Learning to play the guitar advice
 

I received a nice acoustic guitar for Christmas and am determined to learn to play. I don't expect to be the next Clapton but I would like to get proficient on it.
I've never played a musical instrument before.
I would appreciate any advice you could give a beginner.
Thanks
Steve

Find a teacher. Bad habits last a lifetime, and if you don't have regular lessons you'll have a tough time sticking with it and getting over the first part of the learning curve.

Like Todd says, a teacher is a good idea. Many music stores can hook you up with a teacher.

It has been my experience that about 90% of the battle is having a sincere desire to learn how to play. Without the enthusiasm to stick with it, many people fall by the wayside.

Prepare yourself mentally for some pain/discomfort in the tips of your fingers on the hand you fret with until you build up some callouses... it'll take a while.

Have a friend who plays (or whoever you take lessons from) play your guitar to evaluate whether it needs any work... sometimes there are things that need correcting in the neck angle, etc. that will be help you in the early going.

Just stick with it long enough to grow a few callouses.

And it is always nice to have someone around to bounce things off of and to answer your questions as they arise.

Free online video lessons here Guitar Tabs, Guitar Chords and Lyrics - Chordiee
practice, practice, practice.

Hang out with friends who play. Get a few beers and have a jam session. This worked for me, but I was in college. If you're married, it's not so easy.

One pitfall about playing guitar is expecting too much too soon. Frustration sets in, and the guitar ends up in a corner collecting dust. Start learning simple songs that will build your confidence. Make sure your guitar has light strings (for easier playing) and learn the basic first position chords. Use youtube and ultimate guitar tabs, it has never been easier to learn guitar than now.

Good Luck