My Dad LOVES Malmsteen. He knows about as much musical theory as my cat. I liked Malmsteens music because it used to amaze me, but after years of tearing up my fingers playing 'Black star', 'Perpetual' and 'Vengeance' it just doesn't do it for me anymore. It still impresses others when you go mad on something like that, but neither me or my friends can tell you what the timing is or what scales are used, and I don't need any of that stuff to be able to play it, I just need to look like a pompous swede :D

I think it takes more skill to be able to teach yourself how to get to that level without any help and assistance than having someone sit and show you everyday. If anything it allows you to get your own feel for it.