Starting Classical Guitar at 48 — Why I’m Learning Something New (and Hard)

At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.

Lou LaMedica

Oct 24, 2025

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

🎸 Starting Classical Guitar at 48: Why I’m Learning Something New (and Hard)

I started learning classical guitar today. At 48 years old, that’s not exactly an easy feat.

So why am I doing this? Well, a few reasons.

First, my parents gave my wife a classical guitar as a Christmas present about five years ago, and it’s just sat on our wall gathering dust. Don’t get me wrong, it looks cool, but every time I sit down to watch TV, I catch myself looking at it and thinking, somebody should really be playing that.

Second, I think I have some musical proficiency. I was All-State percussion in high school (you can read all about my story with drums here), and I’ve dabbled in piano when my kids were learning. I can read music, I understand rhythm, and I know how to practice. I’ve always gravitated toward instruments and the process of learning them.

Third, I believe in being a lifelong learner. It keeps your brain sharp, keeps you curious, and reminds you you’re alive. There’s something invigorating about tackling something completely new, especially when it’s hard.

Fourth, I’d love to play a duet with my daughter, who still practices piano. One day, I hope I can accompany her on a piece, something simple, maybe Bach or a movie theme she loves.

And finally, I just love the sound of the instrument. Classical guitar has a natural rhythm and warmth that draws me in. There’s a scene in Vicky Cristina Barcelona where a guitarist plays at twilight in Barcelona. The music, the mood, the air—it’s just beautiful. That scene stuck with me. It made me think, I want to be able to create something that sounds like that.

So here I am. Day one. My classical guitar teacher was impressed that I can already read music and focus. Apparently, I’ve got an edge on the ten-year-olds he usually teaches.

I’m excited. Maybe even a little nervous. But mostly, I’m just ready to get back to that feeling of being a beginner again, the challenge of not being good at something yet, and the quiet joy of watching yourself get better day after day.

Howard Stern talks about learning guitar in his 70s and how much he practices. Listening to him reminded me how much I miss the feeling of woodshedding, those long, focused hours alone with an instrument, refining something that only you can hear progress on.

As I write this, I can feel the slight pain from the beginning of calluses on my left hand, a small badge of honor that says I’ve started. It’s proof of work, of showing up, of putting in the time. And I can’t wait to pick up the guitar and play some more.

So at 48, that’s what I’m doing. Starting something new, something beautiful, and something that reminds me I’m still growing.

Follow my progress each week as I document learning classical guitar, one etude at a time.

🎥 Week 1

🎥 Week 2

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Lou LaMedica