i got my first guitar when i was 12 years old.it was a christmas present from my mom and dad!a Stella Guitar, and still have it .(50 years ago this christms.) i didn't think too much about it then,but now it seems that every one i know now in the music business,started playing the guitar at age 12.i guess it was just a magical age of the 50's when i was growing up............but times and kids have changed ,so who knows what age is the best! but,i must say all those folks i know who started at age 12,can sure pick the fire out of a guitar now!!of course,i'm sill learning!!!