He's right. I learned how to read music in grade school when I played trumpet. I avoided reading music for the guitar though, because it was more difficult than reading tab. Unfortunately, I realized many years later that to get to a higher level with the guitar, I was going to have to improve my music reading skills. Even with knowing how to read music, I had to take a major step backward to learn how to apply my music reading skills to the guitar. It was very humbling and frustrating. Save yourself a lot of trouble and learn how to read music now, instead of later on in life.

It's what Jerry would have wanted for you!!!