I wonder how the variance in speed for developing a high level of skill in something can be affected by having previously acquired relevant skills.

It was certainly easy for me to learn to play the piano after I learned to play guitar (much easier than it was for me to learn to play the guitar) with a high level of proficiency. I had already developed above average dexterity and I had a conceptual understanding of music that I could apply to the piano. Both of these skills clearly gave me an advantage when approaching the piano.

Is a good way to identify what skills can most readily be developed in to a broad spectrum of abilities once they are mastered? Is there any attempt to map the 'skill hierarchy'?