What is D Major?
The D Major guitar chord is formed by the notes D – F# – A and is played using the fingering xx0232. It’s a major chord commonly used in D-A-Bm-G.
D Major Chord Diagram
Standard Position
6th (E) string: Don't play
5th (A) string: Don't play
4th (D) string: Open
3rd (G) string: 2th fret
2nd (B) string: 3th fret
1st (E) string: 2th fret
How to Play D Major
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram xx0232.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
D Major Variations
D Major (Easy)
xx0232
Standard D major fingering - most common form
Dsus2
xx0230
Suspended 2nd creates open, airy sound
Dsus4
xx0233
Suspended 4th adds tension before resolving
D Major 7th
xx0222
Jazz-influenced chord with sophisticated sound
Popular Songs Using D Major
Famous Examples:
- • Free Fallin'
- • Summer of '69
- • Thinking Out Loud
More Hits:
- • I'm Yours
- • Riptide
Common Chord Progressions with D Major
D-A-Bm-G
The 'vi-IV-I-V' progression in D major, incredibly popular in modern music
D-G-D-A
Classic I-IV-V-I progression, foundation of folk and country
D-Cadd9-G
Modern twist with Cadd9 for contemporary sound
Practice Tips for D Major
1. Finger Placement
Use index finger on 2nd fret G string, middle finger on 2nd fret high E, ring finger on 3rd fret B string.
2. Avoid String Buzz
Press firmly and close to frets. Curve fingers to avoid touching open strings.
3. Practice Transitions
Focus on D to A major (easy), D to G major (common), and D to Bm (challenging).
4. Strumming Technique
Only strum from A string down - avoid low E string for cleaner sound.
Chord Family: G Major
D Major functions as V in the key of G Major.
Music Theory Behind D Major
Notes in D Major: D - F# - A
Scale: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D
Key Signature: 2 sharps (F# and C#)
Relative Minor: B minor
D major is a bright, uplifting key that's guitar-friendly due to open strings. The chord uses the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of the D major scale, creating a stable, happy sound perfect for folk, rock, and pop music.
Master D Major Today!
D Major is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!