10 minutes of chords, transitions, or a riff
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Play something fun—even if it’s messy
Don’t worry about perfection. You’re rebuilding familiarity and flow. Progress will follow.
If you’re wondering how long it takes to see improvement, I broke that down in this post about lesson timelines, which can give you a realistic idea of what to expect from week to week.
The Real Perks: Brain Boosts and Mood Shifts
Beyond the music, something pretty cool happens when you play again—you think clearer. A study from the Royal Conservatory of Music notes that learning an instrument enhances spatial reasoning, memory, and emotional regulation. Playing guitar for 20 minutes can give your brain the same kind of boost as a meditation session (and it’s more fun).
You’ll also feel like yourself again. Music brings us back to who we are. That’s what I see in students every day.
Internal Link: Get Your Practice Routine Right
If you’re serious about sticking with it this time, don’t wing your practice. This guide on guitar lesson pacing lays out how to stay consistent without burning out.
FAQ – Guitar Comeback Edition
Q: Is it too late to relearn guitar in my 30s, 40s, or beyond?
A: No way. Most of my adult students are over 30—and they learn fast because they’re doing it for themselves, not because they “have to.”
Q: Should I relearn chords first or try fingerpicking again?
A: Start with chords. They’re the foundation. Fingerpicking can come once your hands remember how to move between shapes smoothly.
Q: Can I really play a full song in a few weeks?
A: Yes. If you practice just 10–15 minutes a day, you can strum through a basic song by week three or four. Maybe sooner if you’re motivated.
