Learn › D Major Chord on Guitar (D)
New Released in April 2026
D Major Chord on Guitar (D)
The D major chord on guitar (D) uses the notes D, F#, A. It is an open chord: some strings ring without fingers. Strum from the 4th string down. Below: the diagram, which finger goes where, a second shape and the chords that go with it.
No account, no download. The demo has limited content. Advanced features are in ChordRunner Premium.
- MIDI keyboard
- Digital or acoustic piano
- Guitar
- Computer, phone or tablet
D guitar chord: shape and fingers
Fingers and frets
- Index: 3rd string (G), fret 2
- Ring: 2nd string (B), fret 3
- Middle: 1st string (high E), fret 2
Which strings to strum
xx0232: × = do not play, 0 = open string.
Which note each string plays
| 4th string (D) | open: D |
|---|---|
| 3rd string (G) | fret 2: A |
| 2nd string (B) | fret 3: D |
| 1st string (high E) | fret 2: F# |
From D to Dm only one thing changes: 1st string (high E): fret 2 → fret 1.
Learning D step by step
- Put the shape down slowly and pick each string once to check it rings.
- Lift the hand, then land all fingers together. Repeat ten times.
- Switch between D and G for one minute, then try A.
A second D shape
This shape has the same notes higher up the neck. Use it when the chord before or after sits nearby.
Making D ring
- A string buzzes? Press right behind the fret, not on top of it.
- If a note is dead, a finger is lying on it. Curve the fingers more.
- A little pain in the first days is normal; it goes away as the fingertips harden.
Practise D with the microphone
ChordRunner listens to your guitar: when D appears, strum it and your runner jumps. The game shows the chord symbol only, so you learn to find the shape yourself. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
Play the demoCommon questions
What notes are in the D guitar chord?
D major has three notes: D, F#, A. On the guitar some of them are doubled on different strings, so all six (or five) strings sound like one chord.
Which fingers do I use for D?
Index finger: 3rd string (G), fret 2, ring finger: 2nd string (B), fret 3, middle finger: 1st string (high E), fret 2.
Can I practise D with the microphone?
Yes. ChordRunner hears an acoustic or electric guitar through the microphone, and also a USB MIDI keyboard. It shows the chord symbol D, not the diagram, and checks the notes you strum.
Your instrument is the controller.
ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.
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