@Dr-Mark
@Dr-Mark said in How Does The Theory You've Learned Apply To Improvising?:
We've heard that we must learn the theory and then forget it when we improvise.
We're speaking metaphorically, of course. I don't think you "forget it". Instead, I think it becomes second nature.
For example, when I play a C scale, I'm not thinking about the fingerings. But of course, I haven't forgotten the fingerings, either. It become second nature. (Of course, we can argue over what "second nature" means, too. )
And FWIW, theory/grammar is fundamental to any language. For example, we don't speak words "by ear" or "by intuition". If we did, it would just be meaningless noise. And while there are some illiterate people who have a reasonable command of the spoken language, these are exceptions.
The same is true with improvisation. Of course, there are exceptions. And a BigDub said, different types of people process things in different ways. But most people who think they can just play what sounds good (without understand the meaning of what they are playing) are likely working with a significant handicap. This approach might work within a constrained context, but quickly falls apart as you try get more advanced.
Mike