I realize there is a debate on acoustic vs electric…which to learn on. I also realize the debate about do you learn open chords and strumming first, or power chords first. I would like your opinion. I am more into 70s-90s rock, gfunge, alternitive, metal. What are your opinions about learning power chords before open chords? Good idea, bad idea, it does not matter? Why? Thank you.
From what I’ve encountered, power chords are often taught later in large part because making them sound good is kinda reliant on good muting. And that’s a skill that takes time to develop.
Not to mention, there’s often more movement up and down the neck, which also takes time to get comfortable/accurate with.
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Open chords are super important
for understanding why and how chords are built is super important. The other reason is they sound good. They are what you start with for sure.
Power chords are the most basic of chords. You can just learn them as you go along at the same time and use in conjuction when learning the notes of the 2 thickest strings.
Aslo dont get power chords and barr chords mixed up. They are different. Barr chords are much more difficult.
My take is, learn the open chords 1st.
Then the power chords will be easy as they are part of the open chords. 
imho, and what I’ve noticed is that much relates back to open chords. ie power chords, barre chords, triads, etc.
Another vote for learning the basic open chords first. I can see the attraction of learning power chords early on, particularly if grunge and metal is your thing. However power chords are rather one-dimensional - no major, no minor, no colour. There are plenty of grunge/rock/punk songs that used open chords too, from all sorts of bands from The Who through to Green Day.
If that’s what you want to play, then I agree with Jason, start learning power chords early in your journey, but don’t miss out on the opportunities open chords bring.
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Open chords are in grade 1, power chords in grade 2.
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Thank you everyone . You kept me from making a mistake. I shall stay the course and follow it.
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