First Post, Amp Question

Hi all, I am a brand new electric guitar player trying to get started. I want to play metal. My favorite guitar players are John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai. I want to eventually learn to shred.

I have a Rocktron Rampage R10 amp, I can't seem to get any decent sound out of this, but then it may be because I am just beginning. Is there anything that I can do to get big sound out of this amp, or am I going to have to go get a new amp when I can afford it. What about adding fx peddles?

Also, my guitar is a Washburn X-10/MC is this a decent enough guitar to learn on? I ask because it was given to me, and I really don't know anything about electric guitars either.

Also, where should I start here. I know some chords from a long time back when I started to learn on an acoustic guitar. I suppose House of the Rising Sun was the first song I ever learned. I can play some bar chords so power chords might not be to hard for me to master rather quickly, in fact I am starting to learn some scales as well.

Welcome to GT!

www.guitartricks.com/guide.php for starting off.

I'll let PrsPlaya take the amp question.

I don't know anything about your guitar, but your amp is just too small to get a "good" metal tone. For Metal, I would suggest a minimum of at least a 1x12 (one 12" speaker) combo amp. Let us know how much are you willing to spend on an amp, and we can help you out a little better. In the mean time, why don't you read a little guide I put together called "How To Find The Amp That's Right For You". You can find the link to it >HERE< Then click on the attached file.

Thanks for the response. At this time I am going to just have to make the best of it. I couldn't go even $250.00 right now. As far as guitars go, are there counterfeits of big name guitars floating around out there, like Fender stratocaster, and how do you tell the difference? Are they still decent guitars. I saw one place selling a used one for about $350.00

Detecting counterfeit guitars can be very difficult depenting on the quality of the copy. You need to read alot about the particular guitar you are considering. There is no substitute for doing your homework. Look at the "fit and finish". Knockoff are ofter of lesser quality. Removing the neck on a fender can show dates and such. Looking at the dates on the pots and matching this up with the date of the guitars manufacture (serial numbers) can help. Dealing with know reputable dealers is always recommended. One last thing, if the deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Some copies out there nowadays are so close, it can be difficult even for the well seasoned. Plus you gotta ask yourself, if the guitar plays well what does it really matter. Ok on resale if may, but the bottom line if it plays well and feels solid the by definition it's a good guitar