When learning to play the guitar, the key of D can supplement your skill ammo. These chords are easy to learn and will help you play your favorite songs. This article will cover three versions of the key of D, and all of them are the key of D major.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Playing the Open D Key (Common Fingering)
Step 1. Start at the second fret on the guitar
An open D key sounds bright, high-pitched, and luxurious. It is one of the most used keys and works well with other common open keys, such as E, A, and G.
Don't forget that the frets are counted from the head to the base of the guitar neck. If you play right-handed, the first fret is on the far left
Step 2. Place your index finger on the second fret
Remember, the strings are numbered from bottom to top. So, the thinnest string is the first string, and the thickest is the sixth string. Place your index finger on the second fret, on the third string.
Step 3. Place your ring finger on the third fret on the second string
These two fingers form a diagonal to each other.
Step 4. Place your middle finger on the second fret on the first string
When you do, your three fingers should form a triangle along the bottom three strings. This is your D key position!
Step 5. Beat every string except the low A and E strings
Ignore the two thickest strings as they are not used in a D chord and will mess up the sound.
Step 6. Know that you can move this shape up and down to play other chords
The position of these three fingers can be shifted up and down to create another key. Practice playing this finger position along the neck of the guitar and looking for other chords.
Note: The ring finger determines the root of the key. If the finger is on B, it means that the key played is B
Method 2 of 3: Playing the Key of D Major Barre (Form A)
Step 1. Get ready at the fifth fret on the guitar
This D key sounds a bit more “bold” and higher pitched. This lock is easier to apply when you're playing further down the neck, and can easily be switched into another barre lock.
If you already know, this key is the key of A Major barre which is on the fifth fret on the fifth string. This key note is D
Step 2. Lay your index finger down on the fifth fret so that it hits all the strings, except for the top string
Press from the first to the fifth string with your index finger. Shake it once to make sure all the strings are well pressed.
Step 3. Lay down your ring finger to press the second, third, and fourth strings at the seventh fret
You can also place your pinky 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 prefer to lay their fingers down to barre, but the sound of the guitar will be clearer if each string is pressed with one finger.
If you drag this shape all the way up to the top of the guitar neck, you'll play an open A chord if you use the open strings instead of laying your index finger down
Step 4. Keep your fingers resting on the bottom string, or just don't play
The top and bottom strings are not important in this chord. If you can shuffle only the middle four strings, the sound will be more melodious, but you can also include a high E string for added sound.
Don't shuffle the top strings
Method 3 of 3: Playing the Key of D Major Barre (E Shape)
Step 1. Get ready at the tenth fret
This D chord has a very high and clear sound, and isn't used very often if you don't play a lot of chords deep in the neck of the guitar. Even so, learning this chord is still quite fun and songs that would normally be played in a normal D chord will sound fresher.
This key is melodicly similar to the previous keys, only the octave is different
Step 2. Lay your index finger on the tenth fret
This is the E-shape of the barre chord, which is played by forming the key of E major with your little, ring, and middle fingers, then extending your index finger two frets up. The result is the same as in a normal E chord, except that the note is a barre note instead of an open tone.
Step 3. Place your ring finger on the twelfth fret on the fifth string
This is the A note. The first note, which is at the tenth fret on the sixth string, is a D note.
Step 4. Place your little finger on the twelfth fret on the fourth string
Here's another D note.
Step 5. Place your middle finger on the eleventh fret on the third string
This is the F# note needed to play a full D chord.
Step 6. Let your fingers rest on the other string, and beat all six strings
This chord uses all six strings on the guitar, but you can only use the top strings for a thicker, slightly deeper sound.
Tips
- Don't lay the entire length of your finger on the fret, instead place it in the middle to make the chord sound more melodious, then press as hard as you can.
- Don't touch all the strings so the sound doesn't muffle.
Warning
- Barre locks may be difficult at first, but make sure you do them correctly to prevent permanent injury to your fingers.
- Don't be frustrated if it still doesn't work. Keep on trying, on and on.
- There are many other "D" keys, so know the difference.
