[dhoward]

Ditto on the don't buy a cheap guitar.
When first learning, a nice light action makes it easier to fret. Use light gauge strings. For an decent acoustic, Yamaha and Alvarez make (or used to) a nice instrument. The good thing about an acoustic is you can pick it up any time, and play it anywhere. For a reasonably-priced electric, the foreign-made Fender Strats aren't bad neither a are some of the Jacksons. Relatively inexpensive. Ditto again on a headphone amp. Digitech makes a nice modeling processor for around a hundred bucks. You can get that nasty crunch that he's undoubtably looking for.
THe Metal Method guitar series on DVD by Doug Marks is a good way to get someone started. In just a few lessons he can grind out his favorite tunes just using 5ths. Doug is a pretty way out 80's kind of guy though. Good lessons on licks.
If you've got a Guitar Center nearby, go ask.