the guitar is tuned in 5ths
also saying its easy or hard has no context. it depends on what your trying to play. find a jazz or bluegrass song and tell me its easy.
by the way pianos cant play in quarter steps, but with lots of practice you can with a guitar.

It all depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want to learn just basic chords then it`s easy but if you want to learn more advanced riffs or leads then it takes lot of time and effort but it will only happen if you really like the instrument. I`ve been playing guitar for very long time because I always liked the sound of it. You can`t force yourself into it.....you just need to simply enjoy the entire process of learning then it will come to you naturally.
I have released a solo CD and you can check out some guitar sample tracks especially (The Chase, Spanish Skies and Cruiser) at http://geomusic.servemp3.com.

Lots of luck.

George