When I first started playing, I just figured it out myself from a beginner level book. After that I took lessons for about 3 or 4 years. The last year I took them, I inexplicably hated them. I was getting a lot better at guitar, but something about it just disgusted me. I quit, thinking I could improve on my own like I did when I started.

To be perfectly honest, I haven't. For a while I sorta plateaud, just like hunter was saying, and now I find myself feeling like I'm actually more of a beginner than when I first quit.

If you can find a good guitar teacher, I'd go with lessons. Schmange is right, it's not cheap, but if you want to get good at guitar I'd say it's probably the best way.


......unless of course you think you have a strong enough will to keep at it every day and put down a steady practice regimen. In that case, I can't really help you, as I have serious issues when it comes to focus. :o