There are several ways to play the chord of D major. The "open" D major chord is the most common, and perhaps the simplest for beginners. If you are already quite proficient then there are two ways to play D major as a master key. Sharpen your fingering, and practice hard!
Step
Step 1. Learn the open strings on the guitar
Make sure you understand the guitar as a meeting of strings and frets. Each guitar string is tuned to a specific note, but you can create a different note by pressing the string at any point along the fretboard. There are 6 guitar strings, and the standard guitar pitch settings are E, A, D, G, B, E.
- High E: the first, thinnest, and highest-pitched string. This string is tuned two octaves above the low E
- B: Second string, just above the high E
- G: third string, just above B
- D: fourth string, just above G
- A: the fifth and second strings are the thickest, just above the D
- Low E: the sixth, thickest, and lowest-pitched string. Low E is tuned two octaves below high E
Method 1 of 2: Playing Open D Major
Step 1. Learn the key of open D major
There are several ways to play the chord of D major on the guitar, but we'll look at the simplest version. Practice your fingering and throwing techniques until you can play the chord of D major smoothly. Press the strings firmly, but not too tightly.
Step 2. Practice your fingering
Place your index finger on the second fret on the third (G) string. Place your middle finger on the second fret on the first string (high E). Then, place your ring finger on the third fret on the second string (B). Leave the top three strings open.
- Your index finger makes an A note. Your middle finger makes an F# note. The ring finger creates a D note. Together, these three notes make up the chord of D major.
- If you play a regular guitar, you'll hit the chords with your left hand. You will use your right hand to push.
Step 3. Play guitar chords
Once your fingers are in place, use your right hand to pry down from the D (fourth) string. Play only with the four highest strings: D, G, B, E. Don't touch the low E and A strings. Keep practicing your chords until you get a clear, crisp sound.
Method 2 of 2: Playing D Major Kunci
Step 1. Play the barre chord starting at the fifth fret
First, use your index finger to press each string on the fifth fret. Then, place your middle finger on the seventh fret on the fourth string (D); your ring finger is on the seventh fret on the third (G) string; and your little finger on the seventh fret on the second string (B). Make sure that you press each string firmly. Then, gently roll down from the fifth string to the first string.
Make sure you leave the sixth string (G) untouched. If you play the sixth string, it's not D major that comes up
Step 2. Cross the tenth fret
First, use your index finger to press each string at the tenth fret. Then, place your middle finger on the eleventh fret on the third (G) string. Place your ring finger on the twelfth fret on the fifth string (A), and place your little finger on the twelfth fret on the fourth string (D). Strike the chord in one stroke, from the sixth string (low E) to the first string (high E).
Step 3. Practice the cross lock
The cross key is a more complex technique than the open D major chord, and requires more finger strength. Practice pressing your index finger against the fretboard. Make sure that all of the strings are held firmly enough to create a clear, crisp chord sound.
- If the chord sounds shrill or muffled, it means that your strings are not pressing very hard. Pluck each string while holding the cross key. If a note sounds less clear, slide your finger until it sounds good. Make sure your fingers are centered between the frets, and also make sure that none of your fingers accidentally muffle the other strings.
- If you move the chords up or down, you can play any guitar chord. For example, raising two frets creates the key of C major, and lowering two frets creates the key of E major
Tips
- Try using a donkey bridge or mnemonic to memorize open string sequences (EADGBE). EAD is the lowest three strings, like the word " (R)EAD " when the letter R is removed. The next two strings are GB, like the words “GIRL” and “BOY”. The E is the highest string and is tuned two octaves above the low E. If not, try putting the order into a “phonetic phrase”: “ee-ad-geebee”
- Try playing the chord of D minor. Smooth finger shifts can make a very different sound!
- Experiment with variations. When you play an open D major, try placing your little finger on the fourth fret on the fourth (D) string for an extra F# chord.
