not at all...I taught myself! I do have a pretty strong background in music though. If you pick up a guitar and a tuner...and flip around on the internet (or get a book or movie), you'll be playing in no time! I still have trouble with some of the more difficult chords....but its still a work in progress. One side-note....you will have calussed finger and NO FINGERNAILS....hehe....makes holding the strings tricky with them! Good luck on your pursuits!! Sounds like a full schedule to me!