Need help with starting guitar

[The Ill One]

I just got an electric guitar (used, Ibanez) for the sake of wanting to learn... plus my friends and I are starting a joking cover band (for the hell of it). Basically I know nothing about guitars and the most I can do at a moment is string a guitar and play the start of "Come As You Are." Yeah, sad, eh? I have until summer before I can begin lessons so I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions for easy songs to learn or a good place to start.

 

So, uh, here are my questions that I'm sure are obvious but I over-looked:

 

1). For the "frets" and tabs is it just the metal line and a bit above it?

 

2). Some easy tabs to start out with, just to have some fun.

 

Edit- I'm learning the basics chords. Thanks for any help.

[Red Hot Thumbtack In The Eye]

This thread should probably help you get going

[The Ill One]

Shit, sorry, I should've searched the boards more. Thanks.

[Murmuring Beast]

Go Here

[Guest AtticusALK3]

I would say joke or no joke get a good gutiar teacher. I've been through 2 already and the one I'm with, I've learned more in 2 meer weeks than I will in 2 whole months with any other average teacher.

[justsoyouknow]

My friend has been taking guitar lessons for nearly two years, and he's absolutely awful. He'll play the first few chords of a song, then look up at me like I'm supposed to know what song he was massacring. Then I'll look at him with a blank look on my face and he'll play the first three chords of another song, then look back up at me. It goes on like that until I leave the room.

 

Finding a good guitar teacher is essential, as trying to teach yourself is very difficult. But, make sure that you start out with simple songs...I wouldn't plan on trying for Stairway to Heaven for awhile.

[MrRant]

http://guitar.about.com has some lessons and also forums and such.

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

Eh, get lessons if you've got the money to spend. I've taught myself a lot in 10 years. I kind of regret not knowing all my theory forwards and back, but I've got a general understanding. I just can't sight-read sheet music.

 

Learn your goddamned scales. Scales are where all riffs come from.