Sure practice is great (scales and chords)...but it's easy to get bogged down and lose interest. I'd recommend learning real songs, songs you listen to and think you'd be able to handle. For instance, someone who has never picked up a guitar before could handle "A Horse With No Name" by America. Tom Petty, ZZ Top, and Pink Floyd all have some simple easy to play songs. First progression I ever learned however, was Heartbreak Hotel.

The other recommedation once you get your fingers broken in, is to play with people, be it a bassist, drummer, or another guitarist. Nothing improves you're creative skills quicker in my opinion. Drum loops and/or a simple metronome are essential for practice too.