Over the years I have toyed just a bit with the guitar. But never even semi-seriously. I took some group lessons, learned about 12 chords and a bit of strumming and picking. Took a couple of months of private lessons. I could play and accompany songs by ear using the I, IV and V7 chords. But never learned much else, including the finger positions, etc.

So, I recently decided - why not - and bought myself a moderately expensive 20 DVD set of guitar lessons published by Gibson,

Then, I joined a guitar online forum (much like BFN), and started reading the posts.

WOW!!

It brought to mind what a newbie to bicycling must experience. All these names and brands and types of acoustic guitars being thrown out - none of which I had a clue. Which is good? Which is expensive? Why all the different brands ans types, and how does that affect me? Music genre's, names of famous groups I have never heard of.

They have a N+1 syndrome, with some folks having scores of guitars (sound familiar?) They have specialties - i.e., using fingers only instead of a pick, and using nylon only, etc., etc.

But, they have no beginner threads or forums, nor do they have a 50+ forum - probably not appropriate for guitars.

Well, I am plodding along slowly in the book and related DVD's, and I have actually learned a lot of new things in the past 30 days. But, it takes a lot of practice and concentration - hmm! Sound familiar again?

However, I am getting a lot of SMILES

Anyone else experience "newbiness" lately - besides bicycling?

That sounds interesting. I've got no experience with that but it reminds me to look for a flyfishing forum!

There is a surprising degree of cross-over/similarity between guitars and bikes, including G.A.S. (... Acquisition Syndrome). Lots of specialized insider knowledge you develop over the years. Playing guitar doesn't get you in shape, but it is good for your brain, discipline. Bike riding is great for reaction time and right brain/left brain coordination.

Other stuff similar that comes to mind: windsurfing, auto repair/restoration, mountaineering, gardening, home refurbishing projects.