WYSIWYG said: "Sometimes the request also has to do with people who play hour after hour at home alone-- you know the syndrome-- locked away in their bedroom and afraid to let anyone hear them or just absorbed in the rich sound and feel of the wood. A lot of beginning guitar players seem to get lost there-- more guitarists than other instruments' players I mean-- and these folks honestly may not have any experience playing with other folks and swapping approaches "on the fly."

Some of us live in such isolated places that playing with other musicians is a rare and delightful experience, especially in winter! I've been learning for almost a year now, and have had exactly four opportunities to learn directly from another musician, other than asking them questions on the phone, which obviously ain't the same. I'm a touch un-nerved by WYSIWYG's vision, because it IS me, sort of, but isn't by any means a choice.

I'm rather proud of how much I've learned on my own. I can play and sing about fifty songs, about twenty chords (and can learn new ones as soon as I know what they are), have learned to add a basic bass line, have become more creative with my strumming. I'm managing to figure out chords for very simple tunes.

But I still need help with chords and I'm grateful for it when it's offered.