Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I'm a beginner who has decided to take up the guitar later in life. I have owned my guitar about 7 months and have recently started taking lessons. Needless to say, it's a bit overwhelming considering I have zero musical knowledge or experience.

I found this forum today and it looks like a great place to get answers and advice.

Thanks,
Bill M.

Hey, WELCOME.  It sounds like you and I are in the same boat.  I'm 60 and retired.  I started the git about 6 months ago.  I don't have a teacher.  I have a coach who is a good friend.  He's been at this git thing over 40 years.  You're definitely going to like it here.  These people have a wealth of knowledge and are more than willing to share.  There are times you'll need to sort out the BS, though.

Dean

Thanks Dean. I tried learning on my own, but I really didn't feel like I was progressing very much. I think having the structure of an instructor will be better for me. I certainly hope so anyway!

It's funny, I always thought the hard part would be doing the chords with my left hand. And while that isn't easy, I think I have a lot harder time with the strumming and picking. Oh well, I'm going to give it a year or so and see how things go.

Thanks for the welcome.
Bill M.

Do you know any one who plays? some one you can use as a coach...I have a group of folks that get together once a week, we've helped a lot of folks get started that way......

I know what you mean about working out GOOD strum/pick patterns.  That is the one thing my coach and I are working on.  I'm able to pick up chord changes prety well, but I get in a "strum rut" where all my songs sound the same because of the strum I get stuck in my head.  I haven't started to do any picking, yet.  I figure I'll get the rhythm part of this git thing down first.  When I get a better handle on reading tabs, I'll start to try picking.

I like having a coach.  We get together whenever I feel I'm ready to try something new.  It takes the pressure off learning on a schedule with an instructor.  And, the "refreshments" we have during our sessions is all it costs me.

KEEP IT FUN,

Dean

Hey guys.

I do have a friend that plays, but unfortunately he lives about 45 minutes away and it's hard for us to get together very often. As I get better, I will try to set up more "jam" sessions with him.

Thanks again for the welcome and the tips.

Bill