CF> I want to start learning to play the guitar and I was wondering what
 CF> type to buy - electric, acoustic, brands?
This isn't specifics (which I'm sure you want), but...
Figure out what you can spend.  Then buy the best in that price range.
I know, not much of a lead, but since we don't know what your price range is
(and besides, your dollars are different from mine, and I know nothing about
guitar prices in your area), there's not much we can tell you more than this.
If you're new, you might want to go acoustic first, since then you don't need
anything more than the guitar and case.  If you go electric, you need the
guitar, case, amp, cables, etc.  Actually, you would do well to also get a
guitar tuner when you buy the guitar too, but those aren't that expensive.
(And are a godsend for a new player.)
Just my thoughts...
--gary
... A great deal of money is never enough once you have it.
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