I am probably considered a newbie.
I have my -7 -7b5 M7 and 7s drop 2s 3s on 6432 top middle and bottom 4. pretty good.
Im ok with the major scale and getting to know harmonic minor
And work my arpeggios with the inversions.
So where should i start. My end goal is to play chord melody with a singer. I like the stuff Joe Pass with Ella Fitzgerald type sound.
I dont understand modes at all.
Whats my next step?
Learn tunes, and copy some solos from recordings. I would start with Grant Green, there are many recordings that are very easy to learn and play along with. Check out all of my essential lessons. They cover so much ground when it comes to getting ready to take the next step. It sounds like you’re doing a lot of technical stuff and not much in the way of musical things. Learn a couple of chord melody arrangements, I’ve got many really nice ones right here. Good luck and keep in touch.