what's a good guitar for a beginner?

[ButterflyBlood]

my friend wants to learn how to play guitar but he's not sure which one to get. he's looking at playing either garage type indie rock or sludge (yeah, huge difference). I've heard two things on Squiers, that they're good for simplistic music like above, but many also saying they just plain suck. And other than that I probably know less about guitars than him.

so what would you recommend?

[jpgray]

1. Something inexpensive before he decides whether he's committed

There are some cheap starter kits from Epiphone or Squier, but he may also consider getting something used or from a friend who is motivated to sell. At any rate, something that won't actively discourage playing is good--so it has to sound decent and not be difficult to play, but it also should be < $250

[NC_Nurse]

2. Yamaha makes pretty good

low end guitars...I have a Pacifica that I love. I think the model is called something else now, though.

:)

[no name no slogan]

11. Pacificas ROCK for the $$

I've got a Pacifica 12-string (strat copy) that plays/feels better than my Fender Mexi Strat. In fact I'd buy a low-end Yamaha over a low-end Squier/Fender any day of the week. The quality of the components is better, the playability is the same or better, and they run at least $50 cheaper than an equivalent Fender.

I've owned several other pieces of Yamaha gear, and I've never been disappointed with them.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. The key is the neck

and how far above the neck the strings are. The closer to the neck, the easier it is to play. My first guitar was a standard size, and was easier to learn because I didn't have to stretch my fingers as far to learn to play.

[Kali]

4. see this:

thread from yesterday:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2085674

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Buzz Clik]

6. The first and last guitar you'll ever buy

[edbermac]

7. What about that guy Esteban on those infomercials?

He sells a guitar, amp, case, and tutorial DVD for about $200, he has a nice infomercial; don't know if the guitar is as good! So people think it's crap...

Anyone?

[CBGLuthier]

8. No matter what he gets, hav it setup

Most guitars straight from the factory have the action set way too high and the intonation ( how well it is in tune up and down the neck) may be out of whack too.

He should try real hard to get someone who can reasonably play to go with him. A quick check of the 12th fret harmonic vs. the fretted note will tell a lot.

Even a cheaper guitar (but not a piece of firewood) can be improved with a little bit of work.

Squiers aren't too bad, noisy like most strats because of the single pickups, but not the worst instruments.

[gmoney]

9. Fender Fat Strat

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/510446/

Very nice for the money.

Strangely, around here new guitars cost less than used pawn shop numbers. For some reason, the pawn shops seem to think that every used guitar is "vintage" and worth a king's ransom.

[Pepperbelly]

10. H(sh)e doesn't need to spend a lot before he actually starts jamming ...

with others.

A Squire setup is about 200 bucks.

If this person begins playing with others, more amplfication will be needed but even then, unless they are playing through half-stacks or something, a Fender Champ (SS) with a 2/12 extension cab would be plenty.