Bingo!
I’ve played since junior school (1980’s). Since then I just learnt songs best I could but never very well. 4 years ago I got an instructor. More than anything this forces you to practice. I’m now almost proud of my own guitar skills, so this year I treated myself to a beautiful Taylor guitar.
YouTube is your friend of course. But the main thing is practice often. Your fingers will hurt but they will get better.
Learn pentatonic scales. And music theory is worth learning as well, but start with easy songs you actually want to play.