yeah, definitely go around to the music stores, try stuff out and TALK to the people who work there. they were all in the same boat you're in at one time. also, the biggest problem i see when people are getting their first guitar is that they don't look at it as a real instrument. it's kind of hard to explain what i'm thinking here, but people assume since it's a predominantly rock instrument and practically everybody plays it, that you shouldn't have to buy a quality one. you have to think of it just like you were buying a cello, french horn, or piano. like all instruments, you are going to get what you pay for. that said, for a first guitar, go with something brand-name, like a fender strat. you're guaranteed the kind of quality you'll need at an introductory level at a reasonable price. go with a second-hand amp, it should be fine. once again though, try not to get one that just does volume and sounds poorly. look for EQ (a nob for treble, middle, and bass). the amp i use is a small Pevey Backstage with volume, EQ, reverb, and a saturation nob. strings-wise, ask the people at the store what they prefer. if you're playing the blues and stuff like that, Ernie Ball Slinky 9's are nice. those are what i use mostly. easy to do bendys and what not. when you're first starting out though, just get something versatile that appeals to your ear, since you'll be the one hearing it most of the time. however, all of these tips are subjective seeing as i managed to get my first guitar from my dad: a '68 Fender Mustang, which i continue to use since it's a quality instrument that he payed some money for "back in the day".
