I'll post a pic this Monday (when I'm off work). I'd love to learn to play, but lessons are not cheap; plus I'd have to swap the strings (I'm lefty). I've even considered buying one of those instructional video's, but I'm not sure that's the way to go.
I guess I'm the odd man out on this. While I do see the advantage to instructional videos and I do use them... I feel nothing can replace one on one instruction.
You'll gain the advantage of someone actually seeing what you are doing and correct you. This is VERY important early on when you're learning right and left hand techniques. NOTE: Don't ignore the right hand, everybody thinks it's all in the left (reverse these in your case as you're a lefty) because it's working the frets. Being able to cross-pick effectively is crucial to good playing as much as knowing where the E's are on each string.
In my case I have played guitar for about 20 years. Piano longer. I still go back to instructors from time to time. Most recently it was to improve my skills at improvisation. When I get in a rut or want to expand into an area I'll look for a teacher.
Again, in my case... another thing I like about an instructor is it keeps me practicing regularly. I hate to waste money and when I pay for the lesson I'm more inclined to study between lessons. Plus, I get really embarrassed in my lesson if I haven't practiced. The teacher always knows. :yes:
As with most instruction it's good that you find someone who you interact well with and can learn from.
Don't be afraid to interview your teacher before deciding. If they're good they'll want you to do that. Think in advance about what you want to accomplish. What style of music do you like? Do you want to play lead or just accompany yourself singing or playing rhythm guitar? Do you want to learn to improvise and jam along with someone whether or not you know the song? If you do want to improvise I recommend also delving into music theory and a little composition. Because when you improv you're really composing (to some degree) on the fly. You need to know what works and what doesn't.
Hopefully all this hasn't scared you in the least. I strongly encourage you to study the instrument. :yes:
You're obviously interested or you wouldn't have posted this. You have a great guitar to start with. That's a big hurdle you already have out of the way.
If you need more incentive to study music look into some of the recent studies on how music study helps stave off senility and helps cognitive brain functions in general. It doesn't matter when you start in life either... late or early. Just spend the time on it and you'll help your mind, relieve stress and have fun!
EDIT: You may not need to swap the strings. Some lefties play right handed... that's the sort of thing to bring up when interviewing instructors and get their feedback. You might even find someone as an instructor who is left handed but plays right handed, they could provide insight into how to do that.
EDIT #2 (or... boy the coffee is really strong this afternoon!) Regarding the cost of lessons, you don't have to make a life-long commitment to take them. Maybe you only take a few months of lessons to get started and then work on your own, with friends or videos until you feel the need to go back for more one on one instruction.
