i bought myself an ibanez gax 70 and its working great for me...doens go out of tune, well rarely...versatile too i guess or maybe its my amp...which is a hughes and kettner...im still considered a beginner so i dont really know wat significant difference is there between a beginners guitar and a more expensive one.... i also did some research on which stores that were having sale...tried to get the best out of it...wat can i say... im a happy man...

as for lessons its up to u i guess...im not sure abt guitar lessons but i heard they are expensive... im learning on my own and i dont intend to gofor lessons although its a plus since ud learn theory stuff which is really useful... yea but for me, anytime i face issues, i just post up a questino on the boards and mostof the time i get great responses...been playing for arnd 7 months learning by myself.... im strumming... theres music...starting to make my own... so yea...