Some of the first facts to consider are:

1) You will want to clip the fingernails on the hand you do chords with super short. That is part of the cost. Trim once a week. If you don't want to, I may have just saved you several hundred dollars and a lot of frustration. See that's real guitar information. On the other hand, you could "let those babies grow". They'll be great for picking strings.

2) Learn to change broken strings. It costs $25.00 or more to have someone else do it. It takes about 2 hours to learn. Strings cost a buck apiece. You can get 2 sets for $10.00. Put them on yourself. Have a backup set. Saves countless time and money!

3) The right $30.00 Straplocks can save hundreds, if not thousands. Trust me, I know about the thousands. Ouch!

4) Electric guitars played through a silent headphone amp, are quieter than acoustic guitars. Do you want to have everyone hear your bad notes? Do you want to listen to someone practicing bad notes constantly? I'll show you how to get both acoustic or electric setups for under $300.00.

5) Most guitars share the same shape for a reason. They have those curvy lines so it is easier to sit with. Beats standing all the time.

Bonus Fact: !Warning! Side effects for some, but not all people who play guitar for real, may include one, two, or all of the following: Changes in Hair, Clothing, and Posters. These symptoms are generally considered mild. If extreme, thank me and consult the proper authorities.

Good News: #1) If you've been playing air guitar you need to keep that passion when you play guitar for real. You may have a long way to go. In this I do believe "It can be done"! I did it. And many like me. Although the others may be too proud to admit where they started. Remember: Jimi Hendrix was always playing a broom stick before he got his first real guitar. His Dad took pictures to prove it. You can find them out there.

Good News: #2) If you've been playing the hottest guitar hero video games, you have some of the skills already. Move those digits. Strum up and down. All good stuff!

Parents always ask me "What do we do next"?

"Should we get a guitar?"

"Where do you find the real guitar prices and information?"

"What are the necessities they don't tell you about?"

"What do you really need to know to play Guitar For Real?"

My sister-in-law asked me all these after her searches for guitar information on the internet. Nothing seemed to lead her exactly to the answers that would satisfy her usual motherly instincts. There is a lot of stuff out there. Maybe too much. She felt confused and frustrated. Later, I gave her and her husband the answers. While handing him the guitar and things I thought their child would need, he looked me square in the eye and said, "You really should make a website where everyone can find these answers." Those were not the only questions they wanted to have answered. Are you ready for the rest?

Start with Guitar Research.