D major guitar chord
A compact three-finger shape. D is the highest-sounding of the common open major chords and pairs naturally with G and A.
Play it
Two ways to finger D
Acoustic samples load on first play; a synth preview is used if they are still loading. Best with headphones.
Open D
Start here
D barre (5th fret)
Same chord, higher up the neck
Finger numbers are shown inside the dots. An X means “do not play this string”; an open circle means the string rings open. Audio uses acoustic guitar samples, with a synthesized fallback.
How to play D
D major is a compact triangle shape with a bright, focused sound. It is one of the first chords that teaches beginners to keep their fingers close together.
The open D shape uses the D, G, and B strings, with the high E string fretted at the 2nd fret. The low E and A strings are left out, which gives D its lighter, higher sound.
D is the IV chord in A major and the home chord in D major. It pairs naturally with G and A, and it is a common landing point in the D–A–Bm–G progression used across pop and rock.
Fingering steps
- Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
- Strum from the D string down. Do not play the low E or A strings.
- Check that all four strings ring clearly and that your fingers are not touching each other.
Why it sounds bad (and how to fix it)
The low E string rings
D does not use the low E. Mute it with the side of your fretting hand or start your strum on the D string.
The high E is muted
The ring finger on the B string often touches the high E. Curl the ring finger and keep the middle finger upright.
The shape collapses
D is a small triangle. Keep your fingers close to the frets and avoid flattening them across the strings.
Practice drill
- Practice D–G changes, keeping the ring finger near the 3rd fret between chords.
- Play D–A–D slowly and listen for the high E string on each D.
Use it in a progression
- D – A – Bm – G (I–V–vi–IV in D)
- D – G – A (I–IV–V in D)
FAQ
Why does my D chord sound thin?
The high E string may be muted, or you may be strumming only three strings. Check that the high E at the 2nd fret is ringing.
Can I play D without using my index finger?
There are alternative shapes, but the standard triangle is the most efficient. Learn it first, then explore variations.
What chords go with D?
G, A, Bm, and F#m are common in the key of D. On this site, start with D–G–A and D–A–Bm.
This page uses standard chord voicings. If a fingering still buzzes, the problem is usually the hand position, not the diagram.