I have played guitar since I was 10. it's autopilot when i play bass. i just get the chords and play the songs pretty tight. aside from my normal band, i fill in with other bands 8-10 times a month. I'm a popular live player around town. fun stuff.
if you're starting new, definitely get an acoustic, and get a few lessons - you'll learn more in 4 lessons than you would in a year of jamming in your room. And just keep a guitar handy and noodle around with whatever's on the radio. Just find what the root note is, and use that blues box.