ORIGINAL: Nm0ney34
I dont think I know of anything that compares to the deadlift...or any of the various forms.
there are other great back exercises, pull/chin ups, rows for example.
But then I would also have to say the only way for you to learn the form is to do the exercise yourself. Start out light and work your way up.
I think deadlifts focus more on the core muscles, rather than the latissimus dorsi. So, pullups/chinups and rows could not be considered for deadlifts.
Well, to answer the question, I agree with you. Start low, and learn how to execute the exercise properly.