When playing/learning guitar, when do you play “chords” or strings within those chords?

Question

I don’t really understand how to play guitar or even how to approach learning.

Do you just memorize chords? When do you play individual strings instead of a full strum? Are certain notes and chords assigned to different keys?

It seems way above my head lol.

Help.

In: Other

Answer 1

Every time you use more than one string, that’s a chord (on-or-off key). The positioning of your fingers on the frets determines which chord you’re positioned to play. If you only pluck one string, that’s a note.

Yeah, you memorize the finger placings for the chords. Memorize them by name if you want to read sheet music, or just by rote if you’re winging it/only learning certain songs you like.

BGFalcon listed good progression to learning and gave good resources.