Anyone wanna help an old dog learn a new trick? I was given an acoustic guitar for a gift (been wanting one and a good friend obliged), but have no idea where to start in learning. Any self-taught guitarists out there with advice? 
VIEW 6 of 6 COMMENTS
remyx:
i know all of four chords. i've even forgotten the names of them. if you can get what is called "tablature" it will show you where to put your fingers on the strings to make the appropriate notes. you can see examples in some of the guitar mags.
eyeofthechicken:
Hmm...my recommendation, which you're not gonna like, is take a few lessons 
Really, having someone show you a few things is a huge time-saver in terms of picking up some basics (especially if you are interested in learning to play classical). A reasonably decent teacher can also tell you pretty quickly if you have any setup issues that need to be addressed (learning to play on an improperly set up guitar can be immensely frustrating and discouraging). Take a few lessons, learn how to hold the instrument and where to put your hands and fingers, how to hold a pick or use your fingers, and then decide if you want to strike out on your own or stay with (or find another) instructor. I took a lot of lessons as a kid. Did I need 'em all? Maybe not all of 'em, but the jump start of having someone around that knew what they were doing got me a lot farther faster. Best of luck, and if I can be of any help on your quest, feel free to drop a line.
Really, having someone show you a few things is a huge time-saver in terms of picking up some basics (especially if you are interested in learning to play classical). A reasonably decent teacher can also tell you pretty quickly if you have any setup issues that need to be addressed (learning to play on an improperly set up guitar can be immensely frustrating and discouraging). Take a few lessons, learn how to hold the instrument and where to put your hands and fingers, how to hold a pick or use your fingers, and then decide if you want to strike out on your own or stay with (or find another) instructor. I took a lot of lessons as a kid. Did I need 'em all? Maybe not all of 'em, but the jump start of having someone around that knew what they were doing got me a lot farther faster. Best of luck, and if I can be of any help on your quest, feel free to drop a line.