What you have to realize is that you instructor probably has been playing for years. The other thing is that you are still working daily at a job. I don't know how much time you spend on practice but it take up a lot of time, and can be stressfull if you HAVE to do it. I think you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. I always found that IF I can hear the song being played, then practice the notes then listen to the song, it kind of gives you a feel for tempo and tone. What I found is that usually the only part of the song you need to know note for note is the intro. The rest can have your flair. I found also that when I retired early I have more than eough time to practice and looked forward to it. Juggling life, and trying to play caused me to put it away for 25 years. Now I love it.
The Blues is alright!
Guitars: 1968 Gibson SG, 2005 Gibson SG Standard, 2006 Gibson LP Classic Gold top, 2004 Epiphone Elitist LP Custom, 1996 Gibson Les Paul Standard. 2001 Epiphone Sheraton II, 2007 Epiphone G400.
Fender Strats: 1996 Fender 68 Reissue CIJ, 2008 Squier CV 50s, 2009 Squier CV 50s Tele Butterescotch Blonde
Amps: Blues Junior Special edition Jensen in Brown Tolex with Wheat front, 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue,1970 Sonax reverb by Traynor, Avatar Custom 2/12 Cabinet with Eminence Legend V1216 speakers,
2008 DSL100 Marshall Amp , Fender Super Champ XD,Fender Vibro Champ XD
Effects and Pedals: Fulltone Fulldrive II, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe, Fulltone Fat Boost, Dunlop Crybaby Wah, Boss DS1, Boss DD20 Giga Delay, Boss TU2 tuner, Boss BD2, Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, Zoom 505. Radial tonebone hot british.