Where to learn how to play guitar and melt faces?

So after melting my roommate's kid's face off Sunday (he's two, it didn't take much), I figured I should maybe learn how to play for real.

I sold a Hamer and a Crate 4x12 cab and picked up an American strat for about $50 last week. I've played guitar on and off for the past few years and in a band. I also play bass and have played in a band. I'm much better at bass, but I want to learn how to do this.

I don't really suck, but I can't shred. I'm dusting off the rust since playing every day and starting to write again so I'm wanting to learn techniques that will help with soloing and such. I have some theory knowledge, but I'm not super strong on it. I'm really looking for online reading that I can check out during down times at work so that I can have some stuff to try in the evenings.

Any suggestions before I dive into Google?

Martyn Rapley - Musician, Guitarist, Guitar Tutor

He's a friend of mine who will very shortly be doing online lessons.
Other than that, loads on Youtube. Very good players too.

Ultimate guitar for a lot of stuff, youtube, garage band, and practice like its no ones business.

Years, and years of practice my friend.

Seriously though, do a quick search for "shred techniques" or something similar.. Learn LOTS of scales. Then just practice the heck out of them. Repeat them until you hear them in your sleep.

Wake up, repeat.

Learn all of the modes and scales.
Buy the Guitar Grimoire - The Official Guitar Grimoire Website

I found out what kind of guitar it is.

'02 Fender Highway 1 in Satin Blue. It needs a name and automatically I thought of Senses Fail's, "Lady in a Blue Dress". Need some sort of connection there.

Most of the lyrics:

Verse:
Just like the lady in the blue dress,
You've got cigarettes on your breath,
Hairspray and some cheap perfume
I'll put a little sour in your sweet
You've got so much ******* tongue in cheek
You want what you could never have

Chorus:
You say THAT you want respect
Well then you'd better get some for yourself
'Cause all, that I see right now
Is someone who's lost and insecure

Verse:
So you say, that I am rated X
You suffer from the lack of sex
Black heart and your lipstick smeared
Your points are trite, and I'm too sober
to deal with you running over
your same pathetic cliche lines

Screaming part?:
Don't try to be cute with me,
'Cause I know you hate yourself
And you'd end your stupid life now
but you're too spineless


Not a huge fan of the band, but it was like an instant connection.

I love Senses Fail!