What’s the best musical instrument to learn online if you’re over 40?
Written By Ben Dorning
Banjo Teacher and Creator Of
www.banjoadventures.com
If you're new to the banjo, you might enjoy my Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning Banjo, where I walk through everything you need to know to start your banjo adventure.
The Best Instrument to Learn Online After 40 (And Why It Might Surprise You)
Remember when the internet made that weird screeching noise before it connected?
Back in the late ’90s, dial-up internet sounded like a robot having a nervous breakdown. And if someone picked up the house phone while you were online… well, that was the end of your evening.
Fast forward to today and the situation has completely flipped.
The internet is always on. Everything is online. And whether we like it or not, the world has become a digital classroom.
But here’s the interesting thing.
Since the pandemic, more people over 40 have started using the internet for something incredibly positive:
learning new skills.
Baking bread.
Learning languages.
And increasingly…
learning musical instruments online.
Why Online Music Lessons Work So Well
Learning music online has become one of the best hobbies for adults, especially if you’re over 40.
Why?
Because online learning solves some of the biggest barriers people face when starting a new instrument.
Flexibility
Online lessons let you learn whenever it suits you.
Pause the video.
Replay tricky sections.
Slow things down.
There’s no pressure and no awkward feeling of holding up a class.
Affordability
Online courses are often much cheaper than traditional lessons.
There’s no travel time, no weekly commute to a music teacher, and you can revisit the lessons whenever you want.
For many people, it’s simply a more practical way to learn.
Community
The best online courses also include a community.
Inside Banjo Adventures, for example, members share their progress, ask questions, and encourage one another inside a friendly Discord group.
That support can make a huge difference when motivation dips.
YouTube vs Structured Courses
Of course, YouTube is packed with free music lessons.
But there’s one problem.
YouTube is like being handed the keys to a giant university with no map.
Sure, the information is there — but knowing what to learn next can be confusing.
Structured courses work differently.
They guide you step by step, helping you build skills in the right order so you don’t get lost along the way.
And just as importantly, a good teacher remembers what it feels like to be a beginner.
The best instructors explain things clearly, keep lessons enjoyable, and encourage you when progress feels slow.
What Actually Helps People Stick With Online Learning
Starting something new is easy.
Sticking with it is the hard part.
The learners who succeed usually have a few things in common:
Progress Tracking
Seeing how far you’ve come is incredibly motivating.
Inside Banjo Adventures, members share audio clips and videos of their progress. It’s not about showing off — it’s about celebrating improvement.
Feedback
Sometimes a small correction can completely change how something feels to play.
Having someone who can answer questions and offer guidance makes learning much smoother.
Encouragement
Learning an instrument can feel awkward at first.
A little encouragement — even something as simple as a thumbs-up emoji — can go a long way toward keeping people motivated.
Community
Many people struggle with online courses because they feel alone.
When you’re part of a group of learners moving forward together, the experience becomes far more enjoyable.
Looking for Something a Bit Different?
Many people start with guitar or piano.
But not everyone wants to play the same songs everyone else is learning.
Some people want an instrument that feels a little different.
Imagine this scene.
A rocking chair.
An open fire.
A quiet evening.
And a simple tune rolling out of a five-string banjo.
It’s a sound that’s joyful, rhythmic and deeply rooted in traditional folk music.
Why the Banjo Is a Brilliant Instrument to Learn After 40
If you’re looking for a musical hobby that’s rewarding, creative and a little unusual, the banjo is a fantastic choice.
Here’s why.
Beginner Friendly
With clawhammer banjo, beginners can start making music surprisingly quickly.
The rhythmic playing style means you don’t need complicated finger techniques to get started.
Simple Equipment
You don’t need amps, pedals, or lots of gear.
Just a five-string banjo and a bit of curiosity.
Unique and Fun
Let’s face it — not everyone wants to be the tenth person at a party playing Wonderwall.
Being the banjo player instantly makes you stand out.
And in the best possible way.
Perfect for Learning Online
Banjo lessons translate beautifully to video.
If you’re a little shy or live far from music teachers, learning at home through structured lessons can be ideal.
Try My Free Beginner Banjo Mini-Course
If you’re feeling curious about the banjo, I’ve created a free two-video mini course designed for absolute beginners.
Inside you’ll find:
• simple step-by-step instruction
• a relaxed, beginner-friendly approach
• access to the Banjo Adventures community
You can start learning right away here:
👉 https://www.banjoadventures.com/courses
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Start
One of the biggest myths about learning music is that you have to start young.
The truth is that adults often make fantastic learners because they’re motivated, curious, and willing to practice consistently.
Whether you’re 40, 50, or 70, picking up an instrument can bring enormous joy.
And sometimes all it takes to start a new chapter is a little curiosity… and a banjo.
