I GOT SF4 EARLIER TODAY YAAAAYYY. So this is I think what will get me into fighting games. I have the old street fighter 2 for the snes, but never really got into it (also because I was so young). 
 
So first day! I sunk in about 3 hours already, probably will play some more later tonight. So i jumped into Arcade, Easy with Ryu and got beaten by Dhalsim. I spent some time in Training mode and remembered how to fireball. Went back to arcade and beat 3 people until I lost to Rufus (I think i might main him, but it's still too early to tell). Decided to try out the Normal trials. I did the first 3 trials before it got too hard. Hey i got a few new titles, I equipped "Sleeps Anywhere" hehe. I went ahead and did the first 2 trials for Ken, Chun-Li, Rufus and C. VIper. I really didn't like playing with Chun-Li, Ken feels like Ryu, Rufus is hilarious, C. Viper is cool. So I went back into arcade with Ryu and won a few rounds then I kept getting beaten by Abel and that's about when I decided to call it quits. 
 
I think I need to work on moving the analog stick more accurately (like instead of doing a quarter circle for a hadouken, I sometimes do a third circle) and timing for combos. I still don't know what to do in many situations, I find myself hoping to get off more fireballs and concerned with inputting the right commands, then BAM I get thrown or knocked down. 
 
So! mmmm.... what are the chances I can win a round online? xD haha I'll probably get around to reading the guides on giantbomb. hmm well any advice is appreciated >.> " I have it on the PS3, errr... yeah... sore thumbs. ^_^

Always nice to see new players. :) 
 
Here are some of my favorite resources: 
 
http://mycheats.1up.com/view/superguide/3163881/street_fighter_4/xbox_360      < this guide really helped me out when I started playing, they cover the basics for every character and give you some combos too, I really recommend using this site while you're trying to find a main
 
 http://www.eventhubs.com/guides/2008/jul/08/street-fighter-4-strategy-guide-hints-and-tips/  < great resource, has a lot of information, there's a blog on the main page of eventhubs that gets updated with sf related news often
 
 http://forums.shoryuken.com/forumdisplay.php?f=241   < the main street fighter forum out there, information on tournaments, characters, arcade sticks, everything. But the members are kind of mean to newbies so you better read the rules and not start unnecessary topics. Also this is the place to go once you've chosen a main character and want to discuss him/her. 
 
And of course giantbomb is great too, I'm sure you'll find some people here to play with.

Sweet!, you finally got it. 
 
Pro-tip: Get a stick, both the PS3 and 360 controllers arn't great for these precision fighting games. Period. People online are vicious, and instead of finishing off a combo with a sweet ultra combo, you'll probably get Ryu hopping around punching the empty air. (.......or at least thats what happens to me.....>.> )  
 
I would say just hop into arcade mode some more and play around with your most comfortable character. Then just jump online, no harm in learning through baptism by fire. I recommend player matches if your a stickler about rankings and stuff. Or turn on the online match thingy for arcade mode so you get the player matches while practicing in arcade mode.  
 
The trials arent that great in actually teaching you the context of the moves and combos so just playing should work out any kinks you have.  
 
Sometime, were going to have to get sum sort of tourni going! ( I play as Gouken and Gief. Bring it!) 

" Sweet!, you finally got it.  Pro-tip: Get a stick, both the PS3 and 360 controllers arn't great for these precision fighting games. Period. People online are vicious, and instead of finishing off a combo with a sweet ultra combo, you'll probably get Ryu hopping around punching the empty air.

It's always nice to see another PS3 SFIV player on here. There seem to be so few of us on Giantbomb.  
 
I suggest you stick with the d-pad instead of the analog because your thumbs will get use to it and the d-pad is better anyways. Unless of course you plan on getting an arcade stick which you should probably get as soon as possible but if you're not gonna get one then stick with the d-pad.

" @Chewii101 said:

" Sweet!, you finally got it.  Pro-tip: Get a stick, both the PS3 and 360 controllers arn't great for these precision fighting games. Period. People online are vicious, and instead of finishing off a combo with a sweet ultra combo, you'll probably get Ryu hopping around punching the empty air.

SUPER and ULTRA are totally overused. I find it especially idiotic when people let get themselves hit, just so they can attempt an ultra combo and see me jump over it, grinning. "