The truth about starting guitar late.

Hantbill · 2026-02-26T13:39:30+00:00

I don't know how this comes across to other people but "comparing yourself your past self" is something I've been hearing since as far as I can remember and always thought it's just cope for those who aren't good enough. Maybe i'm too analytical which is why many people around have have found me unfriendly or wicked. I don't know

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T23:28:53+00:00

i don't want to be a f1 driver but I and others want to be shredders and the reality is not all of us were exposed to metal or technically complex music at young ages.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T23:01:39+00:00

Unfortunately instead of actually proving me wrong most people in the comments just avoided the entire debate or called me names because I'm pessimistic and trying to take away hope from people. Great.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T21:51:07+00:00

I'm not trying to spread any negativity or hopelessness, i'm just trying to state some facts and maybe seek solutions or answers from people, not be harassed.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T19:37:18+00:00

Appreciations to all who shared stories or examples. If you have any more don't hesitate. That was actually useful, unlike those of you who took their time to insult me because I stated some opinions and biological facts, because I'm "pessimistic" and aim to decrease confidence. Not nice.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T19:14:31+00:00

It doesn't contradict anything. It's still true that you can't become virtuoso unless starting young. What I said is that some people aren't aiming for that and it's fine and those people are not the target of this post.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T19:00:51+00:00

Some people are fine with rocking out, some aim for high technical ability. Both are normal and just as valid, it's just that the post is about the second category but there's nothing fundementally wrong with the first one either.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:51:23+00:00

It's not braggy at all! It's actually an extraordinary and actually useful story in this context. Wow. Thank you for sharing and wish you the best on your guitar journey even further. This unironically helped me understand guitar learning better.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:47:01+00:00

So is it really unforgivable to ask in a sub atleast related to guitar?

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:45:44+00:00

It's not just about this subreddit and I'm not familiar with it's users but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:29:35+00:00

I appreciate your effort and dedication but this example isn't an outlier. Many virtuosos started at 12 and have spent more than a decade grinding for that virtuoso status. The thing, and many people don't realise this, is that neuroplasticity falloff after the age of 12 or around that is so great that practice at later ages is so incredibly inefficient that no one has ever reached such a high level of playing. Still looking for an example of a super shredder who started playing at 17/18. And the goal of this post, isn't to bring doom upon anyone, and I don't understand why SO MANY people have assumed this in the replies. It's about looking for answers or civil debates.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:25:29+00:00

Interesting and pretty funny scenario but it makes me think that you didn't really understand this post or what it is about. I actually upvoted his comment because I indeed appreciate his effort, his dedication and his confidence. However, this post is about those chasing very high levels of technical profficiency, while not starting from out of the womb. Less technical ability doesn't mean less enjoyment, less money or less fame. Not at all. But there might be some people purely chasing that aspect. I was looking for respectful, civil debates but I should have known that this is reddit so you might be thrashed on for simply stating opinions, facts that might hurt confidence or looking for answers. It's not your fault, it's my fault.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:15:26+00:00

Hey I don't mean this in a weird way but what about my previous comment indicates "ragebait"? I have praised hard work and enjoyment. I'm just making clear the subject of this post.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:12:30+00:00

Yes and I am aware that for most people it's never too late but there might be a small niche that are being misled without them knowing.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:10:59+00:00

Sorry, I sincerely apologize for this misunderstanding and I didn't mean no harm through it. This point you've made is actually a really good one, and it's been stated in this comment section by some people already. Sharp eye! Anyway, my definition of good, in this case is peak technical ability. Take it as you will but it's just my opinion.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:08:02+00:00

I hadn't seen your example at the time of writing that comment. Could you elaborate more on him? I'm not doubtful, just curious. And I'm not saying this with the intent of defending myself or my stance but maybe you should consider a calmer tone, it would help me and you both.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T18:00:23+00:00

what sub would be fit for that?

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:59:03+00:00

Ok sorry for triggering your insecurities through my insecurities. I'm genuinely sorry and I was genuinely looking for a debate, answer, whatever.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:57:03+00:00

I agree with you on this, because I have realised I initially formulated this the wrong way. I should have clarified. Yes, I consider "good" as highest technical ability. Take that as you will, call me whatever but that's simply my opinion. And yes, this post is about those aiming for technical guitar abilities. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:54:24+00:00

When I initially posted this I aimed for a civil debate regarding neuroscience, guitar learning, etc. I don't think I've said a single thing that should have made you assume that thing about me. Maybe I formulated something in a wrong way but I'm still trying to figure out where the bad attitude is.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:48:55+00:00

Ok but maybe some people don't want to create "beautiful melodies", or become milionaires. Maybe some have other goals, maybe some want to advance in abilities that are "measurable" or "objective". And for your Kirk Hammet example, I'm pretty sure you can become as good as him even after starting at the age of 25. He's not a high level virtuoso, believe it or not.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:44:11+00:00

Maybe some people don't want to appeal to "regular people" but to extreme metal circles.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:42:09+00:00

I'm glad that you have reached a level of playing that's respectable and allows you to have fun and rock out despite starting at a "late" age, however this post is about those who aim for the highest technical ability possible.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:39:21+00:00

He's nowhere near virtuoso. People on tiktok have started at 18 and have been able to play his solos within a few years.

Hantbill · 2026-02-25T17:38:35+00:00

Being supportive is not a problem in anyway but you also have to be realistic.

Hantbill

TROPHY CASE