You don’t have to be an expert rock star to be in a band. In fact, most players learn how to play while in a band.

You also don’t need a high-dollar setup to start. Just play what you have until you think it would improve your playing by getting a new rig.

My suggestion is to join a band with people who share your same musical likes. Start with cover songs, (you can learn any song by searching for chords or guitar tablature online) then try writing some simple originals. Try to get gigs at parties or small venues near your home. Playing in a band with your bandmates is the best way to learn how to play guitar.

I also have never taken guitar lessons, but I played with a group for ~10 years, recorded 4 discs, and our songs ended-up being used on MTV!

I would suggest learning with the acoustic you already have. That way, you won’t blow a bunch of cash if yuo decide it’s too much work. I have an acoustic and I can read music (though I still can’t play worth a dang). I play just cuz I like to. If nothing else, your Mom will always be impressed.

OK… First of all, the expense is really not that great. You can get a completely satisfactory guitar for under $200 new (less used, of course). Amps are easy to find used for very little cash. A couple of stomp boxes (effects), depending on what kinda music you wanna play, and you’re all in for $400-500, the price of an iPod or two. Really not a lot of cash… Lessons? I’ve been a full-time pro musician for 30 years and I’ve never taken one. If you feel you want lessons, by all means, take some. If you have a good ear and aptitude for it you might not need lessons. Up to you… It all comes down to enjoyment; If you really enjoy it and want to play badly enough, do it! It can be an incredibly good way to spend some time, even jammin’ alone in a spare room. But if you think it might be too much trouble… Perhaps you’ve answered your own question, hmm?

Life’s short, I say go for it. You don’t have to be in a band to enjoy playing music..if it makes you happy, do it.

My 16 yr old son plays and he LOVES it – more than likely, he’ll never be in a band but it’s a passion of his.

It’s fun cus you can bring some friends round, and if any of you know how to play you can just jam. And if they don’t you can show off! I’m not the greatest player in the world and I can’t read music either, I just play it for fun.

dude ur just like me! im ina band and i could play alittle. but im still learning, i got lessons, which, if u have a good teacher, can be very helpful. and dont buy a super expensive guitar. just get one of those starter sets that come with a guitar, amp, and a bunch of other crap that u will need.