Originally Posted by: rickmartone61I'm a 74 year old retiree. I have never read a note or played an instrument. I would like to learn the guitar. I don't own a guitar. Don't know what to look for in aguitar. You might call me a pre beginner. Suggestions?
Hello 
I keep six honest serving-men,[br](They taught me all I knew);[br]Their names are [u]What[/u] and [u]Why[/u] and [u]When,[/u][br]And [u]How[/u] and [u]Where[/u] and [u]Who[/u].
- Rudyard Kipling[br][br][u]What do you want to learn to play?[/u] Electric, acoustic or Classical?
[u]How much is your preferred and max budget?[/u]
[u]Where are you located. Country?[/u][br][br]
At 74 do you have any impediments such as arthritic hands and/or fingers or their strength which might present obstacles to your journey. e.g. electric guitar necks and actions are in general easier to fret than acoustic, although one can buy an acoustic guitar with nylon strings today. Whilst Classicals feature nylon strings, they come with their own idiosyncrasies and challenges. e.g. high action, wide necks, heel and body at the 12th fret (one octave).
Once we know answers, you will be better advised.
If you can, you can go into a local guitar store bearing in mind the probable conflict of interest depending upon the integrity of the owner's business model and staff. Ultimately caveat emptor applies. They are there to sell you something. That's what keeps their doors open.
Personally, I didn't and don't enjoy the walk-in local 'guitar store user experience'. Others might and do. On the other hand, if you take your time, there's plenty of info available through research on the internet today to be guided to a purchase decision even if you buy from a walk-in LMS or guitar store..
