Oh yea, the sword and shield are generally referred to as newbie friendly weapons due to the shield (shields in this game are really good at least for lance / gunlance) and you can use items without sheathing, plus their speed but I tend to disagree. Due to their fast attacks they're really weak and are made for doing elemental / status damage which I don't think a newer player is going to be doing much of so it feels like monster take forever to kill (at least, it did for me when I used SnS when I first started). I think the Lance is better as it teaches the importance of positioning, animation, and a really good shield to fall back on.
Well you can just check the 1* quests given by the Guildmarm and do the tutorials for whatever weapon interests you.
Will do.
Shovel Knight has the best music ever ever ever. It's so good. Wish stupid Nintendo would do a cross buy. There's no way I'm gonna pay for it again on the 3ds.