Do you normally play by ear, or are you more formal? Like TAB and notation.
I agree that knowing the notes doesn't always transfer into musicality. Music comes from inside. Modes, scales, and written notes only present a guide of sorts, and are somewhat robotic if a connection to the music inside is not made. Most popular, rock, blues, and country musicians play without sheet music or music stands and barely have notes beyond the key for the songs in the song list. They have either memorized or play by ear. The Beatles couldn't read a note of music when they started. They played by ear. Other folks went on to write the scores for their songs and put them in sheet music and books. Yet...
...orchestral and formal musicians must play by written notation, and follow the the notes laid out on the sheet music. Sometimes the two never meet, and a formal musician can't play without sheet music -- and the musician who plays by ear can't read music. It's two approaches to being a musician, and sometimes they are at odds. Of course, a mix is probably best.
My personal technique is song-driven. If a simple barred E-chord sounds ok, I might use it. If not, I may have to look up an E chord derivative because it may not be in my memory banks; yet. Maybe I'm using a cheat sheet (aka lead sheet) and the correct chord is above the word I'm singing -- if so, then I'm done, and can continue playing and singing the song. That's true for all the many blues/rock/country/bluegrass bands I've been blessed to have been a member of. Some times, a band mate would simply call out, "'Walkin' the Dog' guys, key of C," and just maybe, a progression. But quickly, because we were on stage.
My old band with an impromptu song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAMHPSW6lSc
My apologies for straying from your first goals and telling you about mine.