How to play the D chord on guitar
D lives on the top four strings in a small triangle, and strumming the 5th and 6th strings by mistake makes it sound muddy.
The 3D hands holding D. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.
Where the fingers go
- Index finger (1) on the G (3rd) string, fret 2.
- Ring finger (3) on the B (2nd) string, fret 3.
- Middle finger (2) on the high E (1st) string, fret 2.
- Let D (4th) ring open.
- Do not play low E (6th) and A (5th).
Notes in the chord: D – A – F#
Tips
- Aim the strum at the open 4th string. Touch the 5th string with the tip of your thumb if you need to mute it.
- The ring finger on the 2nd string carries the shape; place it first.
- Keep the index finger curved so the open 1st string is not muted.
Easier ways to play D
Dsus2
x x 0 2 3 0
Lift the middle finger. Open, airy, and fine for most strummed songs.
Practise D inside a real song
Paste the chords of any song that uses D, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.
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