@Smokeydope Not that I’m an expert, but these things helped me:

Find a teacher that has similar musical interests as you.

Always practice with a beat. It’s annoying as hell for a while, but it pays off!

Reward yourself while practicing by trying to learn a song you like between practicing scales and boring stuff like that. You did work, you get to play a little!

Learn the note names on the neck, or at least all the ones on the 6 and 5 strings.

Meet musicians at open mic jams!

@Artichuth Absolutely! I buy Squiers as project guitars all the time. As long as the neck feels good, and you’re willing to figure out your mods and wiring, its worth every penny.

@BluesBox @timmytbt Pretty much covers the whole field.

@sailicalvin Glad it was something simple!

@sailicalvin @DarkInspiration Try lowering your pickup height. I had an issue similar to what you’re describing, lots of weird overtones that sounded like the guitar was out of tune once the amp was on, but it was in tune when played acousticly. Worth a shot, doesn’t damage anything and it only takes a minute or so.