I was taught in much the same way with regard to even tension and being methodical throughout the process. If you mess up, it's just easier to start over. It's hard to master feel and you will likely just be spinning your wheel(s). Don't consider it a failure, just an opportunity to improve the skill. I was taught to make adjustments by using at least four spokes and that keeping the nipples square to the rim will help to keep things orderly. Another place you can easily mess up is not keeping track of different sized spokes if they are required for dishing/alignment of the rear wheel. It was also recommended that I get a decent dishing gauge, too. I'm glad I did.
*Note: not sure if it was mentioned but side loading the wheel after a good round of trueing will go a long way to minimizing bigger adjustment later.