D Major Guitar Chord (D)
D is a four-string chord. The low E and A sit out. xx0232, a small triangle of fingers. With G and A it completes the three-chord kit that runs most of country and folk.
D orders by the slice.
D chord shapes in standard tuning
How to play it
Place your index finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, your middle finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 3. Let the D (4th) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) and A (5th) strings out of the strum. Start your downstroke from the D (4th) string.
Notes in this chord
| Symbol | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| R | root | D |
| 3 | major third | F♯ |
| 5 | perfect fifth | A |
Keep exploring
Other tunings
Open the interactive chord charts to see D in open G, drop D, DADGAD, and more tunings.
More D chords
Lead over this chord
D major pentatonic is the matching lead scale. Same root, and every note of the chord already inside it.
Keys
Nearby major chords
House Band
D FAQ
What notes are in D?
D contains D, F♯, and A. That's the root (D), the major third, and the perfect fifth.
Is D a barre chord?
Not necessarily. The easiest D shape (x-x-0-2-3-2) needs no barre. It uses 3 fingers plus open strings. Barre versions exist too, starting at fret 5, and are handy when you want to move the same grip to other keys.
What is the easiest way to play D on guitar?
Start with the open position shape x-x-0-2-3-2. Place your index finger on the G (3rd) string at fret 2, your middle finger on the high E (1st) string at fret 2, and your ring finger on the B (2nd) string at fret 3. Let the D (4th) string ring open. Keep the low E (6th) and A (5th) strings out of the strum. Start your downstroke from the D (4th) string.