Guitar chord · Beginner
D major chord (D) — guitar chord chart
D is a major chord built on D. Its notes are D, F♯, A. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.
D chord charts
Numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little). ○ open string, × don’t play. Low E string on the left.
How to play D
- Index (1) on the 3rd string, fret 2 (A).
- Ring (3) on the 2nd string, fret 3 (D).
- Middle (2) on the 1st string, fret 2 (F♯).
- Let string 4 ring open.
- Strum from the 4th string down; don’t play strings 6, 5.
- Pick the strings one at a time: each note should ring clearly — if one buzzes, move that finger closer to the fret.
Once the open shape is comfortable, try the barre version at fret 5: same chord, higher voice, and a shape you can move all over the neck.
Notes in D
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | root |
| 3 | F♯ | major 3rd |
| 5 | A | perfect 5th |
Progressions with D
Drill these changes with the chord-change trainer and read how to change chords faster.
FAQ
- What notes are in the D chord?
- D (D major) has 3 notes: D, F♯, A.
- Is D hard to play?
- No — the open-position shape needs no barre, so it’s a good beginner chord.
- What’s the difference between D and Dm?
- Dm is D F A. Major chords sound bright, stable and resolved — the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs.