Getting the right sound out of my electric guitar?

Question

I just purchased a used Austin electric guitar with a 15 watt amp, and it works fine, good sound & everything. My question is more coming from a novice guitarist. Currently when I play it, it just sounds like an amplified acoustic guitar. I am trying to figure out how I can get it to sound like an electric guitar we are used to hearing in rock songs, such as Iron Man (figured everyone would know that sound). Is there additional in-line equipment that I need to purchase or just some settings on the guitar or amp that need changed? Thanks.

Answer 1

There are things called "pedals" for electric guitars.  For most heavy rock they are called "distortion pedals", "phase pedals", plangers, or a few other rare terms.

The cheapest ones are about $50 (even used ones are that much).  You could also buy fancy ones that do some amazing things for several $100.  

Find your local guitar store (maybe you have a Guitar Center nearby) and they will let you try the display models right there in the store.  Try a few and see which one(s) sound the best to you.  You can also 'see' what I am talking about.

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