positions

I have an assignment to learn some scales in first position but I need help understanding and visualizing what is considered "first position". Pls help :)

First position means to place your index finger in the first fret and the rest of your fingers in subsequent frets.  Second position means index finger goes in second fret, and so on.  

Generally first position scales also use open strings along with the first 4 frets.  Most beginner scale patterns are in first position.  These tutorials show beginner level scales in first position (C major and A minor).  Because you can play the same note in more than one place, they also cover how the notes can be played in higher positions.

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson/13236

https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson/13240

Hope that helps!

so how many positions would you say there are?

In general the number of frets on your guitar.   Position simply means where you place your index finger, or the lowest fret you play in any given hand position when you are playing a chord or note. 

Thanks for clarifying first position and positions in general, Christopher. That makes much more sense now! I’ll check out those lessons you linked, really appreciate the explanation about open strings and index finger placement. Super helpful for beginners like me.

poor bunny