Does anyone know the best way to start?  

right now im a beginner..i have never played before, but i learn quick... i used to play the piano but it was a long time ago and i forgot

here's a site with fingerings for chords:

http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/G.asp

it's kinda neat because it plays each string for u to hear...

start by learning these chords: G, C
and go back & forth between 'em, building up strength (plus, tons of songs have these chords in 'em!). your fingers are gonna hurt but keep at it and it'll get easier.

After you get a few chords down good, you should try to learn how to read tabs. start with some slow simple songs that you have heard. This will help you get used to picking strings. www.ultimate-guitar.com ; you can search for almost any song.

The best way to start, if you're serious about developing good technique (jazz, classical, flamenco, etc.), is to find a live guitar teacher. I took jazz lessons for about 8 months and learned so much that I would not have learned if I were learning online. A live teacher is able to show good hand position, and also alternate ways of playing a chord, or moving from chord to chord.

Either way, get yourself a Fake Book in whatever style you like. The chords will be in it (get one with the chord diagrams in it, rather than just the chord letters) and then you can pick a tune you like and learn the chords in that tune. You can do the same on some of the guitar sites, too - just search for the song you want and then 'chords' after it. You'll also have to findthe chord diagrams, which isn't hard - That 8notes site (free guitar lessons) is definitely good!

i also like this site for finding songs:

http://www.guitarmasta.net

it has a lot of good ones and a lot of varieties in the tabs provided. does anyone know a good way to learn different strumming techniques? i've been playing for a few years & have learned a lot of chords but it's the strumming that gets me! help!