To first position or not.....

[4hisglory]

Should a "beginner" start with first position chords or not?

[jlynnb1]

there are really only 5 chord shapes (CAGED)....they just change positions. So whether they are forst position or at the 10th fret, they are essentially the same concepts. so i would say yes. (of course, I'd say you should learn all you can about playing the instrument, the less limitations the better)

[gtrdave]

They're usually the easiest to play for a beginner...some guitars are easier to fret closer to the nut than higher up the plank and only having to fret a couple strings and use open strings as opposed to having to barre across all the strings is easier, too, so open chords are a fine place to start.
btw: first position describes chords normally played/barred at the first fret and not open strings...open chords would be those that most beginners learn.

[uriahsmusic]

...I remember being confused about the 1st fret chords when I finaly needed to play them....the style of music that I have played generally never uses them!

In my learning experience I went from 0 to 60 right away!...A matter of fact ...that is the way I teach.....but if you intend to play stuff like folk or some kinds of rock or country...you actually need those chords big time!  A lot of fake books use those chords also!.....

[4hisglory]

btw: first position describes chords normally played/barred at the first fret and not open strings...open chords would be those that most beginners learn.

Opppsss...didn't know that, t'anks for letting me know.

[axeman1]

Should a "beginner" start with first position chords or not?

It might be a good idea in that the first position requires more stretching in order to use the pinky.  In some of Uriah's videos he shows how basic chords can be augmented by stretching the pinky to higher notes giving the chords much more lush and soulful sounds.  It's better to develope this early.  This is very difficult for me to do at this point  since I have very wide palms and very short stubby fingers.  But I think if I developed the ability to make those formations many years ago it would be a lot easier now.