Printed music is an incredibly useful learning tool. Remember, although at first sight it may appear expensive compared to a paperback, each book actually represents months, or even years, of study for you, guided by an expert. Work out what a couple of months tuition from a professional at �20 an hour would cost. See what I mean?
So, if you have a favourite guitar CD, buy the book - make sure you get the proper 'Guitar Recorded Version/Transcribed Score' etc, and not the 'piano/vocal/guitar' version.
The last decade has also seen the rise of accurate transcriptions in guitar magazines - these are an absolute godsend to the guitar student (and the teacher), especially as most of them come with CD demonstrations and backing tracks, and are amazing value at less than a fiver
I highly recommend that anyone at stage 2 and above buy Total Guitar magazine every month - this contains a CD and detailed lessons on the music of all your favourite guitar bands - with backing tracks, interviews, technique building etc. All the music I am asked for is printed in Total Guitar - often in the next issue
Even more highly recommended are the Total Guitar Collectors editions - a collection of classic rock guitar pieces in their entirety, complete with all backing tracks on CD. Last time I looked they were �5.99 - unbelievable! TG back issues - 01225 822511
Also worth a look are Guitar Techniques (harder stuff), Guitarist (lots of gear reviews, though) and the American publications like Guitar For The Practicing Musician and Guitar Player - which has a really good archive section for interviews with your favourite guitar players, and reviews of gear
Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced?