There are a few key things to consider when you are purchasing a guitar, either for yourself, another adult, or your kids.First, don't just go into a store with no information. Most sales people at bigger, popular music stores are mainly interested in selling you something that they have in stock and actually don't have what I call musical integrity. They will tell you that you should always start with an acoustic guitar (why, I have never figured out) and then sell you this huge oversized guitar that was designed for giants from another planet. This leads to back pain and shoulder pain and an overall inability to learn to play correctly.Up until around the 1930's guitars were small. They were called parlor guitars. When it comes to guitars, smaller is better. At least consider your own body size and how comfortable the guitar sits against your body and under your arm.Next, consider what style of music you want to play. If it's for your kid, and he/she want to rock out, then buy him an electric guitar right away. (I was a kid once). Learning on an instrument that doesn't produce the sound that you want to hear will only discourage the learner. Plus the strings are a lighter gauge, and very easy to play.The best electric body type (The Fender Stratocaster) was designed by Leo Fender in the 1950's, and it's still the best body type for electric guitar...The Stratocaster. It's contoured body doesn't cut into your body or elbows. It's a smooth ride, and that's why everyone plays a Strat. Nowadays, you can get the ones made in China for under $200,00 for a beginner. Even though the paint is probably full of lead, we're not eating the guitar...do change those led filled strings right away though, they turn your finger tips a led colored grey within moments, and don't lick your fingers before or after playing! As for strings I like to use Daddario on all of my guitars. Faltwound on my jazz box, plain lights on my solid body electrics, and a new composite classical string on my classical, and the composite on my acoustic. The composite strings do have a longer life expectancy.I personally like to teach my students on a classical guitar. The body size is almost perfect and the strings are nylon, which produces a beautiful tone and is easy in the finger tips. You can purchase cheaper classical guitars made in China (watch out for those led strings) or you can buy one made in North America for about the same price. There's a Canadian manufacturer, Godin, that makes a classical guitar that start around $200.00 It's a real winner for the price. Plus, I know that their strings have led in them...Hand made classical guitars start at about $4000.00. Some are great, some can't even compare to the quality of the Patree that sells for $200.00. You can see these hand made guitars by attending guitar shows, like the Montreal Guitar Show held in early July.Sometimes you will find your best deals at a second hand store. They don't give them away, but you can get a much better deal. Also check your online sales websites like the Ottawa Musician, Kijiji and the like. There you may find super deals. If you've been playing for awhile then you know, and don't really need this info. But if you're just starting out, I suggest that you don't run out and spend a small fortune or you might be selling your guitar on Kijiji for a serious loss.Remember that comfort is everything, big is not best, even paying a fortune doesn't always mean your getting your moneys worth. If and when you do buy an expensive guitar, like a Taylor, then make sure you always keep it in the case when you're not playing it. And make sure you have an in case humidifier in winter. You don't want to ruin a good guitar by neglect. Less