Guitarists 50+ | Fed Up With Stopping and Starting Again?
Finally Put All
The Pieces Together And Become the Guitarist You’ve Always Wanted To Be
Follow the Plan and Become the Guitarist You’ve Always Wanted to Be in Around 6 Months...
🛡️Backed By My 12-Month Play-With-Pride Guarantee
See What's Possible When Adults Finally Follow a Clear Roadmap
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"I've made more progress in one year with Dan than in the previous six. Finally being able to play five songs and make them sound good felt amazing."
Denise (Age 66)
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“Recording myself showed me how far I’ve come and even led to playing for a room of 40 people.”
JP (Age 74)
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“I wasn’t comfortable filming myself, but finishing my Five Song Club video felt like a real milestone.”
Leslie (Age 72)
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"I'm a retired 70-year-old marine biologist. Since joining the Academy, I play better than I ever thought possible—with real joy and confidence."
Tom (Age 70)
Many members started in their 60s and 70s. Now they’re playing real songs with confidence.
Dear Guitarist,
The guitar isn’t just a hobby.
Research into music and learning, along with books such as Music as Medicine and Talent Is Overrated, points to something encouraging...
An engaged mind, active fingers, and a big dose of self-confidence as you play the music you love...either for yourself or others.
Best of all, The Guitar is something you can keep enjoying for life
So why do so many guitarists keep going round in circles, starting again and eventually letting the guitar gather dust?
Let me ask you a question:
Do you want the next five years of your guitar journey to look like the last five?
Maybe you’ve spent years learning bits and pieces from YouTube, books, courses, or private lessons.
You start songs but don’t finish them. You learn something new and forget something old.
...But maybe you still don’t feel like a “real guitarist” and think:
“Maybe I’m just not musical!”
Well, since starting to teach full-time in 2012, I’ve seen the same problem again and again.
It isn’t a lack of intelligence, effort, or talent.
Most guitar teaching is disconnected at best... and downright damaging to your progress at worst.
Back when I started teaching...
I used a "beginner course" from someone I won’t name, but who is probably the world’s most famous guitar tutor.
The results were awful!
One of the first songs was a strumming version of Three Little Birds.
Sounds easy... But for a struggling beginner there’s way too much to juggle.
A student recently summed it up saying: “I get my fingers on the strings close to the one I’m trying to play and it sounds like crap.".
Sometimes it makes me wonder how many YouTube gurus have actually taught a struggling beginner face-to-face...
Because once you have, you teach very differently.
That’s why I spent over a decade developing a different way to learn guitar, one built around what struggling adults actually need.
...Beautiful, complete songs.
Understanding why things work.
Comfortable, confident playing.
Knowing exactly what to practise.
And clear evidence you’re improving.
You don’t need to start again.
You don’t need more guitar information.
You need a different way of learning guitar.
One 5-Star Journey. Five essential areas developed together. One clear milestone: five complete songs you’re proud to play.
And if you think it's not for you, read on...
Because on this page, you'll see real students who’ve made the kind of progress you may have been chasing for years.
First, a quick story.
Years ago, I went camping with my dad and my brother, Gus.
After surfing, I grabbed the guitar by the tent. Waves crashing. Sun shining. I fingerpicked favourite tunes, strummed with bass runs and embellishments, then drifted into a few famous riffs.
It was blissful.
The guitar creates memories like that.
Since, thousands of my students have shared similar stories with me.
...But how did we get there?
The 5 Things You Need To Finally Put It All Together
Success doesn’t come from collecting more random lessons.
It comes from developing the right things together.
Now mentally rate yourself on the following from 1–10.
Technique
Play comfortably, cleanly, without soreness, tension, or strain
Musicality
Make what you play sound musical, expressive, and full of feeling
Repertoire
Build a collection of complete songs you're proud to play and share
Motivation
Get excited to practise and see real progress that keeps you moving forward
Planning
Know exactly what to work on today, next week, and for the long-term
A low score simply shows you what’s missing.
When all five work together, the whole picture gets clearer.
That’s exactly what the Academy is designed to get you doing...
Introducing...
One Complete Roadmap To Becoming The Guitarist You've Always Wanted To Be
The Academy combines the best of private tuition with the freedom of online learning.
Follow the Journey at your own pace, with live calls, community help, and email support whenever you’re stuck.
Every lesson is taught by me in step-by-step HD video, with TAB, notation, and clear progress tracking so you always know where you are and what comes next.
