D is the D major chord, made of the notes D F# A. Most guitarists play it as X X 0 2 3 2, an open chord. Below are all 6 ways to hold D on the guitar, from the lowest on the neck to the highest, and the same chord in Drop D and DADGAD. The TabTunix app plays each one. Check out our full chord library.
Show
D
X X 0 2 3 2
Notes
Degrees: R 3 5. Notes: D F# A.
RD
3F#
5A
Tuning
Inversions
Voicings
How to play D
The shape most players use is X X 0 2 3 2, from the lowest string to the highest. Hold it like this:
Put your index finger on the G string at fret 2.
Put your ring finger on the B string at fret 3.
Put your middle finger on the high E string at fret 2.
Let the D string ring open.
Do not play the low E and A strings.
D
X X 0 2 3 2
6 ways to play D
Every shape the chord library holds for D in standard tuning, from low on the neck to high. In each one D is the lowest note; they differ in where your hand sits and in which strings ring.
A chord is yours when you can change to it in time. In TabTunix, put D and the chord before it into a chord-change exercise, set a target tempo, and play the change to a click that counts you through it. Rate each take, and the app keeps your best tempo, so you see it climb.