Good luck and happy picking. Taught myself 4 yrs ago to play acoustic. My son asked me why would I do that. I told him i was getting old and needed something to keep mind fresh, lol. He then found out girls dig guys who can play guitar. Taught him self with some guidance from me. epiphone is a good starter guitar. I have 2 alvarez's 6 and 12 string. Now, about that Martin...... lol. Have fun