I think it goes without saying that you need to have excellent rhythm. Doesn't hurt to know your fretboard inside and out so that you can apply that rhythm too.
did ...
back in my tatoo'd days, while playing a 12 bar blues version of canon rock (in drop C) on a black/white strat, as I hummed SRV's Pride and Joy and Billy J. Armstrong sang Boulevard of Broken Dreams on the radio.
I had that onion firmly planted.. not tied to my belt like some of these lame-asses.
Fly your freak flag high brother!!
My first guitar was an ibanez acoustic in 1992. still have it and really enjoy that one. My first real electric was one of the original Jet kings by ibanez, sold that one and wish I still had it.
I have a dk2m and really like the neck. It is wide top to bottom, so if you have short fingers you might not like it. not too flat and actually I would like it a little thicker from frets 1 thru 8 for chords, but still, it's a very nice.
jumbo frets, compound radius, and the deep cut for upper fret access are things that I really enjoy. Floyd roses are very nice too.
Cool paint never hurt either.