I know that there are several of you on here who are very experienced guitar p_layer_s and I am seriously considering learning how to play.  I have an old guitar that belonged to a family member (it is kept at my daughter's) and I can't remember just what kind it is.  I am sure it is nothing that is in a league with what several of you own.  It is just a simple guitar.  What advice would you give me concerning taking lessons?  There is a fellow here in our town who does give lessons.  I know nothing about him, but will be checking him out first chance I get. I did play piano some, but that was years ago. I have never even tried to play guitar.  I do tend to be musically inclined and picked up the piano without a lot of problems.  Have no idea if this will help me out with learning guitar or not.  I am a lot older (but never too old to learn!) now and things may be a little harder to learn than they were at one time.  I thought about doing this several years ago, but then put it aside due to things that happened.  I am hoping that things will work out now. Any advice will be appreciated. Best, Dot

Hi Dot,  I think you are saying that you play by ear, and therefore could play the piano with little difficulty.  If that is so once you tune and learn the chords on the guitar you will also play that with ease,  the only real problem will be bleeding fingers.  You can learn chords from videos or books or you can take a few lessons to learn the basics.  OH BTW just because a guitar is old does not mean it is not a valuable instrument.  I assume it is an accoustic guitar and has 6 strings.  That is great.  I think you will have a great deal of fun with it and enjoy the music you create.  Good luck  Let us know what kind of guitar and what you finally decide to do.  But first get yourself some brand new strings from a music store where the manager knows his business and use some soft strings for the first time.  Then go up to better strings.  Your fingers. Keep your fingers.  Love, Sue

GO F0R IT DOT!!!!    I started lessons just over a year ago

Yes, do go for it. Just be patient with your fingers It takes time to build them up. They will hurt a lot at first, but they will get used to it. Try not to be tempted by nylon strings they are a cop out, and they will frustrate you with tuning, and tone. However if they keep you from giving up try a set and see what you will be missing if you do give up. Then get back on the real strings ASAP. A better alternative is to learn on Medium strings then when your fingers are getting used to it try lights. Nobody picks up a guitar, and plays smooth music by mistake like a piano. So it is a different instrument but well worth the invested time. One day out of the blue you will find yourself stumbling onto songs and thinking wow I am glad I did this. Learn the basic most popular chords. You know them you play piano. C-G-F-Am- D, and Em will play a lot of songs.      Don't buy a pitch pipe LOL you have a piano. Good luck and enjoy.                                 Ted