This calssically trained versus self taught bit is depressing to me and pretty much goes hand in hand with brand snobbery. Formal training and instruction is great, but much of this debate centers on what you want ot play, plus how and why. But to say that "formally" trained guitarists are far better eliminates ALL the contributions in style and technoque contributed by a list of blues, folk, rock, and country guitarists a mile long.

catspaw