Originally Posted by basschick

most of the people i know who simply got a guitar and tried to stop playing, didn't. it was too hard with no idea of how to get started, and they gave up.

there is no one best way - what is easier for one is hard for another. my fiance is the fastest guitar player i've ever worked with, and one of the fastest i've heard. he learned by playing with his favorite songs, all of which were death metal. it took a lot of patience when he got started, but more - it took TONS of motivation that most people don't have. he REALLY wanted to play death metal, more than he wanted anything else. and then he learned other kinds of music.

i learned guitar by taking lessons, and i've taught a lot of people beginning guitar, too. i usually start them on a couple easy songs. you can learn a few simple songs using chords like e minor - a great chord that only takes two fingers of your left hand ;) - and a minor. once you learn a couple songs, the motivation kicks in.

i was taught a couple sorta easy songs, then learned to read music and play through a series of spanish guitar exercises. to tell the truth, i didn't like it, but for some people, it could be cool. i will say one thing for it - being forced to practice all those exercises for years sure makes you remember some of them.

i've seen some great online lessons. why not use google and see what's out there?