Jimbo wants to play the gui-tar

So as I approach my 30th birthday, suddenly I want to learn to play the guitar. As I listen to the music I love, I find it painfully obvious that I really don't know what I'm listening to, because I don't have any familiarity with the instruments that they are using, nor do I understand the structure of the music. I really feel like I'm missing out on a huge part of the music, and I'm also severely limiting myself in my abilities to properly evaluate the sound of the audio equipment. This is why I want to learn the play the guitar. Well, plus, who doesn't want to be able to pick up a 'strat, crank the gain on the amp, and whail out some ZZ Top riffs? It's in my "man" gene. I also think it'll be fun to get into building my own guitar amps.

I've started looking at guitars, and given myself a crash-course on how they operate and what I should be looking for. I've found a couple that I like, including a couple used ones that I'm waiting for a price for from an online buddy. Kristin has an inexpensive acoustic and she's adament that I learn on that before spending money on a new toy. I'm indecisive at this point. Kristin makes a very good point... learn first, then buy the toys. On the other hand, everything that I've read says that if you learn on junk, you'll lose interest much faster than on something that you like. I suppose that makes sense. The other issue is that her guitar is a very inexpensive model, which is likely to constantly come out of tune, which will make the whole experience very frustrating. But, I may at least try a couple lessons with it before I buy my own. I think it'll depend on the price that the guy gives me on those guitars online. If I buy a modestly priced used guitar, I could get most or all of my money back if I decided to sell it, although honestly, I kind of like the idea of having one around, even if I don't wind up getting good. On the other hand, there was a more expensive guitar that I really preferred the sound of, so it may benefit me to put up with the acoustic for a while, then if I find myself getting good enough to stay interested in it, then just buy the better guitar.

Who knows.

Right now the biggest unknown is whether or not I'll actually stick with it. I have a gut feeling that unless I completely suck and never show any signs of improvement, that I'll be likely to stick with it a bit longer than some of my other passing interests. Ultimately, my desire to learn the instrument stems from my strong interest in audio and my desire to learn more about audio. Maybe the benefits gained from this experience will keep me interested even if my playing skill doesn't progress as rapidly as I hope for. Then again, maybe there's already an Eric Clapton inside of me waiting to show himself. :)