I taught myself to play.
The most helpful tools were the following;
Guitar for Dummies, - Mark Phillips Don Chapple
Great overview covers the basics, easy, fun , do this first.
Edley's Music Theory for practical people. Do this along with the above book.
When you understand the theory you can understand what you are doing, plus the theory is simple and fun.
this book will save you from ever buying a book on chords, you will be able to make them on your own.
Fretboard theory - Desi Serna
Fretboard Logic - Bill Edwards
Buy one or the other, I used Fretboard logic. Understand the fretboard and apply the basic music theory to it and you will be able to play anything.
The other thing I did was sign up for online lessons.
Nextlevelguitar. good site, David taub is a great teacher, I love their song DVD's. $19 a month
Jamplay, Huge site, a lot more for your money. Many teachers to pick from. lesson series for begginer, series on styles, song lessons. I loved this site, about 15-20 dollars a month. I think I paid about $50 for a quarter, I still use this site.
I have gone from knowing nothing to being able to play almost anything, in any key, Rhythm, lead, fingerstyle, Blues. christian, sing and play.
Good Luck, Have Fun! Hope this Helps