Ever too old to learn?

[demihuman]

This isn't music theory per se, more like brain theory, but close enough...

Whenever I read about X band or Y artist, it seems that they always started learning their instrument as a teenager. I'm starting to learn how to play the bass, but I'm 23, and I feel like an old guy. Now, I'm not expecting to be the next Les Claypool, but I would like some encouragement that I can get at least pretty darn good if I work at it, despite have an older (and therefore worse at picking up new things) brain.

For what it's worth, I did play music in Middle and High School, but the tuba is, practically speaking, miles from the electric bass.

[Valentin Zukovsky]

For what it's worth, I did play music in Middle and High School, but the tuba is, practically speaking, miles from the electric bass.

Of course the actual technique is different, but if you still remember how to read bass clef then you've got an advantage over a lot of people starting at your age. Just keep in mind that while a note will sound the same on Electric Bass as on Tuba, it will be written an octave higher. Also, music is music, what you learned on one instrument is in some way applicable to pretty much any other instrument within the same harmonization system.

[guitaristhelp]

I know a 70 year old that's just started learning... 

23 isn't that old - practice enough and you'll become pretty good.

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[nicklz]

If you're determined to learn it you will. You're not too old by any means. Ditch that idea for anything you want to do.

[VoteNo4Pants]

I started when I turned 20, which is about 10 months now, and I'm catching up to my younger brother who started when I was 15. It just depends on how willing you are to learn, and how determined you are to stick with it.

[Enabled2k]

I felt like that a couple weeks ago and im only 19 >< lol
Just power on through, if you wanna learn it you can im sure.
I started about 4 weeks ago and im deployed in Baghdad right now
as an infantryman and still can advance pretty fast.
Hey i think knowing how to play other instruments give you
an advantage. I think thats why this isnt so hard to learn for me, actually.
You should feel the same, just keep it up and ul be great 

My hat goes off to thoes of you who posted before me. Im just a noob too heh

[Rockbadger]

I didn't start learning guitar till I was 20...

I started playing live 2 years later

4 years after picking up a guitar I was shredding the solos to 'All along the Watchtower.'

The point is this: You can if you belive you can

It does all come down to this- Love and Practice. Love (you're not doing this ONLY cos you want girls or to be the greatest, but you loveplaying guitar. If no-one was around would you still love playing?) and practice (the more you put in the more you get out)

and, oh, yeah, Don't compare yourself to anyone else. we all different. Just enjoy it, the rest will fall into place.

[Marblemouth]

To learn something it is not mandatory to be a young man there is no age to learn.

[carriestar44]

You can totally still learn.  If there's a will there's a way!