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D Major Chord Guitar

A compact four-string chord with a bright, focused voice.

Uses only the top four strings, giving it a lighter, more focused tone.
That restraint helps it cut cleanly through a mix in strummed folk and country parts.
Functions as the V chord in the key of G, the natural partner to G and Em.
Its shape makes it one of the easiest transitions from A major.

Root3rd5th

Not played

E6th string

FretMuted

Finger—

Not played

A5th string

FretMuted

Finger—

Root

DBass4th string

FretOpen

Finger—

5th

G3rd string

Fret2

Finger1 index

Root

B2nd string

Fret3

Finger3 ring

3rd

e1st string

Fret2

Finger2 middle

NotesD – A – F#

Formula1 – 3 – 5

Voicingxx0232

TonesD×2·F#×1·A×1

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Questions about D Major

What notes are in a D Major chord?

A D Major chord contains the notes D, A, F#. It is built from the major formula 1 - 3 - 5, with D as the root.

Why is D major only played on four strings?

The low E and A strings are left out because they would add notes that muddy the chord's clarity. Playing just the top four strings keeps D major bright and focused, which is why it sits so well in busy strummed arrangements.

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D Major Chord Guitar

This chord sounds even better than it looks.

Questions about D Major

What notes are in a D Major chord?

Why is D major only played on four strings?

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