After the C major chord, one of the first chords every beginner should learn is the D major chord. The D chord only uses three fingers, as do most open chords. However, it is a straightforward chord to play, it is widely used in songs, and it just sounds good. In contrast, others such as the B chord will be one of the last to learn as it is more advanced and challenging.
Songs in the key of D, G, and A will most likely make use of the D major chord. However, songs in the other keys outside the ones just mentioned also make use of this chord.
If needed, revisit all guitar string notes for a general overview.
The benefit of learning the D chord is that there are variations of the chord used in most songs that are very easy to play. For example, by merely placing your pinky on the third fret of the first E string, you have Dsus4. I personally think that every song with D uses the Dsus4 chord!
Also, but removing your finger from the first E string so that it plays as an open string, you have the Dsus2 chord. This chord variation works well with D and Dsus 4 chords.
Playing the D chord on the guitar is not difficult. If you are just learning to play guitar, it can appear to be challenging. With daily practice over seven to ten days, you will be able to play this chord. This article will guide you through playing the D major chord.
Notes and Intervals of the D Major Chord
Knowing what notes make up the D major chord will help you in the long run to build different shapes of this chord on the guitar. Also, it will give you a fundamental framework on how all chords are used in music.
The D major chord is a major triad (a triad is a three-note chord). In music, triads (major and minor) are formed by stacking 3rds together. This means that we put the root, the third, and the fifth note of a scale together. Following this rule, the D major chord notes are D, F#, and A.
The note ‘D’ is the root, and the note ‘F#’ is the third. ‘A’ is the fifth note on the scale of D major. From ‘D’ to ‘F#’ is an interval of a major third (M3). Also, ‘D’ to ‘A’ is an interval of a perfect fifth (P5). Last, From ‘F#’ to ‘A’ is an interval of a minor third; thus, the reason for the earlier used phrase, ‘stacking 3rds together.’
How to Play D Major Open Position
This is one of the most widely used chord shapes in guitar playing. It is commonly used because of its simplicity. To play this shape, follow these steps:
- Place your index (first) finger on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string. This gives you the A note of the chord.
- Place your middle (second) finger on the 2nd fret of the E (1st) string. This gives you the D note of the chord
- Last, place your ring (third) finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string. This is the F# notes of the chord
You will need to mute the open sixth string (E) when you play the chord—Strum through the chord, starting with the fifth string. Start with a simple down, down, down strumming pattern to get the hang of playing the chord.
You can work on more complex strumming patterns as you become more comfortable changing chords.
How to Play the D Barre Chord
Besides playing the D major chord in the open position, you can also use the barre chord version. To barre, a chord means to use one finger to fret multiple strings. Barre chords are difficult for beginning guitar players because they haven’t developed the required finger strength to hold strings down across the fret of the guitar.
It is well worth the effort to learn in the long run. Barre chords are moveable, and they enable you to play chords across the guitar neck.
This means that if you know one barre chord shape, you can use that shape to play many chords all over the fretboard. You do this just by sliding up and down the fretboard to change the root note. To play the D major barre chord in the 5th position, simply:
- Place your index (first) finger across all of the strings on the fifth fret.
- Use your third finger and hold or barre your finger on the second, third, and fourth strings on the seventh fret.
- You can also use your pinky finger instead of your third finger to hold the second, third, and fourth strings on the seventh fret. I use both depending on the chord progression of the song.
- This gives you the A shape barre chord for the D Chord.
You can strum across all six strings down from the sixth (E) string. Go ahead and use a down, down, down strumming pattern until you build the strength holding this chord. This barre version requires more flexibility and strength in your ring finger to press down three strings simultaneously. Don’t worry if you can’t sound it cleanly right away. Barre chords are also easier to play on electric guitars because of the lighter strings.
Alternate D Barre Chord
There are always multiple ways to play a chord. Some ways are easier to play than others. It is a matter of preference, not necessarily right or wrong (for the most part).
- Place your index (first) finger across all of the strings on the fifth fret.
- Place your second finger on the 7th fret of the D (4th) string.
- Place your third finger on the 7th fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Place your fourth finger (pinky) on the 7th fret of the B (2nd) string.
Yes, this version is harder to play at first. You must stretch your second finger to hold the note down on the fourth string of the seventh fret. Work on holding that second finger in place.
You will notice that you play the A chord on the seventh fret and hold the strings down on the fifth fret. This works when you are moving between the open A chord and the D barre chord. For some guitarists, this is a better way to play the chord. There are variations of the chord that can be reached from this shape.
For now, work on the open D chord and the D Barre chord shape, and be ready to play some songs!