Well, I guess I'll go ahead and be the first to say hi to you. Speaking from personal experience I think it's safe to say you can still get good at the guitar without an instructor. I've never had lessons myself and I feel that I'm not too shabby when it comes to strumming around and assorted what-have-yous and what-nots. I'd say mostly takes discipline, dedication, and the desire to get better. Anyone else have any add-ons, comments, snide remarks? These are just some opinions I've developed in my course of time. Anyway, welcome aboard.