if you want something cheap, and i mean CHEAP. Buy a rogue starter kit. They are made by musiciansfriend, and I have never received an instrument made by them that sounds worse than double, if not triple their price.
Buy Rogue Rocketeer HSS Electric Guitar Value Pack | Value Package Electric Guitars | Electric Guitar Value Packages | Musician's Friend
Its not a name brand, but it is a great guitar for a low price. This guitar will take you where you want to go.