D chord guitar

The D chord (D major chord) is probably the most commonly used chord and is played using three fingers. We put the index finger on string 3 (G string) in the second square, the middle finger on string 1 (E string) in the second square and the ring finger on string 2 (B string) in the third square. As a tab, this would be noted as follows: xx0232.

Vingerzetting D akkoord

In the chord diagram, the characters X and O are included. The X means you don't play this string. The O means you don't play this string but you do play it. In guitar terms we call this an open string. Because the D chord is formed from open and struck strings, we also call it an open chord. If you pick the chord correctly, you can play the chord.

Finger settings D chord

If you turn the D chord diagram it will look like this:

• E string - x, do not strike (thickest string)

• A string - x, don't play

• D string - 0 open string

• g string - 2 finger on second fret

• b string - 3 finger on third fret

• E string - 2 finger on second fret (thinnest string)

How do you play the D chord on your guitar?

How do you play a D chord? If you listen carefully, all the strings you strike sound clear and warm. If, when you strike a chord, one of the strings is muffled by the other fingers, you will notice that the chord no longer sounds clear. Try to place your fingers better. The video below is played through the interactive media player.

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Guitar songs with D chords

There are many songs that are played with the D chord. Below a list of easy, difficult and ProTabs songs in which the D chord is used. With the ProTabs songs you can play along synchronously, which makes it interactive and even more fun! Experience for yourself how easy and fun playing guitar can be!

Easy songs

• 't Licht In Je Ogen - 3J'S

• Altijd Is Kortjakje Ziek

• The Times They Are Changing - Bob Dylan

• Country Roads - John Denver

• All Of Me - John Legend

Difficult songs

• Lost - Anouk

• Veronica - Christy Moore

• Clocks - Coldplay

• Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepson

• Saturday Night - Herman Brood

ProTabs songs

• De Overkant - Suzan & Freek Ft. Snelle

• Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

• Ik Neem Je Mee - Gers Pardoel

• Sweet Creature - Harry Styles

• Knocking On Heavens Door - Guns 'n Roses

Variations of D chords

There are several variations on the D chord. We cover the most common ones, also take a look at the minor, minor seventh and major seventh variations.

• Dm chord (D minor chord );

• D7 chord (D Major seventh);

• Dm7 chord (D minor seventh).

Barre chords

Barré akkoord

As we have open chords in D, we can also play the D chord with a barré. A barré means that you put the index finger straight over all the strings and can play several strings with one finger. In most cases the open chords are shifted by means of a barré so that you get a different timbre with the same chord. Curious how the barré chord is played correctly? Take a look at our lesson series!

Power akkoorden

Power akkoord

Power chords are often used in rock music. Typically, this is a simplified version of the barre chord. Instead of playing all strings, a power chord allows you to play only three. Because you're only using three fingers, this will help speed things up. It's also a great start to learning the positions of barre chords. Check out our lesson series for more information on power chords.

Other Major chords

Besides the D chord, there are 6 other root chords that are commonly used. Learn them all to be able to play as many songs as possible.

• C chord;

• D chord ;

• E chord;

• F chord;

• G chord;

• A chord;

• B chord.

Want to learn to play guitar and chords effectively join Guitar Tabs and follow our full guitar lesson learning schedule. Through video lessons we will help you step by step with the correct chords.

have fun!

Levi van Gitaartabs