1st position vs open position

[jim56]

Hi Neil,

When I was re-reviewing the Beginners First Five Lesson #1 this AM you mentioned 1st position. Is that the first three frets? In the Open 7th Chords Quick Tip you called it the open position. Are they one in the same? (1st position = open position).

[AndyT]

If I'm not mistaken;

First position is the first 4 frets and second is the 5th thru 8th and so on...

[rcsnydley]

Yes, first position is when your hand covers Index = 1st fret, middle = 2nd fret, ring = 3rd fret and pinky = 4th fret. Second position is index = 2nd fret, etc.
Position has more to do with hand position as opposed to open position when talking about chords generally mean chords that feature open strings and are generally played in the first 2 or 3 positions.

Keep Playing
Ric

[AndyT]

Ah HA! I was mistaken. I'll have to remember that.

"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken."

[jim56]

Thanks Ric.

[Chasplaya]

rcsnydley wrote:

Yes, first position is when your hand covers Index = 1st fret, middle = 2nd fret, ring = 3rd fret and pinky = 4th fret. Second position is index = 2nd fret, etc.
Position has more to do with hand position as opposed to open position when talking about chords generally mean chords that feature open strings and are generally played in the first 2 or 3 positions.

Keep Playing
Ric

Couldn't have put it better Ric, must admit this confused me when I started out, But when its explained it all falls into place really and all of a sudden this concept opens up your playing.