I started out perched on the edge of my bed with a fingering chart and a big book of basic folk songs -- all those ditties typically learned at Granny's knee or some such low joint. To your elementary "tutor" book, add the following: a capo (so you don't have to learn too many chords at once), a good electric tuner, a bunch of picks, and a chart of basic strum patterns.

Find a quiet, private place to practise -- this is one activity for which living alone is a *good* thing -- and whack away at it for as long as it takes -- weeks to years, whatever.

Start with songs you know very, very well, even if they are so basic that you feel yourself regressing to kindergarten. Occasionally get out of your bedroom to listen to other players and watch what they do with your hands. If you like, you can use this as an excuse to attend a lot of concerts or to sit around in bars. When you practise, tape yourself and listen carefully to the playback.

When you have three songs that you feel at least semi-confident with (i.e., you can sing all the way through without tripping over your fingers), try them out on friends, preferably the kind of friends that frequent a good sing-around.

Repeat as necessary to develop a half-decent (or indecent) repertoire.