Take A Peek Inside To See how it works
The Academy was recently revamped to make it by far the strongest it has ever been. Watch this video I made for members so you can see how it works for yourself.
At the heart of the Academy is...
The 5-Star Journey
Instead of hundreds of random lessons, everything is organised into five clear stages — building your foundations, flow, musicality, understanding, and confidence.
The Same Proven Path I Use With My Private Students
These are the same lessons, taught in the same order, that I’ve used for years with private students who’ve paid thousands to learn with me personally.
I know where students get stuck, what needs fixing first, and what they need next.
Even other guitar teachers use my teaching. Jamie Andreas of Guitar Principles told me: “I am using Dan Thorpe’s course with my students.”
Inside the Academy, you get that same proven path with lifetime access to the training.
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Star 1
Build The Strong Foundations Most People Are Never Taught
This is when practice starts becoming something they genuinely look forward to and the guitar finally starts feeling easier instead of frustrating.
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Star 2
Build Flow & Confidence
You'll stop thinking about every movement and simply start enjoying making music.
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Star 3
Make Your Playing Sound Musical
Now, you’ll stop sounding like someone practising and start making real music, with the flow and expression that gives you goosebumps.
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Star 4
Put All The Pieces Together At Last
The guitar stops feeling like random shapes to memorise... and starts feeling like an instrument you truly understand.
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Star 5
Become The Guitarist You've Always Wanted To Be
The guitar won't just be something you practise anymore. It'll become part of your life—something you can pick up, enjoy, and make beautiful music with for years to come.
The 5-Star Journey is your North Star.
And it features checkpoints To Keep You On Track
At the end of each stage, you’ll have a simple checkpoint to make sure the key ideas have clicked.
No stress. Just a clear way to see your progress and know you’re ready to move on.
You'll build a beautiful repertoire with...
"The Five Song Club"
Your First Big Musical Milestone
Learning skills is one thing. Being able to sit down and play complete songs is where it starts to feel real.
...And be confident enough to perform those songs for loved ones, at an open mic or just to play for yourself.
If you can already play five songs, you'll learn and finish five more impressive ones.
"How long will it take?"
Reach These Goals In Around 6 Months
Complete the 5-Star Journey and build a repertoire of five songs you’re proud to play in around six months.
If life gets in the way, the Play-With-Pride Guarantee gives you up to 12 months, plus continued support if you still haven’t reached the goal.
Choose Music That Makes
Playing A Daily Joy!
You’ll learn beautiful, recognisable songs that you'll finish and be proud to play.
Each arrangement is created without unnecessary stretches or overcomplicated techniques.
Watch this video to see some students and me playing inside the Academy.
Plus, You Get Exclusive Songs To Learn
You only learn the ones that support your journey and excite you
Fingerpicking Classics
Play beautiful arrangements of classic songs
Strumming Classics
Enjoy these popular lessons you'll love playing.
Classic Guitar Riffs
Instantly recognisable and great for dexterity and timing.
Every month, I release a brand-new Spotlight lesson exclusively for Academy members
One member said the 1st of the month feels like “waking up on Christmas morning.”
Each Spotlight gives you a fresh piece, skill-builder, or new breakthrough to explore, with 3 levels so you can grow into it over time.
“Dan, But What About All The Other Courses And Lessons I Already Have?”
Keep them.
The Academy gives you something standalone courses don’t.
And when another course (either mine or someone else's) supports what you’re working on, dip into it. If it doesn’t, save it for later.
The Academy gives you the tools and confidence to make sense of all the other lessons later.
Nothing is wasted.
The World’s Simplest Practice Routine
I explain it fully inside the Academy, but the idea is simple:
Start with one of my done-with-you warm-ups, where I practise alongside you like a gym instructor.
Thirty seconds of chord changes. Thirty seconds of fingerpicking. Thirty seconds of musicality work. Short, focused drills that keep the important skills alive.
Then:
1. Do your warm-up.
2. Do your next 5-Star Journey lesson.
3. Spend the rest of your time on whatever you fancy, or anything else on your practice list.
Don’t fancy something today? Leave it until tomorrow, guilt-free.
Feel inspired to play something else? Go for it.
The routine already covers the bases. As long as you touch the other things across the week, you’re on track... and it gives you the freedom to enjoy your guitar without it feeling like school.
