RE: Tabletop Discussions - What too Pick as Your First Character?
My first Pathfinder character was a bard (for the Council of Thieves-Campaign) and I found that a bit difficult. The bard has a lot of buffs and they are great - but when to use what depends on your knowledge of the enemies and the other players' chars. If you don't know their strengths, how they work etc., it's difficult to decide and you stay with your basic songs. The first 10 sessions or so I could have strangled the guy who told me to play a bard ;)
My second char was a ranger and that was easier. OK, I knew the system better (that was half through the CoT), but it was clearer to see what was best in which situation. After you decided on some things (melee or ranged etc.) choosing feats etc. later is easier.
(Though now that ranger went into the multiclass-maze, after a harrowing event the GM decided that a bit of Paladin was needed), but that is another story...)
Early levels the basic 'Inspire Courage' song is all you really have to use, regardless of campaign the rest are pretty situational regardless of familiarity with the game.
That's actually the main benefit, because if you are lost and not sure what to do you always have that fall back.
And when not singing, at least at early levels, you can still jump in and help with basic combat and not drag everyone down.
Also, that or the alchemist are your best bets at learning how to be a caster without playing a full caster as a newcomer. I stand by my pick of Bard being a good beginnner class. :p