Guitar God 101
Step 1: Purchase an Ibanez guitar. (Good model to start with would be an GRX40)
Step 2: Listen to and study as much music by Joe Satriani as possible (Recommended CD's: Crystal Planet, Surfin with the Alien, his recent Anthology CD is a must as well)
Step 3: Take lessons if you haven't already done so. Get recommendations for your instructor (lots of mediocre instructors out there)
Step 4: Practice, practice practice, and more practice. (Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect!)
Don't forget to get yourself a decent Wah pedal. Purchasing a decent wah pedel alone will keep you interested in pursuing guitar (recommend a Dunlop "Cry Baby" 525Q)
I would also like to recommend a DVD: Joe Satriani Live from San Francisco. (this music DVD is perfection. It will make your hair stand on end, and every mere mortal that witnesses it. It will surely become the best DVD in your collection, music or otherwise)
After a couple of years you will need to upgrade your guitar. At that point, far more choices for you, but for now, stick with a moderate Ibanez - which is still an incredible kicka$$ guitar in my opinion.