Everything Else Inside Is Specifically There To Support Your Journey
Practice Hub
Make every practice session count with proven practice plans that fit the time you have.
JamBuddy
Get instant help and personalised advice with your AI-Powered Practice Assistant
Live Monthly Group Coaching
Direct help and support live each month on Zoom with me and the other members
Friendly Community
Meet and learn from other friendly adult guitarists. Celebrate milestones together.
Let's talk about time (And motivation)
Around 20–30 focused minutes is plenty for excellent progress.
If life gets busy, you won't have “fallen behind”. Just come back, and carry on from where you stopped. Some people admit “I don’t have time” is really “I don’t feel motivated.”
If that's you, that's okay because the Academy makes practice something you can’t wait to do each day.
What Other Six String Life Academy Members Are Saying...
Logan Nearly Quit The Guitar… Until This Happened
Logan recently told me he shared this video with his daughter, and she had tears in her eyes.
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"The Academy has been a treasure chest for me."
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"Dan is a great teacher and makes it fun. He cares about his students. If you join, you won't be sorry.”
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"Dan’s calm and methodical approach really helped me move forward.”
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"Dan is a wonderful teacher. It feels like he’s presenting just for you.”
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“It's like taking baby steps but you get it down so well.”
“I Can Pick Up On Things A Lot Quicker Than What I Did Before.”
If you've bought other courses but still feel stuck...
If that's you, I understand why you'd be cautious.
Many Academy members didn't join because they'd never tried learning before.
They joined because they'd tried plenty, but until now, they never had the one clear path that helped them put everything together.
John is a perfect example, and this is what he said:
“I nearly threw my guitar in the trash..."
John had been trying to learn guitar for 12 years.
He’d tried books, DVDs, online courses, and tutors, but almost threw his guitar in the trash.
Then he found my teaching, joined the Academy and followed the 5-Star Journey.
Now, John has completed the entire 5-Star Journey.
You’ll Be Part Of A Like-Minded Band Of Guitarists
Going Through The Journey Together
Some members are very active. Some are quieter.
Either way, we’re here for you, and it’s good to know there are people at a similar stage, working towards the same kind of goal. Meet some of the founding members from the first live call:
The Play-With-Pride Guarantee
You Stay Until You Can Play With Confidence
I don't believe learning guitar should come with a deadline.
You have lifetime access to the core Academy training, but if after twelve months you still can't confidently play at least five songs you're proud of, you'll keep getting support and coaching completely free until you can.
No extra fees.
No pressure.
No awkward conversations.
The only requirement is that you genuinely use the Academy and follow the Journey. You don't need to practice every day, join the calls or post in the community — just make a genuine attempt to work through the programme.
This is not a “buy it, forget about it, and then expect free ongoing support forever” guarantee.
I created the Academy because I believe adults deserve a clear path to becoming confident guitarists.
That's why I'm prepared to stand behind it with the strongest guarantee I've ever offered.
Who is this for?
This is NOT for you if...
On the flip side... You'll feel at home here if:
Included FREE With Every Academy Membership
Breakthrough Beginner
Build confident foundations before you begin
Most Academy members already know the basics, such as chords, capo use, and reading TAB.
...But good technique is often skipped or assumed.
That’s why Breakthrough Beginner is included FREE with every Academy membership.
Value: $97
If your basics are solid, skip it and start the Academy.
If not, use it as a two-week refresher before beginning the 5-Star Journey.
Everything You Get Today
Your Complete Six String Life Academy Membership
What You're Really Investing In
You’re not paying for yet another pile of guitar information.
You’re investing in finally becoming the guitarist you’ve wanted to be.
Knowing what to practise. Finishing songs. Building real confidence. Keeping your mind active and your fingers moving.
Turning the guitar into something that brings enjoyment, purpose and music into your life for years to come.
Six String Life Academy
Become The Guitarist You Always Wanted To Be
Option 1
Spread The Cost
4 monthly payments of $167
Split the cost over four monthly payments.
Best Value
Option 2
Pay In Full
One payment of $597
Save $71 and get the exact same complete Academy experience.
No subscriptions. Lifetime access to the core training, plus 12 months of coaching, community and new monthly lessons.
Click the green button below and choose the option that works best for you on the next page... and get instant access today.
Secure checkout • Instant access • No endless subscriptions
✔ Backed by the Play-With-Pride Guarantee. If you follow the path and don't play five songs you're proud of… you stay for free until you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I keep access after 12 months?
