All due respect, but I disagree with the position that all guitarists should learn to be classical guitarists first. Don's one of my favorite Mudcatters, someone who obviously has vast experience and knowledge, who always has something pertinent to say; someone with whom I usually agree, and by all accounts an excellent player, singer, and teacher.

Do keep in mind, however, that he is a militant nylon-string-guitar proponent and player ~ not, strictly speaking, a classical guitarist, but someone who plays folk music on a classical guitar. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's pretty unlikely that anyone's 14-year-old son is likely to take that particular direction.

My own first guitar was a classical type, and I took a few classical lessons (one summer ~ just six or seven weekly lessons) which undoubtedly helped my development. However, I would not recommend the same kind of instrument to today's beginners. I think any new player (except one specifically committed to classical guitar music) should get accustomed from the git-go to the narrower string spacing and the feel of the strings on a standard steel-string acoustic or electric instrument.

Also, I don't think it is always necessary to play barre chords. For certain styles (notably blues and ragtime, especially in regard to the F major chord as used in the key of C), barre chording is flat-out wrong. Advanced students may need to unlearn the standard barre-chord technique and learn to play the bottom string with the left thumb if they develop an interest in this genre. At least, that what Stephan Grossman says in his books and tapes, citing the Rev. Gary Davis as his source, and I for one respect his input.