A new version if this lesson is available with my Beginner Grade 3 Course!

Turn your D chords Into Something Awesome.

Let's start exploring D Shape variations!

In this lesson, you'll learn how to manipulate the open D chord to elevate your guitar playing! We'll explore what happens when you lift fingers off, place fingers down, and you'll meet different chord names on the way.

This is the first exploration of my chord shape explorer lessons in Grade 3, where we'll explore the 5 basic chord shapes. So have an open mind - there's so much you can learn from experimenting! With this exploration series, the goal is to be free of the fear of experimenting and switch up grips you already know! :)

Note: Explorer lessons for all five CAGED shapes are grouped together under All Courses here.

🚨 Log in to your account to access the chord diagram downloads in the resource section. It shows diagrams for most of the chord variations in the video - which will be a helpful way to visualize them.

How To Manipulate The D Chord Shape

This will be a great tool if you're looking to add excitement to your chords and songs!

This chord exploration all comes down to your ears - if it sounds good, it is good! Don't focus on learning the chord names or the technical elements but on developing your listening skill and stepping out of your comfort zone.

It can be as simple as adding a finger or just lifting a finger off. It'll give a new sound to it, and you can apply it to different songs you're practicing on the guitar!

💡 Every open chord has something about it that can make it sound exciting. Most of these will work for the D minor chord - but they aren't substitutes for each other. Explore the major and minor chords separately.

5 D Chord Shape Variations

Here are 5 ways you can add interest to your regular D chord. If you're following my Beginner Guitar Course, you might have already explored these chords!

D sus 4 Chord: To play this chord, add your little finger down on the 3rd fret of the thinnest string. This is a common variation you can use anytime.
D Sus 2 Chord To play this one, lift off your second finger.
D 6 chord Lifting off your third finger. Sounds super cool! It might not work every time - but it's still worth exploring. Unlikely to find this grip in a chord book - because it is uncommon.
D add 4 Lifting off your first finger. Not an unpleasant - sounds different.
Adding the F sharp in the bass note with your thumb. Re-fingering it however it feels best for your preference!

You can expand your chord grips by simply lifting off your fingers here and there. You can even try taking off all your finger - but it might not sound like a D anymore. To expand your guitar knowledge - you just have to go for it and explore elements!

🔑 The most important thing here is to explore and experiment with the guitar shapes. I recommend spend a week exploring one chord shape before moving on to the next!

Next lesson - we'll explore the C chord shape. See you there! :)