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No, no, no, @Powelly it’s not too much for a beginner. In fact, it’s exactly what a beginner should be learning. I’m so sorry if I threw too much at you.
So, here’s the thing, don’t worry about “understanding” the CAGED system. Just learn the open chords and use them for songs. And of course, I’m talking about the C major chord, the A major chord, the G major chord, the E major chord, and the D major chord. As you learn them, remember where the lowest root note is. That’s the important part.
So, the root notes: The root note of the C major chord is on the 5th string, 3rd fret. The root of the A chord is the 5th string, open. The G root is 6th string, 3rd fret. The E is 6th string, open. The D is 4th string, open. For now, that’s all you need to remember.
As you progress, those root notes will be used in your playing. Those root notes will shape your strumming, flat picking and finger picking. Just the idea that those root notes can theoretically be moved will help you start seeing the fretboard in a different way.
You also want to learn the 5 shapes. As time goes on, you will see more and more connections between the chord shapes and the scale patterns and understand more and more what you can do with those shapes and connections.
Yes, go through the course again… and again… and again. Give the information time to sink in and reach your fingers. Don’t turn this into an intellectual thing cause it’s not. It’s all about the sound you make and how you make that sound on the guitar. It takes time. Be patient and have fun. Find ways to enjoy playing your guitar right now. And as long as you keep doing that, you are on the happy road of your guitar journey.
MG 😀