re: Whats the easiest way to learn an instrument?

Nowadays the internet makes it easy to get instruction on how to learn guitar. Learn your basic chords first. Develop finger strength through scales before trying to play licks/solos. Finger strength is EVERYTHING when playing guitar. This can be as simple as playing half steps, whole steps, and step and 1/2s up and down the fretboard. It's boring, but helps. Like Petrucci says "it's like doing ab exercises". If you don't have the finger strength, you can't play most things and will get frustrated and want to quit. I tried jumping straight in to learning songs without any knowledge of guitar and it really set me back. That being said, you can learn songs as you go along. But get those fundamentals down! If you really enjoy it, nothing will stop you. Good luck!