All 4 ways to play D on guitar
-
xx0232 open position -
x54232 at the 2nd fret -
x57775 at the 5th fret -
10-12-12-11-10-10 at the 10th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play D on guitar
Main shape: xx0232 (open position).
- Put your index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string.
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
- Let the D (4th) string ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) or A (5th) strings (marked X).
- Strum from the D (4th) string down (4 strings).
D notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | root |
| F♯ | 3 | major 3rd |
| A | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: D/F♯ (1st inversion) and D/A (2nd inversion).
D on piano and ukulele
-
D piano chord D – F♯ – A -
D on ukulele 2220
Which keys use D?
D is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| G major | D | V | dominant |
| E minor | D | VII | dominant |
| D major | D | I | tonic |
| B minor | D | III | tonic |
| A major | D | IV | predominant |
| F♯ minor | D | VI | tonic or predominant |
| G minor | D | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with D
- I–IV–V–I in G major: G – C – D – G The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in G major: G – D – Em – C The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in G major: Em – C – G – D The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in G major: G – Em – C – D The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in G major: G – C – Em – D The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.