packrat Before learning the guitar, I learned the piano. So what I did, was I tried to transfered my music knowledge for the piano to the guitar and I've had interesting results. Beginner guitarist are usually suppose to learn chords using the C.A.G.E.D system( which is one of the best way to learn open chords). However, I avoided the C.A.G.E.D for the most part and just learned how to play four strings chord progressions in a particular scale. The four string chords I play, are just barre chords I broke up into four strings; in other words, I play the barre chords with 2 strings missing so it's easier to hold them down. So now I can easily play diatonic chord progressions all over the neck, which also not knowing how to play open chords to save my life. Right now, I only place acoustic with no pick.
Here's a video on barre chords:
Now here's a video on how to play them easier:
As for playing scales on the guitar, I have my own system for that and hence no video link; I'll be back to explain how I do it.