A question that comes up a lot is whether one should purchase an acoustic or an electric guitar. Acoustic guitars demand a higher level of, agility, tone, and technique when purchasing a beginner guitar. Electrics are less strenuous to hold strings down, particularly barre chords, and since the strings are more pliable, strings are easier to bend. The amplifier puts another consideration between the player and the guitar since one must make constant adjustments and be preoccupied with getting the sound they like which deviates from the task at hand which is to focus on playing. For beginners I recommend an acoustic to see if you will stick with playing before buying needless amplifiers and cords. If electric is your choice that is a good option as well since it may demand less of your fingers. I like to play acoustic 60-70% of my practice to improve my tone and finger strength.
The Relationship Between Good Rhythm Guitar Play and Good Soloing
Many students ask how to become better at soloing. My experience is the better a rhythm player a guitarist is, the better a soloist they will be. Scales and arpeggios taken by themselves cannot create the excitement for a good solo. Look at them more as a cataloging system and exercises to improve your manual and intuitive dexterity with the instrument. A solo that starts with a rhythm in mind (Funk or Blues, e.g.) will provide the solo with a framework to lay ideas over that will be shorter, more economical with less meandering and noodling, leading to tight call/response lines that tie the melody together in a colorful way.