Learning to play acoustic guitar?

Question:Okay. I'm asking for an acoustic guitar for Christmas (or for my parents to rent one so i can try it out). I know how to read music very well, i took piano lessons for 5 years. BUT.... I've never played the guitar before.

I'm kind of trying to do this independently, without taking lessons. So does anyone have any pointers as to how to teach myself? Or any self-teaching books you can recommend? All help is appreciated!

Thanks for your input!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Okay. I'm asking for an acoustic guitar for Christmas (or for my parents to rent one so i can try it out). I know how to read music very well, i took piano lessons for 5 years. BUT.... I've never played the guitar before.

I'm kind of trying to do this independently, without taking lessons. So does anyone have any pointers as to how to teach myself? Or any self-teaching books you can recommend? All help is appreciated!

Thanks for your input!

Buy a beginning guitar method book, such as Hal Leonard's Beginner Guitar Method One. Inside are tips on how to tune, hold, and care for your instrument.

Most important as these, there are basic chords and theory taught to play in the treble clef. Because you have music experience, grasping the theory shouldn't be difficult. There are also simple songs in notation to learn.

Once you get past the hurdle of pained and tender fingertips you will be on the way to increase your expertise through constant practice.

Go slow at your practice sessions; don't rush them thinking you'll comprehend the exercise.

Once you get the basic chords and notation down, find a complete chord book and learn as many as possible to include their progressions in all keys.

I have stored away my very first chord book--Nick Manoloff's Guitar Chord book--which propelled me to work harder at the guitar. Learning to read and write music was the catalyst to better playing.