Are lessons the answer (improving technique)?

skunkwerx

This is what I did, put a strap on and play with the guitar in the 'classical' position, between your legs. Let it hang not too low, not too high, can let it sort of rest between your legs. 

It will be alien, but you'll get used to it. Then stand up and the transition and positioning wont be as extreme between sitting and standing. 

As for technique, its broad. For example I suck at palm muting beyond the lowest 2 strings, and I play a lot of metal! For one I've kind of accepted it as my style, but for riffs where I need the D string or below muted I have to really work at it and it doesnt come naturally at all. I analysed myself and found if I hold the pick slightly different, it helps, so I practice one metallica riff from Master of Puppets focusing only on the muting on that string, sometimes stopping as I hit the chord and 'testing' it. 

Its hard to make it stick though. Old habits. I guess a teacher can give suggestions in real time.