Is learning how to read guitar tabs the secret to musical success?

I play the violin; I learned how the old-fashioned, traditional way. I’d like to learn to play the guitar as well, but it’s just so unlike the violin that I’m really having problems. A friend told me that once you know how to read guitar tabs, you can almost instantly pick up any song and play it with little effort – is this true? It sounds too good to be for real - especially after I had to put years into learning the violin - but if it’s as easy as it sounds, I’d love to try it. Has anyone had success with this method? I’d love to hear about it!