squier bullet. 100 bucks. someone gave me this guitar cuz they bought it and did not like it, and I have been using it ever since. I borrowed a brethren's 1500 custom shop strat and I missed my cheap little squier. I highly recommend it for beginning, as you never know how it will progress, so why sink too much into it?
a slight upgrade, the squier affinity telecaster for 170, it is much nicer on the hands and the ears.
I also have one of these, Epiphone SG special for 150 bucks and I enjoy it quite a bit, though it does need new pick ups for a crisper sound, though this should not be to much for a beginner.
for a beginner, sound is less important then feel. you want a guitar the feels good for a good price.
any of these will do actually
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navig...06241+8&page=3