My Life's Regret is not having learned to play the guitar...

[cherokeeprogressive]

Stuff like this lives inside of me. I can feel it.

[BlueJazz]

1. Start now. If you don't, a year from now you'll be saying "I regret not learning the guitar"

[arcane1]

2. It's never too late! Check out the book "Guitar Zero" on this very topic.

Then grab yourself an inexpensive electric guitar and small amp, and go for it!

(I never advise learning on an acoustic)

(edit): Amazon link to the aforementioned book:
http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Zero-Science-Becoming-Musical/dp/0143122789/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386446799&sr=1-1&keywords=guitar+zero

[flying rabbit]

3. I am actually considering picking up the guitar and

am curious as to why you would not advise learning on an acoustic.
TIA

[arcane1]

4. Acoustics have thicker strings, which require much more strength to press them down.

In those early weeks of learning, before the muscles and calluses have developed, it can get pretty darn painful. I've seen people discouraged by that.

Plus, having volume control (or headphones) can be a good thing if one doesn't live alone

[flying rabbit]

5. Thanks for that info.

[arcane1]

6. You're welcome, and good luck!

Playing an instrument can be quite rewarding, even if done poorly

[Arcanetrance]

9. It's funny those very same reasons are why my dad insisted I learn on acoustic

He felt it would show that I'm actually dedicated before getting a guitar of my own. So the first year I played was on one of his acoustics

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

13. Maybe he knew that the volume is limited on an acoustic ...

... and a kid can't resist cranking an amp up to 11 at times.

(when I say "kid", I mean anyone of any age, of course)

[arcane1]

17. I thought about that right after I posted

[cherokeeprogressive]

16. I shall do just that.

Thanks for the advice!

[OmahaBlueDog]

7. Cheap Guitars work just fine -- Hell, some of them sound really good

There are plenty of music books with titles like (fill in name of major artist or group) for easy guitar. Plenty of websites. Plenty of CD teaching programs.

[Mr.Bill]

8. All kinds of free instruction

on YouTube also.

[Arcanetrance]

10. Nows a great time alot of the big companies offer starter packs with guitar, practice amp, and dvd

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

14. Or, some will give up the attempt ...

... so check Craigslist for some great deals.

You would need to know how to tell a good guitar from a clunker, but you can find that info on the interwebs, or ask in another thread.

[dipsydoodle]

12. You think you've got a problem.

I've 30 guitars I can't play in addition to about 80 banjos, 4 dulcimers, 12 ukes , various mandolins and a couple of autoharps which I can't play either.

Got three saxophones too.

[Wounded Bear]

15. So, how's business in your music store?

[Iggo]

18. Start today and regret it no more.

You may never be great (hell, I ain't and never will be).

But you will have fun.

And who knows? You might actually be great!

[classof56]

19. Hey, you can do it!

I'm pushing 76, got a hankerin' awhile back to take up guitar again, hauled out my 50-year-old Gibson acoustic and signed up for a class at the local community college. Won't be opening for the Stones anytime soon, but it's sure been fun! Last class featured a jam session with a group of musicians of the stringed variety (except for the lady who played the spoons). That was a kick in the head--a regular Hootenanny!

I say--go for it! Never too late to learn!