Lessons, or no lessons?

[Malcolm]

Originally Posted by Yarbo

I have no prior experience with musical instruments, and I cannot read sheet music. So I wonder, should I take guitar and/or music lessons? Does one need to be able to read sheet music, or are tabs enough.
Is the potential for bad habits to form strong enough, that I should learn from a teacher who would prevent said bad habits? Or is teaching yourself just as effective? I've been teaching myself, and I've figured out how to read tabs, but I have no concept of octaves, notes, chords or anything really. Cheers!

What worked for me....... You can mess around till you know a few basic things on your own - then go get a teacher. Now a good teacher can give you enough "stuff" to keep you busy for several months on your own. So I'd take lessons for a month or two then lay out and catch up on what all I had been given. When I needed to know how to do something else I want back for more.

This worked for me may not be your cup of tea.