How I did it: My parents bought me a guitar and "Guitar for DUMMIES" which was so useful. I havent started lessons because i want the challenge of teaching myself plus i already play two other instruments.
When you start, the fingers on your fretting hand start to bruise but that's completely normal because it is your fingers hardening. This should stop in a few weeks or months.
I would really recommend Guitar For Dummies because it uses simple terms that are easy for people who have had no music experience before to understand without being patronising. I've only been using it a few days and Ive already learnt around 6 chords, a few songs and loads of techniques. Its probably the best book for teaching yourself.

Lessons & tips:

• Allocate a certain amount of time a day to practise and make it a regular thing
• Try playing with friends and swap tips
• Look at guitarists you admire to get an idea of the styles you would like to play
• Make a list of songs you aspire to play

Resources:

• Guitar for Dummies
• YouTube (search for guitar tutorials for your favourite songs and just general lessons)

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Jul 30, 2010, 04:59AM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers