Hey Sean,

My son is in the 9th grade and plays metal guitar too. Sounds like you're catching on quick, you probably have a good ear. I checked out the demo on YouTube and Boss always makes good stuff. The real test is how YOU like it, if it sounds and feels right to you then go for it.

As far as theory goes, if you just want to learn songs you can just pick up the tabs and build a collection of 'cover' songs in your head but if you're thinking about writing you own songs, which tends to be the natural process after you've been playing everyone else's for awhile, you might want to think about picking up some theory. This will help you understand what's going on in the song and why everything fits together and will improve the quality of what you're saying musically.

Rock on!!
Neal \w/,