Know notes and music theory?

okaypimpn said:

Stupid question. Of course he does.

AngelPie7070 said:

It is NOT a stupid question,you DON'T have to know or understand everything about music theory in order to be a good musician!!

gypsyfire said:

Thank you gypsyfire. I wasn't even going to give that a$$hole who wrote before you the time of day.

okaypimpn said:

Well I would just have put two and two together and there you go. And don't call me a asshole for voicing my opinion.

He does.I've heard Him on Rehearsal Tapes Clal out different Times&Signatures.but it's a Great Question because Prince use to say he didn't.Paul Mccartney,Jimi Hendrix&Alot of other Acts Don't that are also Very Talented Artists.Music Theory is Important when doing Session Work,Film,Broadway along those Lines&things but Generally Speaking it's not a Must.if theory was Important&Knowing Scales,Signatures&whatnot then alot of Acts never would have made it.

AngelPie7070 said:

Okay...f@%kwad. Is that better?

mistermaxxx said:

Yeah, I know Aretha Franklin once said that she didn't know notes or anything and not too long ago decided to enroll in some theory classes just for her self gratification.

There's nothing wrong with knowing notes and theory, reading, etc. but sometimes it can be a box or hindrance to innovation and creativity if it is allowed to be.
As great a musician as Prince is, if he doesn't know it, it would be advantageous for him to do so. It could only inspire him all the more. I was thinking along the lines of him sitting down and writing symphonies, concertos for various instruments and scores for movies in his later years.
The classical world would benefit from some gifted black men contributing to composition for full orchestras.
But this may be something he's not interested in doing-his musical vision being in doing what he does.
But just think...Prince could fire Claire Fischer! Just kidding.

He may have learned it over time, however, I don't know if he studied it earlier in his career, as he was a 'play by ear' genius. Sheila E. made reference at the Celebration that she encouraged musicians to learn to read music, as she did not and wish she did. So I am going to say, no he didn't, but probably does now.