actually learn to play my guitar

In the move, my guitar got terribly out of tune. So out of tune that the notes weren’t even recognizable. Since the move I’ve broken two strings out of carelessness. I went to Guitar Center to buy new strings and the guy was flabbergasted that I wanted to buy nylon acoustic guitar strings and that I didn’t know anything about the weight or the tension. I said, just give me something for a beginner. I put the strings on, and I got a “learn guitar” book from the library. I can play a scale or two, but still, it is so hard to make myself practice!

I picked up the instrument this afternoon. It seems like visitors to my apartment have logged more time on it in recent months than I have. I went back to a beginner’s basics book and realized that I have developed some pretty bad habits about my hand positions. Perhaps this is why it’s been so uncomfortable to play – I just thought my hands were abnormally small or lacking in strength and that’s why I couldn’t play right.

Anybody got pointers for a proper left hand playing position? I’m all confused. All the websites say something different.

I think I might have to take lessons to actually motivate myself to play it.

That, or find some really cool classical guitar music. Any suggestions?