Rudiments have their benefits. They serve a purpose and they are good to know, but I think they have their time and place. Let's figure out what those are.
Whether we learn with the sheet music originally, or learning a song from hearing it only, I think there are important reasons for internalizing songs beyond the need for the sheet music.
Every once in a while I’m reminded of how important it is to stay musically sharp and just how easy it is to become musically dull." src="/sites/all/modules/wysiwyg/plugins/break/images/spacer.gif" style="font-size: 1em;" title="<--break-->">
Being able to figure out any song comes with a lot of experience, but there is a process and a few tricks you can use along the way to help you develop your own ear.
While there's nothing wrong with those droning chords, especially in the right context, there are so many other ways to take advantage of the key the guitar was meant for.