Feeling plucky

I want to learn how to play the guitar. I know - I don't need any more projects, but I really want to try this. I think it would be fun. The problem is I think I'm getting to the age where it's harder to learn new things. I know I'm not THAT old, but I've been noticing that I've been having trouble in that department lately. Like a few weeks ago I got a new cell phone. I think I've finally figured it out. A 5 year old could have figured it out in about 2 seconds. I used to be really good at stuff like that, but now, not so much. This worries me. But I feel like trying to learn something new and somewhat challenging might help my feeble little crazy brain.

One reason I want to learn the guitar is just to figure out how the thing works. I know how to play the piano. I can read music. I'm not very good at the piano, but I understand it. I think that might give me an advantage with the guitar. Except have you seen a guitar? It only has six strings. A piano has 88 keys. How do you get 88 notes out of 6 strings??? I want to understand this. I've seen people play the guitar and I know you slide your fingers up and down the handle thing (I also need to learn the names of guitar parts) and you pluck the strings with a pick, but that's about all I know.

Another problem is how do I learn to play it? Is it possible to teach myself? I can't stand the thought of taking lessons. I did piano lessons. And recitals. Hated them! There's no way I would put myself through that again. But if I just get a book or watch videos on YouTube, would that work? I don't know. I don't need to become a professional guitar player or anything, but I would like to have a good knowledge of the instrument and how to play it. Can I do this myself?

At least I'm pretty sure I can get a guitar when I'm ready to take this on. My parents each have one from when they were younger. They don't play anymore and the guitars are just sitting in the closet. I just need to convince them to give me one.

So I'm wondering if I should even bother with this, or is it just some crazy idea I have that will probably never work out? If anyone's reading this (yeah right) I would appreciate your thoughts.