Hi Beth,
Congrats on taking up guitar! It's a long process to be sure, so I
hope you have the patience to hang in there.

I totally disagree with you saying it's a waste of money and a
teacher's time to have to deal with a complete newbie. I knew nothing
when I got my first guitar 4 Christmases ago. I started lessons in
the Jan. after that Christmas and have been taking lessons ever
since. Any bit of music theory that I learned in public school (not
high school) had long been forgotten. I never did know how to play
any instrument, so they dont come any greener than I was.

I started by learning the names of the parts of the guitar, how to
tune it, and basic open chords. All that took me ages! Adults dont
learn as fast as kids! My teacher is a great guy. He had the
patience to hang in there with me, not let me get discouraged or feel
stupid. I plunked my way along for a long time before anything
sounded like anything.

Today I am in my 5th year of lessons with the same fellow, and I've
come a long way. After my second year he told the audience at our end
of year concert that I was his most improved student :-) I didnt know
he was going to say that, and the feeling I had of pride and
excitement was something else! I'd worked hard to get to that point.

My teacher has a feeling of pride in me and himself when he sees how
far I've come with his help, and yes, a lot of hours of practice on my
part. It makes him feel good to know he gave me the start and help
and knowledge to get where I am today. Which is not to say I am a
great player, but I can hold my own pretty good. I know I would not
have gotten this far on my own, I'd have given up years ago.

For sure, learn what you can on YouTube and any other resource, there
are millions of them on the 'net. I read a lot of online sites, get
info where I can, and I practice til I cant practice anymore. The key
to my "success" such as it is has been lessons from Day One.

Elva