... to start playing acoustic guitar

So you want to start playing the acoustic guitar huh? Not sure where to start? Well I wouldn't start at a music store where 'just looking' and a slick salesperson can turn into a $500 guitar you're not ready to play or own. My first guitar (I now have four) was < $100 and still sounds great. Fortunately there are many guitars out there for a good price that sound beautiful.
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Takamine is a classic brand (Paul Simon plays them) and they make guitars that can cost tens of thousands. This one however, is < $70 and got great reviews. The same guitar would cost double in a store.



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Fender is another great brand, and this one comes with a bunch of accesories



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Epiphone guitars are machine-made versions of the much more expensive Gibsons. Some would even say that you get nearly the same thing for a fraction of the price. This one is similar to the Gibson that the Beatles played.



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If you don't buy the set you will also need a case. Unless you plan to travel much with your guitar you will probably do just fine with a soft case, just make sure it's big enough if you buy a big guitar.



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Unless you have perfect pitch you won't get very far without an automatic tuner. Remember EADGBE, thats the standard tuning for a guitar



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The last two things I do recommend going to your local store for. Strings and picks, but your first guitar will already have strings attached. Tell the clerk what kind of guitar you just bought and they should be able to help you.

After this you'll be ready to rock! The acoustic guitar can be great for playing without annoying your house mates or parents. And you don't need to go out and buy music, as there are many great sites with free guitar tablature.

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/
http://www.guitaretab.com/
http://www.911tabs.com/

I hope this helps and makes your first foray into rock super-stardom more accessible.