Turn old chord knowledge into new transferable harmonic knowledge!

There is a common belief that chords should be memorized in shapes, and fingerings.  While this is a great advantage when reading chord charts that do not include the tablature for the chord, this methodology of memorization does very little for the musician that wishes to get more from the lesson, or musical playing/composition experience.  You have to remember that the best guitar "know how" is the one that you transfer over to different platforms of styles, methods, etc.  And, the only way to make chord (harmonic knowledge) transferable, is by grasping concepts that go beyond the simple chord memorizing method.  Besides, after learning this transferable knowledge, you could actually apply it to the chords you already knew by shape, and even get the "why"behind the "what".  You will be able to really grasp the logical reason behind the chord shapes.  Therefore, try to identify the chord notes that are played in the guitar and figure the order from lowest sounding string to highest sound string. This way, every chord will be a lesson in itself, and you will be able to identify patterns.  And, best of all, once you deconstruct the chord, you will be able to transfer that knowledge to other styles and even instruments.