Hello From Nyc, Usa

I just wanted to take time to say thank you to all who contributes to the site. I've just joined recently.. actually my 4th day playing the guitar. I picked up a Strat to start off, possibly because Eric Johnson has been my favorite for a long time. I figured I should learn with a Squire though.

I just turned 22 last month and as a New Years resolution and with no musical background, I wanted to learn how to play. So I picked up a DVD and it taught me open strings and such, but... I didn't feel like I was having fun.

However thanks to this site, I'm already progressing at a steady rate but having fun at the same time. I did the Power Chord beginner lesson and mastered it(or nearly) after countless hours. Now, I'm doing the scales lesson. I just wish there was some literature I could read to make the scales easier for me and a picking lesson. However, I'll keep at it.

Hopefully I'll do well with the Beginner Kick-Offs? Any lessons you recommend to pave my way to perform somewhere near Eric Johnson's style? I know it shouldn't "copy" him, but its a style that I really enjoy.
Oh last question, what amp(setup?) would you recommend? I'm very new to sound setups. I just have a g-dec jr. right now, that is doing the job for me, but it's missing those warm sounds.

Once again, thanks for all your help and for the wonderful site.
Hope the New Year is treating all of you well.
Best,
James