Epiphone, can't afford a Gibson LP yet lol. But I have been playing since last July....Probably around late July 2008.... So about a year and some change I would say is how long I have been playing. Self-taught, had about 3 weeks of lessons when i first started. He taught me how to read, which I for the most part have forgotten, and taught me the Iron Man riff, great song for a beginner. I want to get lessons soon because there is so much more to learn about not only guitar but the music in general!