D Major Guitar Chord

The bright and uplifting open chord - Essential for folk, rock, and pop

Difficulty:
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D Major Chord Diagram

Standard Position

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Notes: D - F# - A

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 your fingers according to the diagram above. Each number represents which fret to press, and 'x' means don't play that string.

Pro Tip: Press firmly just behind the frets, not on top of them, for the clearest sound.

D Major Variations

D Major (Easy)

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Standard D major fingering - most common form

Dsus2

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Suspended 2nd creates open, airy sound

Dsus4

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Suspended 4th adds tension before resolving

D Major 7th

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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.

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!