In the past 15 years or so, you could say that there have been some interesting developments for the budding guitar players of the world. The rise of the Internet led to sites that were databases for tablature, an easier alternative to reading music. In addition, the rise of rhythm games like "Guitar Hero" or "Rock Band" ignited a new interest in the instruments (it also helped when "Rock Band" introduced "Pro Mode," something that more directly mirrors playing a real instrument).