Its important to understand the very essence of creativity, and we all have our own different ways of taking ourselves that high point of self discovery. Ive always felt that playing the guitar (with its endless possibilities), it helps us bring our personality to its level of completeness. The rules are important to learn, learn theory for all its worth, but try not to get too attached to it, once you have a firm grasp on which direction you wan't to go in musically, feel free to brake a few rules in whatever matter suits you.

And let your ears guide you, :).

-Joseph