No matter how fancy someone plays, chords are the backbone of playing, and the most important part of playing. Learn all the major and minor chords, and then learn all the major and minor 7th chords, and you will be well on your way to having the ability to play most popular music at its most basic level.
I used to play a lot around Covington, and I am still down there pretty often visiting my parents. If you would like I'll be glad to get with you sometime and help out any way I can. I've taught quite a few people, and will skip the BS that you may get from some paid teachers. Don't get me wrong, some are good and honest teachers. Some are not.
