He should start with an acoustical guitar. Then when he converts to the electric, he will have strong hands and fingers and find the electric a lot easier. But the best part will be he might discover that the acoustic sounds are real and not imitation or relying on effects and amplifiers.
Don't forget to remind him that he has to create somekind of repulsive attitude to really make it. The successful rock guitarist seems to excell with attitude.
Good luck....
Mudjack