That's why I think the Optek's Fretlight Guitar System is something to get excited about. You can get your kid Guitar Hero, but he's not going to learn how to play. But this system -- which is no game -- will actually serve as your personal instructor.
This guitar, which plugs into a PC or Mac via USB cord, comes with a patented interactive light technology. Let your fingers just follow the LEDs on the fret board, and you'll be picking out melodies and changing cords. It works even for a lame-ass like me.
You're spending at least $399 for acoustics and $499 for electrics, and that, of course, is a commitment. But your spending that much anyway if your going to buy a secondhand guitar (and all rock stars like to say they learned on a secondhand guitar) and invest another $35 to $50 an hour for lessons.
Of course, a true guitar hero usually claims he's self-taught. Being Fret-taught by computer software isn't quit the same iconic tale, but if it works, what's the difference?
I'd say its great for adults who either can't set time aside for lessons or feel too sheepish to take a class late in the game.
It's probably even a better product for kids who tend to learn more from computers than they do from teachers.
Still, as I reflect back on those days when I was struggling with a how-to guitar book, I wish I had Fretlight.