Well I think that play "with" and "off" the records it's the better way to learn,and that sound is not less important that what you play.I remember when I did this with a cassette player pushin' for thousands times RWD and PLAY.. Now there are many ways pratical,faster and cheap (free).But if you like to compose your own stuff,i think it is necessary to learn about theory of music just a little.So everyone can choose the way he prefers,software,books,private lessons,but of course you can't be aware of what you want to do in music just listening to it,and "playing wih heart". Most thinks that there's no need to know notes ,chords ,theory to play garage punk music,but it's not so obvious as could it seems.Almost every band we know consider this.Maybe,not at their first records ,but at the second or third album you see the difference.(..and the first one remains the best for several bands..)
