I’m 12 years old and I’ve never played guitar. But I’m very interested in learning. I want to start a band with my brother who played drums for over a year. So, at what age did most guitarists and drummers start playing? By the way, my brother is 16 years old. Is it possible to form a band at our ages? If so, how do we start to create the band?
Well, I was 11 when I first started playing. Another guitarist moved across the street from me, same age, but he had been playing longer and he helped me get started.
When I started all sheet music was designed for piano…there were no tabs, cd’s, mp3′s, dvd’s, internet, so starting at 12 gives you an excellent chance to progress far more, and much quicker, than I did. The one advantage I might have had was the British invasion was at its height, and this was a great source of inspiration.
Learn your chords and rhythm playing. You will never be a good lead guitarist until you are first a good rhythm guitarist. Don’t dwell on scales because scales are not music.
Of course you’re not too young to start a band…you can play parties, bonfires, summer get togethers, pool parties…any chance you get.
Start trying to write music as soon as possible and work on your vocals.
The single most important factor to starting a band is to play music you enjoy. Don’t worry about what the audience wants to hear..play for yourself, or the music will suffer and the audience will pick up on that…play from the heart.
The second most important factor is band practice should be a fun affair, where much of the night is spent in laughter and comeradery and sharing the love each band member has with the music.
Best of luck and practice till those fingers bleed.