Willing to learn...no clue where to start.

Hola
I'm completely new to the world of music. I really enjoy listening to metal and high powered rock. I'd go crazy without my music and I thought it would be fun to learn how to play myself. I would like to be able to recreate the blissful thrashing in your face sounds I listen to. I'm going to college in the fall as a freshmen and think It would be a good idea to have a hobby for when I get some free time. From what I've read, it sounds like ESP makes some pretty high quality guitars especially for metal bands. Is this true, or have I been looking at too many sale ads? I really like the ESP LTD AX series as well as Michael Paget's new signature series (even though it's well beyond my reach). I think I can manage the AX series. The only concern I have is if this is too high quality for a beginner, really a good guitar, and a good deal at $400 to $570. I would appreciate any advice and input. I really think I will be able to stick with playing so I'm willing to put a few bucks into a quality instrument.

Thanks

ESP and Ibanez are both reputable companies that make a lot of guitars well suited for metal and high-gain rock. Both companies offer guitars made overseas that are affordable and of good quality.

My opinion? You're going down the right path. Get a good guitar that is very playable, stays in tune, sounds great and looks cool at the same time. You can do the same with a small practice amp -- again, there are many out there, but Vox, Line 6 and Fender all make small amps that are affordable and give you a lot of options (check out modeling amps that mimic the tones of multiple amps and effects pedals).

You also have a ton of on-line resources for learning how to play guitar. Even youtube has thousands of guitar instructional videos.

Have fun and stick with it. I really began playing guitar in college and 20 years later it's still my favorite pastime.

ROCK ON.