Which would be the best type of strings on a guitar for a child to start on? Should I try nylon or metal strings. I know you need to develop a certain amount of callous on your fingers but I don't want to let him be too rough on his fingers to start out with. Which do you recommend?

That depends on the type of guitar you have. Steel strings aren't going to be that rough on his fingers. Anything he plays will come with some amount of pain, but it really isn't much at all. And it certainly won't HURT your fingers. If you have a classical guitar, stick to nylon strings. If you have a steel string acoustic, stick to steel strings. Otherwise, you can actually do some damage to the guitar by stringing it different materials.

The difference in materials results in a vast difference in tension of the strings. This difference can often result in a neck becoming bowed, or, in extreme cases, cracking in the guitar, especially on the top above the soundhole. Whatever the guitar came with, stick to that. He'll be just fine. =)

I actually prefer steel strings but, I have to agree with Shackman, buy the guitar with the type of strings you want. Do not change the type of strings you put on the guitar unless know what you are doing.

Thank you for the advice! I have been looking at various guitars for him and I'm just about ready to purchase. I don't want to invest in something nice and then ruin it so I appreciate the advice about changing the strings.

Have fun, Grenalda, and I hope you son (I assume it's your son?) has fun with his guitar.

hi Sasha..that same goes with me too..i prefer steel strings..for me nylon strings are only for toys..