Newbie greeting

HELLO CHORDIANS!  (btw I like that moniker LOLOL)

About me:
     My Name is Scott and I am 43.  Beamer is a nick name I picked up about 15 yrs ago from my father in law during my very first motorcycle rally. (As you can see “Beam me up Scotty" just fit)  I also have an original style command badge on my vest LOLOL!  So there are 2 of my other interest.
     I have been a music fan since the age of 8.  I had a neighbor who played guitar.  She was in her 20's and when my brothers and she would light a camp fire she always would play.  I thought her 12 string Ovation was the coolest thing I had ever seen.  Kiss was my very first RNR band and it went on from there.
     It was not till I was 16 and moved to NC from WV that I finally found a person willing to help me learn.
     Chuck was infinitely patient.  He was self taught and very good!  I got a book learned about 24 open chords and the different bar shapes.  Let’s just say I have been a frustrated player ever since.  I have never really learned theory, or lead.  I can play some of the basic chord keg rock.  I love my heavy metal (classic, 80’s!  And newer stuff) to this day.  I also love the classic songwriters (Harry Chapin, James Taylor, and Gordon Lightfoot).
     Everything I have learned about music has been stubborn determination chiseled into my granite head!  I have almost gotten rid of all my stuff many times over the last 25 years because I cannot make my AX sing the way I want it to.  I let it sit for a bit, then pick up my guitar turn my amp up and hit E5 on the 7th fret.  Start some palm muting and then I forget about how I can’t play Stairway or Eruption.  I remember that it’s about having fun and writing what’s inside.
     Influences:  To be completely honest to myself, I have to claim Jim Morrison, Harry Chapin, and E.A. Poe as three of the strongest for my one personality side.  The heavy and punk side sorta followed naturally but I have to say I really dig THE RAMONES for the 3 min hit all and no lead guitar! I will say that the 80s style is my favorite of “hair��  music.  Some of my buddies refer to ourselves as “CHUNKERS��  ripping the palm muted chug-a-chunk just makes me feel great.

Current equipment (most all budget minded):
Epiphone SG G400 cherry bridge p/u replaced with a Seymour Duncan George Lynch Screaming’ Demon
Fender 12 string acoustic (Dean Markley sound hole pick up)
Kaman 6 string deep bowl. (Was once a parent Co of Ovation) this guitar has been around the block! Love it!
Bugera V5 tube amp
Beheringer 1 x12 modeling amp (65W)
Effects chain—
Yamaha compressor/sustainer (84ish on year)
VOX Wah (Brit flag edition-rare)
Boss HM2 Metal Zone
Ibanez Sound Tank DL2
Ibanez FL9 flanger (80’s original)
DigiTech RP250 w/ dedicated laptop
My boys stuff that we all share (they are 9 and 10)
AXL Strat. Tobacco sunburst
Dean Michael Sheinker signature Flying V - GFS Crunchy Rails in bridge
Dano Fab distortion
DigiTech RP70
Johnson T-15 Hybrid amp.
Rogue LX 200B 4string bass
Standard Jazz bass (Fender knock off, plays great!)
DigiTech BP80
Fender 10 W practice bass amp
Well that about cover it! :-)