If you want to play finger-picking in the folk style, you would be better off picking up a steel string guitar and learning on it, I think. Classical guitars ha

If you want to play finger-picking in the folk style, you would be better off picking up a steel string guitar and learning on it, I think. Classical guitars have wider necks and higher action (more space between the strings and the fret board), so you would be acquainting yourself to differently configured guitar if you went with a classical. The only advantage to a beginner on a classical guitar is that there is less tension on the strings, so they are easier to press down. I think it is better to develop the finger strength on a steel string, and doing so is certainly not detrimental. With regular practice you adapt to it in a few weeks. That said, playing any guitar is great when you are starting, as opposed to no guitar at all. If you want a great guitar for the price, check out Monoprice.com. I have been playing for years and recently picked up a steel string cut-away for less than $100 (on sale) and it plays like a dream.