If you're really into guitar, you pretty much need a traditional single coil Stratocaster, humbucker Les Paul or SG, and either a Taylor or Martin acoustic to b

If you're really into guitar, you pretty much need a traditional single coil Stratocaster, humbucker Les Paul or SG, and either a Taylor or Martin acoustic to be minimally happy. And either multiple amps or something expensive like a Mesa Boogie Mark V that does everything. And as you enter your 40's you'll need a Telecaster too. Also odds are good you'll be in a music store at some point and play a Music Man or high-end Jackson or Charvel for the first time and realize one of those are a necessity too. This is if you're a strict minimalist.