So, I've almost gotten the basic Power Chord shape down without getting cramps in my left-hand thumb (I really hate it when that happens), so I'd say the next step would be to find a song I already like, which has full Barre Chords in it, so I can get those under my finger-tips (luckily I already know one such song, which also has a simple solo and it's by two of my favorite guitarists, no less! I need to learn that song, even if I'll never get to play it with a band).

As for finding the next song to learn along with the Bassist, that's not going too well. I've made a few suggestions for songs I think would be cool to learn and play, most of which feature some cool riffs, but they get shot down, while he keeps suggesting songs that follow a chord progression (nothing outright wrong with that) and a boring 8th note strumming pattern, which isn't my definition of "fun to play". Of course, most of his choices are songs with cool bass lines, while I'm more into songs with awesome guitar-riffs, so there might be a slight conflict of interests. I'm hoping we can work something out. Otherwise, I'll just have to find someone else.