Learn to do visceral attacks, they are a lifesaver in the beginning because they allow you to kill your enemies before they can kill you. Level up Skill because that's what powers the viscerals. After some practice you will find that parrying is easy.
Get yourself a good supply of pebbles. They allow you to bring in enemies one at a time.
Whatever weapon you pick - and the cane is not a good choice if it's your first playtrough - stick with it because you won't be able to fully upgrade 2 weapons, at least for a while.
Buy yourself the armor the Messengers sell as soon as you can afford it, it's way better than the rags you start the game with.
Open up the shortcut that gives you access to blood vials and bullet farming. You will know it when you open it.
Whatever hard the game may seem to you, the 'surface' game and its bosses is a walk in the park when compared to what's down there in the deeper dungeons. Most of those who claim tha the dungeons are 'boring' say so probably because they can't conquer them.
Gems and runes make the difference.
As a first timer, you're better off upgrading your skill and strength and generally ignoring the arcane and blood stats so pick weapons that scale with skill and strength.
Other than that... have fun. The game is not THAT hard. Seriously. Except for the very deep cursed/fetid/sinister... whatever dungeons.
