As an English player, I've never had a problem with chording.

Part of the choice of instrument should be based upon whether the person can read music or not. The English seems to appeal more to the more formal of us (as musicians) but is fully chromatic. If you have problems, practice, practice, practice.

The salvation army primers are still available for learning. After a couple of days of work, it will all feel natural and you can put the books away, learning on your own.