Most guitarist that I know have never bothered to study music theory.  They only wanted to work on licks.  I took a two year class at the local junior college.  I worked with the best instructors I could find to improve my technique.  And I put in hours of practise every week.  My intention was to become a blues guitarist and I was going to do it.   I purchased 50 blues guitar backing tracks and used them to get experience with professional groups.  I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and believe that the experience of working with these tracks provided the breakthrough that I had been looking for.