[ramonesfreak]

i started when i was 13...im 38 now and still play every day. i had a decent starter electric...i didnt want an acoustic. i think my first guitar was a peavey patriot..a real piece of crap for about $150...but after a year i traded up

ask him what he wants...electric or acoustic and figure out how much you want/able to spend

if acoustic, as i usual advise, get a taylor baby

if electric, there are many options....most of the foreign made fenders are just fine

a loaner is a bad idea....you get attached to your guitar and that is part of the excitement of learning...no kid wants to learn on a borrowed guitar any more than they want to borrow someone's skateboard

check your local shop for a learner package deal...guitar/amp/cable/strap type of deal...