For The New Guitarist:
1. You'll need a guitar. Ones that you plug into an amp are electric, ones that you don't are acoustic.
2. You'll need a teacher or a good "method" book. Some that I like/ have used are by Mel Bay and William Leavitt
3. Picks are important. It may take a while to find the one that's right for you, but eventually, by practicing, you'll know what works.
4. USE YOUTUBE!Beginners in this era have the advantage of YOUTUBE, which has tons of instructional VIDEO and performances.
5. Purchase or subscribe to Guitar Player Magazine. They highlight news, lessons, new innovations and other players. Important.
6. Drill your guitar playing friends/ family about aspects of playing-"How do I play this chord, this scale,etc..."
7. Practice DAILY! At least 30 mins. a day. More is great if you can focus longer, but stop when you feel cramping on the hand!
8. Record yourself. A great way to hear where you really are on the instrument.
9. Enjoy playing, and don't be too hard on yourself.