most people say that les pauls are usually used for the blues (considering the man himsielf was the blues master :P ). Strats are more for classic rock/rock that kinda stuff. (fat or hss strat you can do more with). You might wanna look into getting an SG. It can play most things.

but yeah, it's all about personal preference. You should go into a music store and try them out before you buy. You might find that you totally hate the guitar you were planning on getting.