How to get a good sound out of my Guitar and Amp?

Digitech, Boss and a few others make some killer Distortion pedals for under $50 and even cheaper used. That will give you the sound you want right through your clean channel. I would start taking a little time while you practice to stand and play a bit. Get used to it, so in a band setting,your ready to go....Remember that practice is what will improve your stand up playing. And every guitarist is going to screw some notes up occasionally. So don't be so hard on yourself....