 Maybe, but it will probably take a lot longer and will likely involve a lot of frustration. Here are seven reasons I think you should hire a guitar teacher:
Repertoire
A good guitar teacher will know the best songs and exercises that will help you develop your skills and knowledge. He or she can direct you to songs that are appropriate for your skill level -- not too hard so you don't get frustrated, and not too easy so that there's a challenge and you're learning new things.
Feedback
A teacher can (kindly) point out when you're making mistakes. People who learn on their own often don't know when they're playing a song incorrectly. It happens quite often and you can find many videos on YouTube of people playing songs incorrectly without realizing it.
Technique
A teacher can show you how to play with proper technique so that playing the guitar becomes easier. Many self-taught musicians spend far too much energy "fighting" with their instruments when they play a song because they did not learn proper technique. They are less likely to ever be able to play as fast, as accurate, and as musical as a person who learned good technique.
Experience
An experienced teacher can help you play those more difficult songs because they've been in your shoes before and they've learned numerous tricks that can make a difficult song seem easy.
Advice
A guitar teacher is available to you so that you can ask questions. You cannot ask questions of a book or a video.
Coaching
A good music teacher is also your coach -- able to congratulate you when you're doing well, and lift your spirits if you're feeling frustrated. Don't underestimate just how important this is. In my experience, this is actually one of the most valuable roles of a guitar teacher.
Motivation
Furthermore, taking regular weekly lessons tends to provide people with the motivation they need to ultimately succeed and be able to play the songs they want to play with confidence, skill, and musicality.
A weekly lesson provides just that little bit of pressure that's often needed. A teacher can give students specific goals to reach each week -- specific things to practice and learn before the next lesson. Without a regular weekly lesson, it's very hard for most people to stay motivated, continue to practice and learn new things.
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