My Top 3 Reasons to Learn Guitar After 40 and Why You Need To Learn Something New NOW, Before It's Too Late...

KEY SUMMARY POINTS IN THIS POST: fear of dementia, lack of passion = lack of purpose, hope for the future

Picking up a guitar later in life might feel like a daunting challenge, but I assure you it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever undertake. Whether you’re rediscovering a forgotten dream, seeking a creative outlet, or simply wanting to try something new, learning guitar after 40 has unique benefits that go beyond music. Here are the top three reasons why you should start strumming your first chord, regardless of your age.

1. Boost Your Mental Health and Cognitive Skills

Learning to play guitar engages your brain in ways that few other activities can. Studies show that music stimulates memory, improves focus, and enhances problem-solving skills. For adults over 40, this can be a fantastic way to keep your mind sharp and stave off cognitive decline. Beyond that, the act of playing music is deeply therapeutic—it helps reduce stress, improves mood, and can even lower blood pressure. The joy of mastering a new skill and expressing yourself through music is a powerful tool for mental wellness.

What you need to know about taking action: learning guitar only takes 15-20 minutes per day. I suggest building it into your morning routine rather than saying I'll do it later. That way you start your day off stimulating your brain with the proper sound waves, with a fresh mind, ready to take on the days' events ahead. As a bonus to building this into your morning routine, you may find yourself returning to it later in the day to help relax and release stress.

Boost Your Mental Health and Cognitive Skills By Learning Guitar After 40

2. Rediscover Your Creativity and Passion

Life after 40 often brings clarity about what truly matters. It’s a perfect time to explore hobbies and passions that may have taken a backseat to career and family responsibilities. Earlier in my guitar journey I thought I wanted to be a traveling performer who made a living entertaining the masses. In a way, I feel like I dodged a bullet. Now I go to guitar for genuine joy and bliss, right from the comfort of my own, warm home. It is something I look forward to and use not only as a reward, but also an investment into my long-term wellbeing.

What you need to know about taking action: Learning guitar allows you to tap into your creative side and connect with emotions in a new way, allowing you to process them rather than numb them. Think about it like this: your mind and body are 2 machines that should be synced together for optimal performance and an optimal experience. Your thoughts, emotions, and feelings are the fuel. If you store the fuel too long and allow it to sit stagnant, it will corrode or gunk up your system. Spend it instead. Use it productively and in a positive way that doesn't cause harm to others. Learning and playing guitar is a wonderful way to do just that.

Whether you’re writing songs, improvising solos, or just strumming along to your favorite tunes, the guitar offers endless opportunities for self-expression and artistic fulfillment.

Share Your Creativity and Passion With Your Family

3. Build Connections and Community

Music has an incredible way of bringing people together. When you learn guitar, you open the door to countless social opportunities, from jamming with friends to joining a local band or attending open mic nights. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with family members, whether you’re teaching your kids a song or playing duets with a partner. These shared experiences can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Additionally, online guitar communities provide endless support, inspiration, and camaraderie, making you feel part of something larger. That is exactly what I'm offering in my Tune Into Wellness Course.

What you need to know about taking action: Although learning guitar at your own pace, by yourself, is what I am offering, it is to your utmost benefit to play with other musicians at some point. The natural high and joy that organically happens when you do this is totally exhilarating! Plus the dopamine release in your brain is like adding nitrous to your gas tank - I guarantee it will improve your experience and well-being. As an added bonus, you never know how playing with another musician will help them out as well. Many life-long relationships have been established and nurtured around a common natural enjoyment of playing music.

The natural high and joy that organically happens when playing guitar!

Final Thoughts

Starting guitar after 40 is more than just learning an instrument—it’s an investment in yourself. It’s about challenging your brain, nurturing your creativity, and forging meaningful connections. On a side note, I visit a senior living center every week and when I see people with dementia I get two very strong emotions: sadness and hope. The sadness comes from seeing how those with dementia affect their close family members. I wonder, could this have been prevented? The hope comes from believing that it just might be preventable and this guitar just might be my saving grace.

So, grab that guitar, take your first lesson, and embrace the joy of making music. After all, life is too short not to follow your passions, no matter your age.

~Jake Paul

Author - Musician - Teacher - Coach

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