To that I say balderdash. I started playing bass when I was 17 and guitar when I was 18 and I think I'm doing just fine. Of course I often think of how good I'd be if I started playing at a younger age, but when I take things into consideration I also note that I didn't have the discipline or dedication to properly practice and see to it that I became the best musician that I personally could be. Praise and attention really don't compare to the moment something clicks and you feel yourself grow as a musician. In my opinion that is the best part about playing. Knowing that you've grown and feeling it too. Just last week I heard someone say pretty much the same thing, he wanted to play but he figured it was too late. Here's how you can tell it's too late. Are you on your death bed? If not then hop to. And furthermore, even if it was "too late" that doesn't mean that you can't still play for personal pleasure. You don't have to be good at something to enjoy doing it. Just try not to compare yourself to other musicians, younger, older, more experience, less experience, anything. We've all got our highlights and things to work on regardless of how much time someone's been putting into it. If you really, truly want to play then play. You've got a guitar at hand so it's not a matter of money. Besides, if your friend is as good as you say he is, then I'm sure he could help you out and fork over some of that knowledge. Just remember, what you put in is what you get out. If you play once a week then it'll show, but if your like some of us and you allow it to pretty much encompass 95% of your spare time then that will show too. I think the best advice I can really give you right now though is read. Read all you can. Books, websites, everything. That and talk to people, whenever you read something that makes no sense, ask someone to speak in lamen terms and if it still doesn't make sense, keep reading and look for various examples. That being said, go for it and good luck to you. Hooo, what a post.