You can never go wrong with a Fender.
Lead guitar purchasing on my mind,,,,which brand is one of the best?
Gibson Les Paul
Fender
Anything by Gretsch
Rickenbacker
If you want a mid-range (i.e. Much more affordable) instrument, look at Yamaha - they do most things well.
It depends on the sound you want to
get out of it. Go to your guitar shop
and try some out.