Here are pics of my Strat and a cigar box ukulele that I built for my niece (finished it last week). Built a second uke for my other niece that is almost identical.

(Download)

That was my plan too. I let my guitar playing nieces convince me that someone with zero musical talent could learn to play. Didn't start with a LP Standard but half promised myself one if I stuck with it for at least a year. Found a well setup Squier Stratocaster on craigslist for $50 and started. If you need any tips on how to get started let me know. But I will leave you with this advise. Start learning chords by picking up the guitar for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Once a day is fine but a couple of times a day is better. This will keep your fingers from becoming too sore to play.

There will only be a couple of chords that you can play without deadening other strings with your fingers. You will swear that it will be impossible to play a G or C chord. You will think your fingers are too short, too fat, or both. I promise this is not true. Here is the key and your first goal: callouses on finger tips. This is what keeps your fingers from touching the neighboring strings. Your fingers will also eventually be able to stretch enough to play all the chords too.

Then your're off to the races.

Justinguitar and Andyguitar are the best free online instructors. Both have similar styles and more importantly structured beginner lesson plans.

Russ