What is D5?
The D5 guitar chord is formed by the notes D – A and is played using the fingering xx023x. It’s a power chord commonly used in D5-A5-G5.
D5 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: Don't play
How to Play D5
- Place fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram xx023x.
- 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.
D5 Variations
D5 (5th fret)
x577xx
Higher voicing on the 5th fret
D5 (10th fret)
x10,12,12,xx
Octave higher voicing
Popular Songs Using D5
Famous Examples:
- • Smoke on the Water
- • Wild Thing
More Hits:
- • Louie Louie
- • Come As You Are
Common Chord Progressions with D5
D5-A5-G5
Classic rock progression
D5-G5-A5
Popular progression in D
D5-C5-G5
A popular progression used in many songs
Practice Tips for D5
1. Rock Fundamental
Essential for rock, punk, and metal music
2. Easy Fingering
Simple two-finger chord perfect for beginners
Music Theory Behind D5
Notes in D5: D - A
Scale: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D
Key Signature: Two sharps (F#, C#)
Relative Major: Bm
D5 is a power chord consisting of just the root (D) and fifth (A). It's neither major nor minor, making it perfect for rock and metal.
Related Chords to Learn
Master D5 Today!
D5 is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!