how did you learn to play the guitar?

Taught classically from age 11 thru to 18.

Have had some lessons in rock playing in my 30sbut it just reinforced what I had taught myself.

YouTube is a fabulous resource. Find people you like and then look at what else they do. Most have subscription services with much more content behind.

Didn't have youtube in 1965.
I bought a secondhand cheap 6-string, taught myself the basic chords, then fingerstyle (have never used a plectrum), no strumming.
Then fell in love with Irish folk music, and learnt to play and sing it.

Never had a lguitar esson from anybody

I figured it out myself. And a little help from seniors at the school. Then just a lot of practice. If I feel like I’m stuck somewhere, I use this app called Tabs.

playing upright double bass in grade school.

I'm just sorta figuring it out.

Good question