If you do change strings, try to find out what gauge of strings came on it from new, manufacturers website maybe. It’s not that you can’t put something else on but you could run into set up issues such as the slots in the nut being too small (if you bought thicker strings) or affecting the tension on the neck which would alter the guitar action.
Before anyone shouts at me, I said “could” cause issues - in some cases changing string gauges makes very little difference. For someone who isn’t proficient with this stuff, saying the same is safest
A lot of people play with everything at 10 in which case it doesn’t matter much. Old school players (i.e. me) play on the controls to use the volume to clean up or increase gain etc. so at least they should work properly.
If you’re just starting now, don’t practice with the electric unplugged: may introduce bad habits about not muting strings correctly, etc. If you need it quiet for night practice, or are still too n00b to feel good playing it out loud (I know I was when I started), then get something which allows you to play from headphones. See this thread for some good discussion and options for low-volume amps.
Or, if you’re not yet ready to pick an amp, what I did when starting was to get myself a Boss GT-1 effects box. It allows me to play/practice with headphones, have many different “patches” for different sounds, and it’s fully customizable. Plus, it has a USB audio interface, which is great for recording; later when you get an amp you can still use it as your stompbox.
Coils: I have an HSS strat as well; when I started with Justinguitar I used almost solely the middle, single-coil pickup, as it sounded best for open chords to my ears. It was only when I got to the lesson on power chords (and adding some distortion) that I started using the humbucker pickup on the bridge position.
I followed Justins explanation about Boss Katana 50. I got Mk.2 version and I made sound how I want. I can play power chords and they sound good to me now. Also I changed strings on my guitar because I had prefabricated and one year old.
Tried to connect Koss Porta Pro with plug adapter from 3.5mm jack and it works great. So I am pretty satisfied now with sound. Gonna explore it more.
I practiced unplugged only for learning acoustic. Its strange using for electric, but its working for me, but now I am exploring electrics sounds great too and I wanna dive in more.
