I’ve been slowly improving over the last three years, and I have some thoughts as an newly minted intermediate guitarist. Buy a practice amp. Digital, effects, models, aux in, headphones out, metronome, beats and whatever else they are adding to these at the moment. Don’t worry about volume. All of these are plenty loud enough—especially when you are just starting. Even when you get your grownup amplifier (I want a Fender 65 Princeton Reverb) you’ll still find a use for a practice amp, namely practicing.

Oh, pedals are awesome, but these amps with built in effects will help you to learn what sounds you’ll need and which you can live without. If I were you, I’d look at the lists of practice amps and start researching on You Tube. If I were to shop right now, I’d get a Fender GT40 (used $170) or a Boss Katana 50.

Good Lück and have fun!