Need help with guitar?

don't get first act

I've played, gigged, and taught guitar on the side for 20+ years(I'm an engineer until 5 pm), so here's my two cents:

1) If you're really serious about learning, get a live instructor-if the finances are a challenge, try your local nonprofit community music school or community college-they usually offer group classes, the instructors have degrees in music, and you can network with other players at your level. I can't stress the last enough-having a practice partner or jam buddy can mean the difference between losing interest after two months or turning music into a lifetime pursuit. When I was taking group lessons at my local college, someone asked my to join in a jam group, there were anywhere from two to five of us depending upon when and where we met to go over assignments and critique each other's playing. I've traded babysitting and grass cutting for lessons from cash-strapped students in the past.

As far as a guitar goes(electric or acoustic), it depends on where you want to start-I tell parents and prospective students to 'learn what you listen to'- a 12-year-old who wants to shred like Slash or Dimebag will lose interest pretty fast with "This Land is Your Land" and vice versa. There are pleny of good beginner packs out there, and plenty of cheap ones sitting in people's attics. Good Luck!

Well it depends. If you want an electric guitar, definetely get a squier stratocaster pack which comes with a lot of stuff and an amp for around 200. Thats what i got when i first started out, but now im more of a gibson les paul kind of guy. But if you want acoustical then i have no clue.

I like Washburn acoustic guitars. They have a descent sound and are affordable. Check out the musiciansfriend.com website, too. Have you looked at any pawn shops? The one we used to go to when my son was really into guitars had new and used. I haven't been in guitar center recently, but the guys there are usually really knowledgeable and helpful. If they know your budget and need, I don't think they will lead you astray.