Something that might help people who are looking is our list of the greatest Top Ten Guitars Ever

Yes, it’s a bold statement, and as you’ll see in the comments below the article, there are certainly some differences of opinion.

I like Epiphone as opposed to Washburn and ESP. Although it’s hard to find a good one so go to store that maybe specializes in them.

My best advice is this..

1.. If he’s serious, his taste will change and evolve. He’ll start with one guitar, and eventually end up with something totally different.

2. Don’t start him off with a complicated guitar that has locking tuners or nuts. Too much work for a beginner.

3. Try to find something that best represents the music he’s most interested in.

4. Don’t get him any weird shapes. That just complicates everything.

I hope it all worked out well for you.

For others looking at the same issue, we’ve republished an old article from a seasoned pro about Advice for buying guitars

Hope this helps.

Just remember there is a difference between “cheap” and “inexpensive” . You will want to buy him a guitar that sounds good,is easy to play and is of a high a quality as you can afford. The key is “Plays easily”, if it is hard to play it will nit get played and therefore be discouraging for a beginner.

Peavey makes excellent guitars for very low cost. I have been playing since the early ’60’s and I own and play several Peavey guitars, including one that was supposedly a “beginner’s” guitar-a Raptor Plus, strat- like guitar with a humbucker at the bridge that I bought used for $40. I like this guitar so much I have not taked my real Strat out of its case for weeks.
Best thing is to play as many as you can find and get the one that feels best to your son…he will be playing it, and he should really like the guitar-it will make a world of difference as to how he will learn.

Also, please don’t make learning a JOB-let it be fun.

mark

Washburn and ESP make some nice guitars, so those would be good choices.

I’d also suggest looking at Yamaha Pacifica – they have some excellent guitars in that price range.

But mostly, I’d suggest taking your son into a local guitar store to let him get the feel for which one is best for him – the sales people in the store will be able to help with that.

And don’t forget to set aside some $ for an amplifier.