"And behind every good performance is many hours of practice in showers and bedrooms with doors firmly shut."

Now I begin to see the light I think.
I do agree that practice is paramount,as is not being stoned,or endrunkened.
I also think beginers need to have somewhere to play where they can be confident of a freindly reception and possibly even some advice.
Of course as a beginer you need to have gumption to listen to all advice and apply only that which suits what you want to achieve.