Fingering and position
Place the index on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string. One string rings open. 2 strings are muted, do not play them.
Difficulty
The D chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
Often paired chords
Exercise: shuffle it in
A chord on its own gets forgotten. The right reflex: shuffle it with the chords you already know. Launch a shuffle that includes this chord and play it 10 times in different contexts.
The D chord truly comes alive in motion. Launch a shuffle that includes it and play it across 3 or 4 different contexts: that is the best way to embed it in finger memory. Category: Beginner.
Play a shuffle with DFrequently asked questions
- What is the fingering for the D chord on guitar?
- Place the index on the 2nd fret of the G string, the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string. One string rings open. 2 strings are muted, do not play them.
- Is the D chord easy for a beginner?
- The D chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
- Does the D chord require a barre?
- No, D is played without a barre: it is an open chord, accessible to beginners.
- Which chords pair well with D on guitar?
- D pairs naturally with G, A, Em, C. Practise them in a shuffle to memorise the transitions.
Further reading