First Act

This is my first act with the electric guitar. It's a mesmerizing instrument, one that I hope to master in this lifetime. I have the drive but am lacking information. Terms like "appregios," "measures" strike no chords. Forgive the little pun there. Is there a book for dummies? Of course there is! I'm broke though. Any informative websites, one you trust and have learned from in the past, one that'll fill my head with guitar knowledge and not leave me lost in guitar jargon--Guitar players unite! I need great, golden togetherness on this one. And though I may seem a bit aloof at times, I will try to come back to this thread with any questions and concerns.

What do I know as of now?

I know how to play the scales, re-string a guitar. I can play a bit of chords but it's just as the text-book figures show me, so nothing very creative yet. I'm a beginner with a Wal-Mart brand First Act guitar. Let's start from there. Share the problems you have encountered on your musical endeavor, from the beginning. Start over with me.

I think I understand the timing a little bit better after a brief lesson. I played an easy song, "A Horse With No Name." It's very simply. Only two chords throughout the entire song but as the lesson stresses, a song is not a song if it is not in rhythm. "The rhythm of the song is in 4 / 4 time (four beats per measure) and the chords change each and every measure." Any guitarists out there care to give a little explanation? I understand a little and try to count along with the strokes 1..2..3..4, then switch to the other chord and do the same thing. I could be counting at an incorrect pace though...

My brother swears by this book:

Amazon.com: Fretboard Logic SE: The Reasoning Behind the Guitar's Unique Tuning + Chords Scales and Arpeggios Complete (The Fretboard Logic Guitar Method Parts I and II) (Fretboard Logic Guitar Method Ser): Books: Bill Edwards

And I've definitely noticed an improvement in his playing since he started getting into it.