Thanks again Christopher. These are really good information. FWIW, I know how to read music, but not to a point where I can comfortably read and play at the same time. I can handle the easy stuff like the ones from beginners guitar books, but I like to get to the point where I can pick up a piece of sheet music of a popular song and play comfortably. That is why I raised this question on this thread. I've been mostly learning songs from youtube videos, and playing from memorizing the chords and some riffs.

I'm definitely intrigued by your suggestion on ear training. It would be a great skill to have, and an alternate route to achieve what I want to do. Thanks.