I am going to attempt to teach myself guitar using some basic online guides.

I'm not trying to be great or anything, I just think it woiuld be cool to be able to play a little bit.

Any tips?

inb4 give up

When the baby calf speaks to you, listen to it, and follow its tips.

dont give up, and take a breather when you get frustrated. im 100% self taught, so far, and i know that was one of the big things for me

dont expect to be able to play everything when you first start. start out slow, and keep practicing.

find out some good finger stretching exercises, cause i used to not be able to play powerchords, cause my fingers would stretch. if you need any advice, just pm me

I'm playing acoustic guitar.It has been about 2months since I got it and I can play cool songs as : Back in black, In flames (medley), billie jean, pirates of the caraiben, thunderstruck, venecia (hemo).

JUST DON'T GIVE UP! I put about 1-2 hours each day.

Also don't forget : - 1 finger per fret.
- Watch videos about ''picking'', cuz you could make an error that many begginers do.
- Have fun

Pm me if you have questions

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/lessons/

Check the lesson category on the left.

Here you go

Basic Chords
Learn house of the rising sun or something. It has Am C D F E.....then learn G Em....and also learn bm and c#
You'll be set for life....

Finger Picking is good to learn...don't wait too long
Also, alt picking.

Crap, finger exercise messed up....just do them string by string up and down.

FINGER EXERCISE
Go down the fret board, use 1 finger per fret ( don't forget to use pinky)
E 1234 4321
B 1234 4321
G 1234 4321
D 1234 4321
A 1234 4321
E1234 4321

This post was edited by demonmyst on Oct 29 2009 03:04am

this is ur best bet, gain strength on ur fingers its the first step, repeat that exercise once a day, skip one fret until u get to the 12th, once u master it, try different variations like 1324-4231 and after that try maybe alternate picking using the same pattern like

Thanks guys, I'm gonna give it a try!!

Don't get lessons, make a decision to learn it and the passion will be there!

Everyone here has great advice- I also recommend self teaching.

- Practice, practice, practice
- You don't have to be a genius to play or write great music it's mostly muscle memory and hand coordination :]
- Listen to great guitarist and over time find what style you want to play- whether finger picking or with a pick etc...
- Most importantly HAVE FUN music is the influential form of art upon people!

P.s. I'm not a pro either so we're in the same boat, let me know how you are progressing

Why should he not get lessons?

Going to the lessons every week can keep you playing the guitar, because you are forced to play it *hopes nobody gets specific with this*.
Getting lessons also helps you from picking up bad habits.