so ive had my tech license for about 8 months now and really want to get on HF. been studying for general but honestly the band plan stuff is confusing me. like i get that we get more privileges but which bands are actually worth getting on as a new general? everyone says 20m but is that really where i should start? also do i need a different radio or can my ic-7300 do general class stuff already

taking the test next month hopefully but want to make sure im not missing something obvious about what i can actually do once i pass

Your 7300 will work great for general class, no worries there. As for bands, yeah 20m is popular for good reason - it's open during the day and you can work DX pretty easily. But dont ignore 40m and 80m either, especially 40m which is good both day and night. 15m can be amazing when the solar cycle cooperates but its been pretty quiet lately. I'd say start with 20m and 40m, then branch out from there once you get comfortable.

dude the 7300 is perfect for general, i have the same radio. honestly just get on 20m first thing after you pass, thats what i did. worked my first DX station within a week of upgrading. the band plan stuff makes more sense once you actually start operating and hear whats where