22 Frets should be more than adequate for you. AS you are a beginner, I doubt you will be playing up so high so often, unless you are a prodigy like the Canyon Rock kid (who happens to live in the same City as me ;) ). I have been playing for about 4 Years, and I only have 21 Frets, and I have only ever found one song that requires me too use Frets higher than what I have. You obviously have never tried to play Vital Remains. On topic, i wouldnt recommend a Squier, they suck imo. You should seriously consider starting with an acoustic guitar and if you still like playing guitar after some time, buy a good ibanez for $300-400.