When i first started i only had an old classical guitar which even a new set of strings wouldnt make decent. My solution was get a weekend job and eventually save enough cash to buy a cheep squier strat....which i still have and its cool :) If u've been learning for 6 years i think you've probably earnt yourself the right to a decent guitar....and it will make a differece :) If you cant afford a new guitar get a friend who's got one so u can have a couple of hours a week quality practice time...thats what i did whilst saving up cash.