Yes. The core Academy lessons and training are yours for life.
Your first 12 months also include the ongoing support side of the Academy, including monthly coaching, the community, and new monthly lessons.
After 12 months, you'll still have lifetime access to the core Academy training. If you'd like to continue with the ongoing coaching, community, and new lessons, you'll have the option to continue through the Academy Alumni programme.
Is the Academy suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, although most Academy members have played at least on and off for a while. If you're dedicated and willing to stick to the plan, you may join. Start with my Breakthrough Beginner course, which is included with your membership.
Spend your first few weeks there learning the absolute basics, then move into the 5-Star Journey once you're ready.
How much time do I need each day?
Most members make excellent progress with just 20-30 minutes a day, but if you have more time, that's great. You'll never get bored or unsure of what to practice next. Consistency is far more important than long practice sessions, and the Academy is designed to fit around a busy life.
Do I need to read music?
No. Everything is taught step by step using easy-to-follow video lessons. The core songs also include downloadable TAB, so you don't need to read standard notation to enjoy the Academy.
How do I know I'm improving?
The 5-Star Journey makes progress easy to see through completed songs, clear milestones, and simple checkpoints at each stage.
Can I use an acoustic or electric guitar?
Yes. Everything inside the Academy is taught by me on acoustic guitar, but the lessons work on either acoustic or electric.
What happens after I join?
You'll receive immediate access to the Academy, where you can begin the journey, explore the Songbook, join the community and start learning at your own pace.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. You get the Play-With-Pride Guarantee. Follow the Journey, and if after twelve months you still can't confidently play at least five songs you're proud of, you'll keep getting the new monthly lessons and live coaching until you can. The aim is to get you there in around six months, but life can get in the way.
Not Sure If The Academy Is Right For You?
If you're interested in joining but still have a question—or you're not sure whether the Academy is right for your playing, goals or situation—I'm happy to help personally.
Prefer to email?
Send me a message at:
help@fingerstyle101.com
No pressure or hard sell. Just a friendly chat to help you decide.
Watch This Video To See 100+ More Testimonials Of My Teaching
Want to see even more proof?
This video was made back in 2016! Students were getting results from my teaching then, and my tuition has evolved enormously since.
Every Day, Students Are Succeeding Inside The Academy. You Can Too
Bill — From Hesitant to Confident, Smooth Playing
Bill is 80. He thought his fingers were “too stiff.”
Now listen to the confidence in his timing and tone as he sings and fingerpicks wonderfully.
Sharon — Playing Music She Thought Wasn't Possible
Sharon wanted a more concrete plan, songs that sound musical, and more clarity.
Now she plays with flow, control, and real expression.
The Guitar Life You've Been Chasing Starts Here
You picked up the guitar because something about it has always spoken to you.
Maybe you've always wanted to sit down, pick it up, and simply lose yourself in the music.
To play for yourself, family or friends, around a campfire or even at an open mic.
Most of all, I hope this is the year you stop starting over.
The year you build a repertoire you're genuinely proud to play and realise you've become the guitarist you always hoped you could be.
Not just someone who's “learning guitar”.
A guitarist for life.
That's why I called it the Six String Life Academy.
I'll see you inside.
Dan Thorpe
P.S. You can keep piecing together random lessons and hoping it eventually clicks. Or you can follow one 5-Star Journey, develop the five areas that matter, build five songs you’re proud to play and finally become the guitarist you’ve wanted to be.
And with my Play-With-Pride Guarantee, I’ll stay with you until you can.
Yes, the Academy is an investment. But compare it with the alternatives: Years wasted struggling, $3,000+ a year on private lessons with no complete roadmap, or more DIY learning, more half-finished songs and more wondering what to practise next.
You’ve seen the Journey. You’ve seen the proof.
If you trust my teaching, now is the time.
Or if you're ready, click the green button below to...
Secure checkout • Instant access • No endless subscriptions
You're covered by my Play-With-Pride Guarantee. I stay with you until you can play with confidence.
"I never thought I would be able to play."
"I could write ten paragraphs on everything that's so wonderful about your program. You are a huge part of my success, so thank you!"
— Nancy Saber
"I can say I finally feel like a real guitar player."
Been practicing daily for six years. If I had only had this in the very beginning, I’d be much further along by now. All the time is paying off. Thanks again.
— Robert Myler
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