D Major Chord on Guitar
D (D major) is made of the notes D – F# – A. The easiest guitar fingering is xx0232 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play D
- Play the 4th string (D) open (D).
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 2 (A).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 3 (D).
- Press the 1st string (high e) at fret 2 (F#).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 5th string (A).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | x (mute) | - | |
| 4th string (D) | 0 (open) | D | R |
| 3rd string (G) | 2 | A | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 3 | D | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 2 | F# | 3 |
What is a D major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. D contains D, F#, A. Counted from the root D, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing D
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain D
D is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- D major – I chord
- G major – V chord
- A major – IV chord
- B minor – III chord
- E minor – VII chord
- F# minor – VI chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over D
Related chords
D chord FAQ
What notes are in a D chord?
D (D major) contains the notes D, F#, A. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root D.
How do you play D on guitar?
The most common shape for D is xx0232, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Is D an easy guitar chord?
It is rated intermediate. It uses a barre, so it is more demanding than an open chord. Expect it to take some practice to sound clean.
Which keys contain D?
D is a diatonic chord in D major (I), G major (V), A major (IV), B minor (III), E minor (VII), F# minor (VI).
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