58 vs 57: one has a grey bit on the end.

Either will endure a serious amount of volume, physical abuse, moisture, high velocity impacts, and assorted rifle fire; neither mic should be substantially damaged in the process.

I think it's something like 130dB before a 58 distorts. Your amp isn't gonna do that, I doubt.

The amp should be turned to the volume where it sounds good. Tube amps generally need "loud" to get the "tube sound". Normally you just go with whatever, and then turn the gain of the mic itself up or down on the lambda.

Shure SM57 and SM58 are nearly identical. The 58 has a different windscreen inside the "ball" end to reduce popping, etc. Your SM58 will work quite well on guitar amps.

First: Find the sound you like with your guitar, pedals and amp.

Second: Experiment with mic positions to "hear" the sound you like most (best way is to actually record with each position to hear results, and document everything - the whole "chain" and position of mic in relation to the amp, so it is repeatable).

Once you have found a recorded guitar sound you like, be prepared to alter it to fit with bass and drums - it will change! And there is a limited amount of "sonic space" available in a recording. You change the sound of the recording by altering the tone and volume of each instrument. This is one of the many facets of recording I enjoy, and find fascinating. SO MANY OPTIONS! The trick is to choose quickly and move on, unless the goal IS to experiment with different sounds.

Have at it, and have fun!!

Don't stress about the sm58, I'm sure many great guitar recordings have been made with shittier mics than a 58!!

In terms of finding the position for the microphone (arguably more important than what microphone you use): If you're amp isn't excessively loud, you can always put on a pair of headphones and crank them up, moving the microphone around and listening for the tone you're after. This is a really quick way of finding a spot as it saves you running back the the console to listen. It doesn't really work with really loud guitar amps though, because you'll have to have the cans up so loud you'll damage your hearing. As someone above mentioned, you might have to tweak this a little to make it sit comfortably with your drums, bass and most importantly, vocal.

The direct sound extreme isolation headphones have been fantastic for this!

Nick.