I fit into 'F' <grin>
By my standards I'm not *great* on any of the instruments I play (so not D or E). But I understand theory well, which is what allows me the ability to play different instruments well enough to get the idea down.

Sure a beginner with no theory knowledge could 'walk into one' (a possibly local sports term meaning to get lucky .. kinda like 'even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while').
You could theoretically know nothing and still create something cool.

But with a little theory knowledge the chances of success get greater.
Knowing 1-4-5 is a huge step by itself, compared to no knowledge.

On the flip side; I could be the best trumpet player ever and never find joy writing a song in BiaB .. being proficient on a given instrument doesn't really translate in this context (to me anyways).

The only education/theory option in the OP was none.
Like Steve, I've had a lot of education (and it was worth it). Just never really 'mastered' any instruments performance wise.



Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome