How may great guitarists understood a lot about music theory?

Question

I mean, I read somewhere that Stevie ray couldn't read music, but does that mean he didn't study theory? What other guitarists didn't know much about music theory?

Answer 1

most of the ones that didn't have proper training. dimebag didnt, kurt cobain, pete townshed didnt.

Answer 2

I think learning music theory is fundamental, although not required to know to play. Think of theory like a short cut to knowing music. If you know theory, you know where to go and what to do. If you just play, it would take you hours to figure out music. Some guitarists learned by playing, but they played for hours and learned that way. I think music theory is a short cut, the best thing you could do. Best luck.