Get a heavier set of strings (a thicker gauge)...I can't remmeber what I have on mine, but I'm sure they are the Zakk wylde signatures... BTW, strings are only 6-10 bucks for a set, and will last for a pretty long while. Invest in them! Like somebody said, there's got to be at least one kid, most likely a boy who'd be willing to teach you in return for a date- haha! I know that's not politically correct, but I went to High school 15 years ago, and that was what teens had done forever, so I can't see it changing too much since then! Good luck!