I know what you mean ellicia! It's easy to use them as a crutch. I'm really bad at recognizing certain chord progressions and intervals. I'm quite jealous of the great chord melody players on Youtube. I think playing what you sing and singing what you play helps. I really need to improve my singing!

There's a guy on Youtube you may have heard of - Justin Guitar. Lot's of solid advice, including ear training all for freeeeee!

Nate.