Equipment issues aside.
I'm right there with you on the no lessons thing. So I know how it feels.
A few pointers: You're pressing down way to hard and also picking too hard.
Just relax and let your heart do the work, not your fingers and your mind.
Also, never use amp overdrives... Ever. 'cause that's exactly what this sounds like. I HIGHLY recommend that you get yourself a decent multi-effects pedal.
I use a Zoom G2.1u pedal, about $170 found in most guitar shops. There's a $100 version that doesn't have the pedal, same effects, no pedal. :[
I love the idea you have going here. It's a nice progression, it's very dirty, blending wasn't done so nicely. But that's alright, I get what you were trying to do here.
Just keep working on that recording. Or see if one of the other guitar guys will help you out, I don't really have any tricks or secrets 'cause I don't use a program to set up the EQ and all that good stuff.
4/5