Originally posted by: TheSessler
I forgot to mention one of my obvious problems in finding a good guitar for a reasonable price: I'm a lefty.

Are you a total guitar newbie? If you have never played before, and are a lefty, learn to play as a righty. That way you have a lot more power in your fingering hand.

A decent entry level guitar that is inexpensive is a fender squire. You can get them with single coil and humbuckers, so you have a wide range of sound and they are easy to learn on.

It is a good idea to go out and try different ones. Comfort is important. Remember, you can always change your sound with pick-ups, amps etc. But a guitar should feel right, finished neck or unfinished neck? Strat style or Les Paul style? Etc. Some players are very picky. Some are not. Only you know you.