But you know what? Those of us that learned in that age kind of found our own style a little quicker, even if it was just copying someone else's style. We didn't necessarily obsess with playing it "just like the record" (which is not to say we didn't try like hell). But we also didn't necessarily copy the player's technique (or the less successful version someone had videoed on a smart phone) - we found a way to do it, whether it was the same or completely different.
I spend hours upon hours with the Ozzy albums and a couple Star Licks/Star Jams tapes trying to cop Randy Rhoads' style. I never did get it, either, but I got enough to be happy with what I did.
Kids are picking up technique quickly now, but it's the next step that's crucial. It's one thing to copy David Grissom's solos - it's a whole other thing to come up with a voice like David Grissom's.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to yell at some kids to get off my lawn.