Guitar Lessons for Older Adults in Myrtle Beach, SC
Are you an older adult, retiree, or senior who finally has the time to do something you’ve always wanted to do — like learning guitar?
Are you worried you might be “too old to start”?
Have you tried learning from videos, books, or apps but found yourself confused, frustrated, or not improving?
If you answered yes to any of these and live in the Myrtle Beach area, you’re in the perfect place.
Our guitar teachers at Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach specialize in helping older adults learn comfortably, confidently, and at a pace that works for you.
You’re Not Too Old — And You Don’t Need Natural Talent
One of the biggest myths people carry later in life is that learning guitar gets harder with age.
Why?
Because seniors listen better, focus better, practice more consistently, and care more deeply about the music.
Whether you’re 55, 65, or 75+, you can absolutely learn to play guitar — even if you’re starting from scratch.
“Dennis is very encouraging, and helps build your confidence.”
Maureen Bolton, who recently won a Student Achievement Award for her original contribution to the new Student Album, says “these lessons are phenomenal. [I’ve] come a long way. Dennis is very encouraging, and he keeps pushing you but you never feel threatened. There’s more material than you can possibly master, but you can pick and choose what you want to be good at, and that helps you build your confidence. Every day is a new adventure. Thank you Dennis!”
“I’m very empowered to go play music.”
“I was very stuck in certain patterns on the guitar neck. So it was very hard for me to visualize the guitar neck all over the place. This program is really helping me to visualize the guitar neck better. I’m starting to understand musical harmony and theory now and how the notes and chords all relate to each other.
I’m gigging out about 10 gigs a month for the next few months, yes. And I can play songs ’til the cows come home, like a lot of guitar players who are in bands like me. But to understand what you’re doing and to really understand the guitar, you need some kind of program. There’s so many of us guitar players out there that are, like I said that play in bands that can play songs, go to YouTube and learn licks, but to put it all together in a real musical format, that’s what I feel like this program is doing. I feel like I’m going to love taking guitar class, like GIT or something, that’s how I picture it.
When I’m done playing here, I’m very empowered to go play music. Very motivated. So, it’s more than notes and its more than scales. There’s just so much more to music than just that. I like this spiritual and the zen part of this too that I don’t see, I haven’t seen in other teachers. So that’s an important part of music.
Dennis is able to really break it down to the bare minimum and get me down to a point where I feel like I’ve gotten that, and I can move back up again. That makes me feel good and that’s a super important part of the program.” – Dan Paolangeli (now celebrating 2 years as a student)
Why Many Seniors Prefer Learning With a Teacher
If you’re like many retirees who join us, you might relate to this:
• You don’t want to waste time guessing what to practice
• You don’t want to injure your hands with poor technique
• You want a patient teacher who understands older learners
• You want a friendly, supportive, low-pressure environment
• You want to play real music that actually means something to you
Our job is to make learning simple and enjoyable — no overwhelm, no confusion, no pressure.
What Our Older Students Appreciate Most
After years of teaching older adults, here’s what consistently helps them succeed:
• Slower, steady pacing with zero judgment
• Clear, step-by-step weekly assignments
• Comfortable hand-friendly techniques
• Simple ways to play chords without pain
• The option to learn your favorite songs
• Opportunities to play with others when you feel ready
• Flexible daytime scheduling
• Zoom or in-person lessons depending on your comfort
We meet you where you’re at — whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to guitar after decades.
Flexible Scheduling for Retirees
We know your schedule might be relaxed — or busy with travel, grandkids, volunteering, or golf.
That’s why we offer:
• many daytime lesson slots
• evening availability if needed
• Zoom or in-person options
• flexible monthly lesson plans
You won’t be locked into a rigid schedule. We make it easy.
You Deserve to Finally Learn Guitar
Retirement is the perfect time to do something for yourself. If learning guitar has always been on your list — or even if it’s a new curiosity — we’d love to help you get started.
Your first lesson is completely free, and there’s no obligation afterward.
Claim your free intro lesson!
Guitar Lessons Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
GuitarLessonsMyrtleBeach@gmail.com
(843) 220-1718
“I’m able to do things I had been trying to do for years.”
“[I’m now] able to do some things that I had been trying to do for many years, so it’s been great… The lessons are a lot of fun and well-structured. It’s not just learning a song, it’s learning the theory around it, so that you can use that [information and apply it to] other songs. I think I’ve improved a fair amount….I’ve learned a lot of music theory, it’s been good. Now [the lessons are] encouraging me to pick up the guitar and I play a lot more often.” – Jude Lemke
Spotlight on Head Teacher Dennis Winge
I’ve been teaching guitar for over 25 years and performing professionally for even longer. I’ve taught hundreds of adults, including many seniors who thought they couldn’t learn — until they did.
I understand how overwhelming it can feel to learn something new at this stage of life, and I know firsthand how quickly your confidence grows when you have the right guidance. I’m patient, encouraging, and committed to helping you enjoy every step of the process.
I still take lessons myself because learning keeps me sharp, creative, and inspired. I believe seniors deserve that same feeling of discovery and joy.
Q & A: Common Questions from Seniors and Older Adults
Will my lessons be customized for me?
Yes. Every senior student gets a personalized lesson plan based on your goals, interests, and pace. Nothing is one-size-fits-all. We create:
• long-term goals in writing
• simple weekly action steps
• material based on the music you love
• adjustments for any physical limitations
• a clear roadmap so you always know what to practice
Some seniors want to strum their favorite songs.
Some prefer fingerstyle.
Some want to play at church or with family.
Others want to finally understand chords, rhythm, or improvisation.
Whatever you want to learn, we’ll tailor your lessons specifically for you.
What if I have hand pain, arthritis, or mobility issues?
You can still learn guitar — and comfortably. Many seniors begin lessons with arthritis, stiffness, or old injuries. We specialize in methods that keep playing safe and pain-free, including:
• ergonomic hand positions
• lighter-pressure chord options
• gentle warmups
• gradual strength-building
• alternate chord shapes to avoid discomfort
You don’t need perfect hands to play guitar. You just need the right approach, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it.
Do I need any musical experience?
No. You can be a complete beginner. We’ll show you everything from how to hold the guitar to playing your first chords and songs. Many seniors start with no background at all.
How much do I need to practice?
You don’t need to practice every day. Most seniors make great progress with short, consistent practice sessions — even 10–15 minutes several times a week. We’ll create a practice routine that fits your lifestyle.
What style of music can I learn?
Anything you like. Seniors often choose:
• classic rock
• folk
• country
• jazz standards
• gospel or worship music
• oldies or classics from their era
• soft pop
• fingerstyle arrangements
We teach you the music that matters to you.
What if I travel or have an irregular schedule?
No problem. We offer flexible scheduling with lots of daytime options, plus Zoom lessons if you’re away or prefer learning from home. Retirement schedules often vary, and we’re used to adjusting.
“My enthusiasm for playing has really increased a lot.”
“I have really enjoyed my lessons with Dennis because he is so open and responsive to things that I want to learn. He has a whole system I know of teaching guitar, and yet he is flexible enough and adaptable enough to answer a wide range of questions which I always have for him.
Beyond that, he has also a wealth of experience as a performer so he can be a real source of inspiration and support for the art of performing which is more and beyond just being able to play.
So the change in my guitar playing, and enthusiasm for playing has really increased a lot. Dennis kind of unlocks the door that I have not opened before.” – Art Godin