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

Is it easier to think of a piano? The strings of a guitar are the same as keys on a piano. Each string plays a single note, playing different frets on a string plays different notes, like playing different keys on a piano. With a piano you play a chord by pressing multiple keys at the same time. Strumming multiple strings on a guitar will play multiple notes that can make up a chord.