There are lots of great website with lots of useful info and reading.
Check out Invalid Link Removed the folks on the forums there are really helpful and understanding of noobs.
explore beavisaudio.com for some idiot proof explanations and diagrams.
There's lots of other good ones too.
I recently got into the DIY world. The LBP-1 was one of my first circuits. It's a versatile box too, it will give you a clean boost, put it before an overdrive and it will push it to more gain, or put two of them in a row for a cool overdrive. It's really easy, low parts count. Just make sure you get the transistor pinouts right, and don't put the capacitors backwords. The brassmaster is a challenging choice for a beginner, I haven't got that far yet.
Some things I'd recommend is practice your soldering on scrap parts if you're not already proficient at it. And get a good multimeter, it will be immensely helpful in diagnosing failed attempts! Also get your self set up in a good work space with sufficient light and all the tools you'll need. Wire cutters/strippers, needle nose pliers, and a small flathead are a must for me.
If you have trouble get on the aforementioned website, post pics, and they'll help you trouble shoot.
