bigbottom
Footballguy
It's not a must at all. But I do think it materially improves your chances of sticking with it and developing good habits. I know tons of people who have tried to learn guitar at some point in their lives, and the percentage of people who stuck with it and became competent players is much higher for the group that took lessons than it is for the group that tried to teach themselves. Just my two cents.With respect to Biggie who is a much better musician than I am, I am not sure I agree.
I have been taking lessons since September. I'm not sure there is much that I have learned that I could not find online. Now, I do like going once a week and having something to practice. But I don't think it's a must anymore.