RECOMMAND A GUITAR

I would like to thank everyone that has contributed so far.
Thankyou very much

Buy used, find someone who isn't in a business to take lessons if you choose (You'll spend less money on lessons) And I have a Fender Stratocaster Made in Mexico, great quality for the price and I would defiantly recommend getting one.

I have a Gibson Firebird VII, a Charvel Surfcaster, a Fender Jaguar, two Fender Telecasters, and a Fender Mustang bass and they're all amazing. I especially love my Firebird and Telecasters.

A Flying V probably isn't the best to start with. For beginners, a Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul (which Slash is known for playing) could be pretty good. They're not my favourite but they're generally considered to be standard classics with a nice well rounded sound. Telecasters, probably my personal favourite, can be nice too. It might be best to start with the Squier Strat or Epiphone Les Paul, however (Fender and Gibson's respective lines of cheaper guitars) so you don't put a ton of money into it right away, in case it doesn't pan out or something. At the end of the day it's up to you though. Some guitars just don't feel quite right when I pick them up to play them. It's a personal preference thing.

As for other equipment, you'll need an amp, a good strap (you'll hurt your back otherwise - I weigh about 90 pounds and without a strap my back would be destroyed holding an 8 pound guitar all the time), good strings, and picks (probably thicker ones for GNR).

It's definitely not too late to learn. You just need to take it slow and keep at it. I play about 15 or 16 instruments, all self-taught. It just takes patience and practice.

Can't really recommend a guitar to a beginner. Just don't fall for some promo crap that some shops try. Ask on a guitar forum, they know best.

As for the learning.. Honestly, your best bet would be to ask a friend, that knows how to play, to just teach to the basics. It's the best way to get a smooth start. After that it's just practice practice practice, join a band, practice practice practice.
It's never ever too late to learn.

I recommend you this guitar http://wonkette.com/assets/resources/2008/05/airguitarJFK.jpg
I couldnt find the exact link to it, sorry.

Get a Yahama Pacifica (I think the product name was 112 or 212 or something). These are really good guitars for beginners. You can also take a look for Shecters cheap editions.

Buy used, but only from brand names (do not buy new cheap chinese or imitation guitars).

Also, you will need amplification. Go for cheap, install Windows 7, ASIO4ALL (google it), and Guitar Rig 5. Then you will need a cable, and an adapter from plug to miniplug. If you don't have a Line In in your PC, buy a cheap USB 2.0 sound device (I don't want to say M-AUDIO but those are cheap).

In six months we'll see about effects and amplification.

<<< 10 years of experience.