"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." - Derek Bok
Here are some basic things to look for when shopping for your first guitar (or purchasing one as a gift). There are variables to consider for the individual player (as you will read in the brief suggestions here). That said, purchasing an inexpensive guitar for a child to get started with isn't something to avoid, but you should be prepared for a possible upgrade once the student has progressed some; to give them the best fit and playing experience. In short, the purchase of a guitar is a bit subjective. (Meaning that it is a very individual decision once you decide to seriously consider an instrument upgrade.) There are lots of online articles and videos on the subject, but they all have a similar theme.... go and play as many as possible at a store to find what is comfortable and playable to you (the student).
Borrow a guitar from a friend if possible. That way the student will be able to play with one for a time and get a feel for how it works. Have the friend show you a couple of chords so you know how to hold the guitar and strum a little. This will help make your store buying experience a little easier if you have a feel for the instrument.
Visit as many stores in town as possible, so you get an idea of their customer service. You don't want a pushy sales person, but you also want someone willing to help you make the best choice at the best price you can get. They should be willing to tune the instrument and even adjust the string's "action" (I explain a little further down for you if needed).
Now, if you are buying as a gift (without the student's input) then here are some guidelines to help you choose a starter instrument. Be sure you find out the return policy and warranty info. before you make the purchase final.
Acoustic vs. Electric (consider the student's personality and musical taste) It is not mandatory to start on an acoustic guitar, however, there are additional equipment purchases needed with an electric instrument.
The price range for a beginner guitar, that is going to give you a good return if you decide to trade it in or resell, will be the models over $200. Most cheap guitars do not retain their value. "Playability" means it is both comfortable to play AND sounds good too. There are variables to guitars... some cheap ones feel great but do not sound very good, and some more expensive ones sound great but feel difficult to handle. You want to be sure it is comfortable or the student won't practice, AND it should produce a good sound that they enjoy hearing (I will touch on this a bit more in String Type). Play a lot of guitars in your price range to find some that fit your child for playability. A good range for a starter guitar is $200-$300. (you will find Holiday sales and package deals, but consider the regular retail price of the instrument before you choose that "good deal". Packages for electric guitars often come with basic starter amplifiers that sometimes don't sound as great as spending a little more for a better amplifier separately.)
It should fit the student well. Standard size guitars will work for children over the age of 10 or 11 if they are average build. If the child is small for their age, then consider a 3/4 size instrument (priced around $140). The size of the body will matter for their willingness to play. Also, the size of the neck (this is part of the comfort in playability)... thickness and width for the student's hands should feel good to them. They should hold it both while standing and sitting.
As for the kind of strings used, that will depend on the style of music they like to play. It takes the average student aprox. 1 month to get their fingers used to pressing on the strings, whether they are nylon or steel. If it is a steel sound they enjoy, then that is what they should purchase. You won't get a steel string sound from a nylon stringed instrument. Nylon is typical for folk, classical, etc. and steel is more for blues, jazz, rock. Nylon strings are more mellow sounding and steel strings are a brighter sound. "Action" is the height of the strings off the neck. This can be adjusted to a point, so be sure to ask if you find one that seems too difficult to push down the strings, but the neck and body feel a good fit. The sales rep should be willing to take a moment to adjust it for you so you can determine if it is a possible choice for your student.
The guitar will be better quality if you make sure it is a SOLID TOP (usually spruce or cedar) and NOT laminate.
Most beginning players will start on an acoustic because they are a less expensive way to get playing. If you are considering an electric some of these suggestions still apply, but there are a few more things to look into (pick-ups, sound board, amplifiers, etc.). A sales rep can help you with any other questions you may have. AGAIN, do not feel pressured to buy on your first visit. If you are, do not buy there, but go to another store. They should be willing to help you out (within reason) and not pressure you. They should also have a good policy for setting up your instrument and making adjustments for a certain length of time after you make your purchase - without extra cost to you for that service.
*If you are making your first serious upgrade purchase, you can find many great articles and reviews online that cover the subjects of amplifiers, pick-ups, foot pedals, body styles, brands, etc. Play, play, and play some more to find what you like! Don't be afraid to ask questions of the sales rep. Compare brands of different price ranges, you might be surprised to find similar playing feel and sound in a little less expensive model/brand. You want to be able to play the instrument easily/comfortably and love the sound of it as well, saving you money in the end because you have a guitar you enjoy playing for years to come!
Hopefully the basic information I have provided here will help you find the right instrument for you (or your child). If I can help your student get started learning to play the guitar, please don't hesitate to contact me. I have gift certificates available at my studio and I offer a "new student special" of 1 Free Lesson with a starter booklet to see if learning with me is the right fit for your student. You will find more information about me, my teaching, and my studio policies, at my website. www.mageeguitar.com Contact me to get started.