Mike,

A direct answer to your question: Yes I can distunguish all but the really "far-out" chords when I hear them. I can hear a major, minor, 7th, 6th, augmented, diminshed, 9th, 7th-flatted9th, 11th, 13th, major 7th, major 6th, major 9th, suspended 4th, etc. And, I actually know how to use them! But, as I have told you before, I cannot read notation what-so-ever.

But, I would not know a 13th-sharp5th-flatted9th if I heard it, as an example. That's one of those "far-out" chords I was referring to (Okay, grammarians...to which I was referring). I do not mean far-out as in "hey, cool!", but as in extremely uncommon.

You might...or might not...have listened to some of the jazz guitar instrumentals I do that have zillions of chords in them. I know what they are and how to put them together correctly (well, usually)...but couldn't read a note of it if you put it into notation.

I play exclusively by ear. So, I have taught myself to listen closely and so far, itis working okau for me. but, I would agree that reading notation...or any new skill learned...would be a plus.

All the best to ya!

Al