Jedi,
I have obtained music with just the chords and lyrics for years and can play from them. Sometimes if I am with guitar players that is all I can get from them. The fake books sometimes have a melody line and that helps some but I usually add to it either between the notes or include the full chord with my right hand.

I agree with Big Red about the playing by ear musicians. Since I did music theory first I knew about the different chords before I could read music. I admit when I first started playing (under the age of 13) that my chords were basic (major, minor and mostly I chords). Big Red, it is fantastic what you have accomplished. I think its great!

Again I think it is good to know both. But most important to enjoy yourself and have a good time with it.

- Brian