So I'm getting my sister's 6 string....

[Riggaberto]

So my sister is giving me a decent 6 string (I dont know the exact make and model, her own words about it being decent) She did say it has shitty nylon strings though, so I'm asking what are good sounding, but beginner friendly strings?

[gblaze3]

def should not start out on nylon strings for a beginner

[Riggaberto]

def should not start out on nylon strings for a beginner
Ok.....what should I get then?

[TGaucho]

well, the alternative would be steel strings (which aren't actually steel i don't think, but whatever) .. but that's moot since it sounds like your sister's guitar is a classical, ie. it can only handle nylon strings. No reason to panic, I started on a nylon string cheapie and it didn't really slow me down any (in fact i like the sound of them quite a bit). They feel and sound different (the strings on a classical are farther apart = wider fretboard, and less tense than a steel string), but in terms of learning chords, the layout of the notes/scales on the neck, and other begginner stuff there is no reason why you can't start on a classical. They're not meant to be played with a pick, but that is a skill you can work on when you get a steel string in the future (guitarists need to be able to play with and without a pick anyways). So, like i said, don't let getting a classical freak you out . . it worked fine for me when i was starting out, and i plan on getting a nice new classical guitar sometime in the future. Have fun! (and, as for new string recommendations, you could always just ask the guy at the string counter in your local guitar store, he'll probably help you out without trying to rip you off if you explain what your situation is . . i mean, you're gonna have to try different string tensions and brands to find the ones you like best anyways, and that process will take you a while depending on how fast you wear out your strings). I suppose most will tell you to get really light strings, but with nylon there's no real need, they're all light compared to steel (when you get your first steel string guitar, i would suggest starting off with lighter/lightest strings until you develop some hand strength and get used to playing). But this is all just my opinion, and i'm sure there's one or two folks in here that have been playing a bit longer than I (only 8 years, with the first 3 or 4 being intermittent)

[TheRealGuyute]

Lots of people recommend starting out on nylon strings because they're easier on the fingers.

Most of the players I know started out on some cheap classical that they inherited from someone else, so you're in good company. I think there are probably 100 cheap classicals in the world. When you decide to go with a steel string, you just give it to some other friend :D

[Rob]

One crutch I've had to break two guitarists from when going from a classical to a dreadnaught involved the location of the neck joint. These individuals had come to rely on smacking their hand on the body of the guitar to know where they were higher on the neck. That changes when you move away from a classical.

[TheRealGuyute]

That's interesting. I never thought of that before. Of course, last time I played a classical, I was never anywhere near the neck joint. G G G C C C D D G (the genetic code of guitar player DNA) :lol