Sometimes I hear people say they don't like Music Theory. I
think that it is important to have a concept, especially when
you are playing jazz. There are lots of musicians who play
totally by ear, and that is great if you are blessed with that
strong of an ear. I think that an understanding of theory is a
huge help, and it opens your ears to what you should be
listening to. Regardless of what instrument you play, it is good
to play piano to see what chords and voicings sound good with
melodies. Then you can also play the chords and see what scales
sound good with the chords. It is really helpful to trancribe a
solo and analyze it to see what chords, scales, and notes are
used. If you know the 12 major scales, and the chords from them,
and the 12 melodic minor scales, and the chords from them, and
how changing that one note (minor 3rd) changes the way the
chords work, then you are 90% there. You might also learn the 3
diminished scales and the 2 whole tone scales. The 12 Blues
scales are good to know. The rule