Video games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, rather than competing with real guitars, actually seem to have increased the interest for the real deal, according to researches. Here's a selection of the best starter packs!

A new generation of guitarists is out there, right now, playing guitar because they took a liking for the instrument after playing video games such as Guitar Hero or Rock Band. But there's no age limit to start playing guitar, from small children to older people, anyone can find much to enjoy in playing the guitar, whether electric or acoustic.

It's extremely fullfiling to play an instrument, and, let's be honest, no other instrument is as fun or cool as a guitar! Guitar music is still an important aspect of the British cultural life, and probably more than anywhere else in the world, you often see guitar bands and indie acts storming the higher positions in the charts.

Bernard Butler, former guitar hero of Britpop act Suede now turned producer (The Libertines, Duffy) supports the idea of youngsters picking up the guitar:

"it doesn't matter if you don't form a band. It's just good to have a musical instrument in your life, without thinking you have to be really successful at it. I hope these kids grow up having great experiences with guitar, because music leads to film, books, clothes. When they're 50 they can still be doing this very creative, soothing thing."

"Now it's cool to have a cheap guitar again, and with technology you can get good stuff for cheap, and get modelling pedals and amps that digitally re-create the sound of vintage guitars and amps...Most kids have computers and you can plug a guitar into a computer and make a record easily. And through MySpace you can target the people who would want to hear your record, which is great."

If you're starting out, you just need a few things: a cheap electric guitar, a small practice amp, one guitar lead and one strap. To help making your life easier, there are several Electric Guitar Starter Packs, which come with everything you need!

Here's some of the best packs we have in stock:

If you're looking for a guitar for small children, rather than a teen, the best option are the Spongebob Squarepants packages, which are colourful, smaller and lighter than usual full-size guitars - ideal for kids, who are sure to love it!

Don't want electric? Check some acoustic guitars...

 If you're looking for an acoustic guitar, there are plenty of acoustic guitar starter packages available, too. Why play an acoustic? Well, for one, you don't need to plug it anywhere! They're lighter than electric guitars, and acoustic starter packs are also cheaper.

And of course, just like with electric guitars, you can find smaller-sized acoustic guitar packs, ideal for the young ones:

Finally, there are also the Classical Acoustic Guitar Starter Packs to consider. Classical guitars are easy to play because they have nylon string, which are easier on the novice player's fingers. They can be considerably cheaper, too. Like any guitar pack, they are available on a wide variety of formats, from full-sized to junior sized:

Check also:

• Choosing your Electric Guitar: A Buyers Guide
• Guitar Books at Dolphin
• Guitar TABs at Dolphin

*All prices correct at the time this article was published. Prices may change.