Sheet music is the only way to go, really. If you plan to get 'good' at guitar you're going to be spending a lot of time with arrangements or classical music (well, depending on your interests), I'd recommend learning to read music. I've been doing it for about 10 years now and it comes to me rather promptly.

Also, Music Man guitars and basses (made by Ernie Ball) should be added to the upper echelon of guitars. John Petrucci, Steve Morse, Tony Levins, and Dave LaRue all play those. Very very good instruments with a quality build.

I have a custom design Schecter also that serves me well and has for the past 5 years. It has a custom ebony fingerboard without a diamond crest (shape) inlay An EMG 85 in the neck pickup and an EMG 81 in the bridge spot. I love it, wouldn't trade it for anything.

Otherwise, solid write-up, except I disagree with the entry about Gibson . I hate Gibson.