singemonkey wrote:
I'd say rather get a great guitar now, and a crappy amplifier. It's going to matter more how nice the guitar is to play than how nice it sounds. Later on you get a great amp to complement the guitar and you have great sound and great playability.
I'd just like to add to this, if I may:
SM has given some very sound advice, but I think it's important to note that the tone you get from your electric guitar is very dependent on your amp / effects.
I couldn't figure out, when I started playing, why some players had such an amazing sound and mine was so...unadorned. I couldn't (and still can't) play ZZ Top style pinch harmonics (squeelies) effectively on my little practice amp, just because it doesn't have the sort of response required. Your amp, and the way that it responds to your playing with different settings, is all a very important part of the learning process.
You don't need to spend heaps of cash yet though. A small practice amp will sound quite plain initially, but this is quite easily helped along by a decent pedal or two - if I stick my Tube Screamer on my 15 year-old tranny practice amp the difference is astonishing, and suddenly I can mess around with types of music that I couldn't before.
Anyhow, not to take away from any of the other advice. The guys are 100% correct, and it's very important to have a decent, playable instrument. Just keep in mind that after you have adjusted to some of the electric basics, you'll want to take another look at the rest of your rig. The best idea is to spend time with other muso's who can let you try out their stuff and point you in different directions.
