I think the most important thing is to learn music theory.

Early on, I found it pretty easy to figure songs out. After I learned basic music theory, I figured out why it was so easy.

Don't let anyone tell you that you need to master reading music in order to understand music theory. That's total and complete bullsh*it!

There's only 12 notes, a few octaves based on your instrument, and scales, chords and arpeggios.

What you can hear with your ears and execute with your hands is what's important. Not what's written on a page.