Kid wants a guitar for XMas

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by vineyardblues

guitar will be cheap my friend , Now lets talk about classes $$$

I think some beginner lessons are helpful to get acclimated to the instrument but today there is SO much info and lessons on youtube you could spend an enternity learning new things. Back when I was a kid (circa 1985) and learning, my friends and it would huddle over guitar magazines and work out songs for hours. It really comes down to your own motivation.
Guitarists get all the babes and that was motivation enough for me.

[Scuttlebutt]

I started out with an acoustic and played that for a year or so. One thing good about this approach is that the acoustic really gets your fingers in shape. So when you switch over to the electric everything seems easier and more comfortable. However the cool factor is missing with the acoustic. You don't get cool things like reverb, distortion and chorus. My choice would be go for the electric. the Fender Squire series is a great choice. I can hear Hells Bells already..Hahaha

[jredfly]

My left-handed 13 old daughter wanted an acoustic guitar so that can be good or bad in the used market (limited choices but less buyers). I just picked up a cutaway that looked like new locally on craiglist for $50.00 (usually retails for $150). From the research I saw it said the solid top models (which this is not) were better but this one looked nice and I think she will like it. Not a bad starter or kick-around one if she wants to take it places. I never played the guitar and haven't a clue but I must say I was really taken back at how beautiful the wood and craftsmanship were in the ones I saw. The reviews on the Washburn D10s looked pretty good for value/quality, maybe if she sticks with it that will be next years gift.