What do I need in an electric guitar setup to start playing live (What kind of pedals and gear)?

Question

Playing styles are alternative, rock, punk, hardcore

Answer 1

Well, assuming that you want to be able to play pretty much anywhere...

You need a relatively strong amp. It doesn't have to be a full stack running 200W or more, because the bigger venues will usually mike it through their PA anyway and there's no need to blow yourself off the stage with your own amp unless you're in really massive venues. You just need one strong enough to be heard well in the smaller ones where they won't be doing serious PA work. A 100W halfstack at most will do the job. You don't *have* to splurge on an expensive one if you can find a head that has gain and distortion you like. There are some combo amps that will do the job too, but you may have trouble finding one loud enough - look around. (I wouldn't even mention combo amps, except that they are often easier to lug around than a 4x12 cabinet!)

A delay box is a good basic thing to keep around, Boss makes some nice ones that offer basic delay plus tape-delay simulation. Gives you a nice subtle effect you can kick on and off when you need it - and the Boss type pedals tend to be less "watery" sounding than the digital multi-effects units out there. Distortion pedals tend to be overrated - unless you're playing through an amp that just doesn't push enough gain for your liking, you probably don't need to worry about one. I often find that a simple overdrive pedal is usually enough to push the amp distortion to where you want it.

Definitely get hard cases for your guitar and amp head. It makes it a lot easier to stack things in a crowded vehicle.

Oh yeah, and you'll want some spare cables. Cables can wear out over time, and it's annoying to be playing a show and have one c**p out on you and then have to beg the other bands to let you borrow one! :)

Answer 2

half stack or a full stack uhh pedal really depends on what kind of sound music your playing  

Answer 3

Depends on many variables especially... Whats the venue? Are you indoors? Are you outdoors? How many people are there going to be? Do you have a PA? Do you have access to a PA? Is easy portability a factor? Your best bet would be to go for at least a 100W amp for the fact that you could be playing anywhere. Make sure you buy nice cables that won't fail you. A compression pedal and an overdrive pedal might be nice additions to your set up. The best advice I can give is save your pennies and buy great gear. If you don't you'll be kicking yourself for it. A good place to ask advice would be the guitar players forum in the myspace groups section... there are many much more knowleadgable people there than I could ever hope to be.