1 string or 1 position?

When playing a riff or melody, you have 2 choices.

You could play on 1 string of the guitar or across several strings using 1 fretting-hand position.

You may have seen videos I have posted on 1-string riffs. 

People sometimes comment on these videos to point out that you could play the same riff across multiple strings.

Then you would not have to shift the hand along a string.

This is true.

So which way is right?

Let's explore.

1 String

The reason playing on 1 string can be helpful for beginners is that it's simple mentally. You don't have to think about changing strings with your picking hand or fretting hand. All you have to think about is what fret you are playing.

Though this approach is simple mentally, it can be tricky physically because the left hand has to move around so much. That is why experienced guitarists often use the next approach.

1 Position

When playing in 1 left-hand position, you put your fretting-hand index finger on a particular fret and line the other fingers up after it.

Let's say you put the index finger on the 1st fret. Then your middle finger will be on the 2nd fret. Your ring finger will be on 3rd fret. Your pinky will be on the 4th fret.

Playing like this is called "first position".

If you moved your index finger to the 2nd fret and lined the other fingers up on the frets after that, it would be called "second position".

Index finger on the 3rd fret would be "third position".

And so on.

If you play a whole riff or melody in a single position, it's easy physically. The fretting hand does not need to move much.

But it's mentally tricky for beginners because they often place the picking hand or fretting hand on the wrong string.

If you're a complete beginner, my recommendation is that you start with a few 1-string riffs to get used to moving around the fretboard.

Once you're comfortable with that, try playing a riff in 1 position, such as "first position".

Let me know if you have questions.

Keep making music!