There's no need for you to learn any theory when learning an instrument.
Of course, you WILL reinvent the wheel quite a few times on your journey to competency but that's just the "folk way' isn't it? I mean why take advantage of what other people have learned. That's what those "paper trained musicians" do and we sure don't want to be like them.
Nope, a knowledge of theory isn't necessary any more than a vehicle is necessary to get from Maine to California.
But it sure doesn't hurt.

troll