When I was a kid, I learned percussion in school (so, drums and then some). Very simple, and nothing that had notes. Just percussive rhythm. It's a bit long forgotten now. But I still have my drum. That's as far as my formal education goes.
I also had a guitar gifted to me as a child with something to get started with, but I wasn't formally taught. I still haven't.
Then one day, several years ago, I had a bit of an itch. Because I'd known some musicians through a family member that runs a place for concerts and such, I had access to some instruments.
I tried some 3-4 chords following the book I had, trying to understand it. I was plucking a few strings one note at a time until something started to sound familiar.
Since then, I have a few guitars of my own, and acquired a couple kalimbas and a piano for free, and I'd just mess around for a bit. I had spent a lot of time learning sone stuff, trying out some songs on my own. I remember somehow figuring out Green Grass and High Tides without even hesitating the first time. Just blew through it. But no licks more fancy than that.
It wasn't long that I was invited to an impromptu jam and did that a couple of times without it being a challenge, so I guess I was good enough. But I'd rather stick with my day job.
As far as what I listen to, it's quite a lot.
