When you're learning to play guitar, the D chord can be a great chord to add to your repertoire. It is very easy to learn and it can help you play your favorite songs in no time. This article will cover the three different versions of the D chord. All these versions are of the D major chord.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Play the Open D (Common) Chord
Step 1. Start at the second fret of the guitar
An open D chord is bright, sharp, and expansive. It is one of the most widely used chords and works very well with other common open chords such as E, A, and G.
Remember that frets are counted from top to bottom. If you are right-handed, the first fret is the one on the far left
Step 2. Place your index finger on the second fret, on the third string
Remember that strings are counted from the bottom up, so the thinnest string is the first and the thickest is the sixth. Place your index finger on the second fret and on the third string.
Step 3. Place your ring finger on the third fret, on the second string
Your two fingers should be diagonally next to each other.
Step 4. Place your middle finger on the second fret on the first string
When you're done, you'll have your fingers in a triangle shape on the first three strings. This is the D chord.
Step 5. Strum all the strings except for the A and E (lowest) string
Ignore the first two thicker strings; these are not needed for the chord and will only ruin the sound.
Step 6. Note that you can move this shape up or down on the guitar neck to play other chords
You can slide this simple three-finger figure up or down to play more chords. Practice moving your hand up or down the neck of the guitar, looking for other chords.
Keep in mind: your ring finger determines the root of the chord. If it's on the b string, then the chord is b
Method 2 of 3: Play the D Major Chord with the Capo (A Shape)
Step 1. Place your fingers on the fifth fret of the guitar
This is a slightly "thicker" chord with a higher pitch. It is much easier to move it down the neck of the guitar and thus switch to other capo chords.
If you already know, this is simply a barred A major chord located at the fifth fret on the fifth string. This is the re note
Step 2. Place the capo on the fifth fret with your index finger, playing all but the sixth string
Capo from the first to the fifth strings with your index finger. Strum the strings once to make sure you are pressing all of them correctly.
Step 3. Use your ring finger to place a capo on the second, third, and fourth strings at the seventh fret
You can also place your little finger on the second string at the seventh fret, your ring finger on the third string at the seventh fret, and your middle finger on the fourth string at the seventh fret. Most people find it easier to just make a capo, but you'll get a cleaner sound with one finger on each string.
If you slide all your fingers down the neck of the guitar, using the open strings instead of the capo with your index finger, you will get the chord of the
Step 4. Capo on the last string or just don't touch it
The first and last chords are the least essential for your chord. Simply strumming the four strings in the middle will give you a better sound, but you can also strum the E (highest) string to make it sound a bit louder.
Don't strum the sixth string
Method 3 of 3: Play the D major chord with the capo (in the shape of an E)
Step 1. Glide to the 10th fret
This is a very high-pitched, bright-sounding D chord, and it's not used very often unless you're playing all of your chords on those frets. Still, knowing how to play this chord is a lot of fun and can add a refreshing air to your song by using this chord instead of a normal D chord.
The melody of this chord is identical to the previous ones, only it is at a different octave
Step 2. Place a capo on the 10th fret with your index finger
This is the capo shape of an E chord, which means that you form the E major chord with your little finger, ring finger, and middle finger and then place the capo two frets up with your index finger. The result is the same shape as the E chord, only with capo instead of open notes.
Step 3. Place your ring finger on the twelfth fret of the fifth string
This is the chord of the. The first note, the one at the 10th fret on the 6th string, is D.
Step 4. Place your pinky on the fourth string at the 12th fret
This is another D chord.
Step 5. Place your middle finger on the eleventh fret, on the third string
This note is an F sharp and you need it to play the full D chord.
Step 6. Make a capo over the other strings and strum all six strings at the same time
This chord uses all the strings on the guitar, although you can only play the highest chord for a lower, slightly deeper chord.
Advice
- Do not place your fingers on the fret line, place them in the center for the best sound, and then press as hard as you can.
- Do not touch any of the strings so that the sound is not distorted.
Warnings
- Capo chords are difficult at first, just make sure you're playing them correctly to avoid hurting your fingers; you are going to need them.
- Don't be mad if you can't do it the first time, just keep trying.
- There are many D chords, so keep in mind which is which.