I played piano from 7 to 9 yrs old. lazy, used my ear, could care less about theory. played trombone from 9 to 13. lazy, could care less about theory, used my ear to see & understand how I fit in with the rest of the school band. started guitar lessons at 14. they couldn't throw enough theory at me fast enough. I soaked it up like a sponge. I had to learn to play guitar, get in a band & get laid ... lol. once I started playing in bands the following year I realized being lazy & developing my ear and listening to how I fit within a group context was more useful than theory. I still wish I had a strong understanding of theory though. my laziness is alive & well