I stutter-started. I signed up for a year (during one of the specials) and practiced for a month or two and then dropped it. Still, I renewed thinking I might try again someday and, shortly thereafter, a very good friend left his very good guitar in my hands to play with. That guitar and my friend's gesture were both inspiring to me. With a much better instrument, something I never thought I would play, I was motivated to go back to the Fundamentals course. A month or two later my friend offered to sell me the guitar...at a very reasonable price.

That all started at the end of February this year. Last week, I completed the Fundamentals course. I don't know if nine months is making good time or not but I'm pleased with my progress.

My point...sometimes there's a false start or two but it doesn't mean one can't finally make true progress. IMO, it's all about internal motivation and self-discipline...especially that motivation. :) Come to think about it, this story is just like my going to college story...minus the guitar. ;)