Why aren't chords taught as patterns?

[Jerry NT]

I don't mean the theory part, I'm talking about the charts of chords that you get. In reality, there are only a few basic patterns. An open 'C' turns into a "D when you slide it down a few frets. A "D" turns into an "E flat" one more fret down. The pattern is the same.

The same can be said about the other chord patterns.

If you make a "C7 flatted 9th" it follows with the pattern of the open "C".

Most of us know this, so why don't the charts just show this? If you could learn the basic patterns of first three or four frets, it would be easier to use the musical alphabet and make any chord down the neck. If you don't know them, then you may have to slide half-way up the neck to make a different one.

I know that after awhile, we learn this, but why isn't it taught? Or is it taught by some?

[Poparad]

It's called the "CAGED System"

You might be able to find a few websites out htere about it, and I know there are a couple good books out there on it.

It isn't something you'll find in every guitar book, but it's becoming a much more common thing in books.