D Chord Shape Explorer

Are you still playing that same basic D Chord? Let's change that up!

It's time to learn how to manipulate open chords and turn one grip into many. You won't need to memorize new chords, but understand how you can turn the ones you already know into many others! That will spice up your guitar playing and help you unleash your guitar neck!

By the end of this lesson, you'll have a better idea of what happens when you lift fingers off, place fingers down, move things around a bit. Most importantly, you'll know how you can use those little tricks in songs!

 

💡 If you're following my Beginner Guitar Courses, you know the drill: if it sounds good, it's good! 

 

Once you get the very basics of guitar playing down, you shouldn't be afraid of exploring your instrument and taking the things you already know further! :) The best way to learn your fretboard is when you're playing tunes for real! Is there an open chord on a song you're playing? Just lift off or put some finger down - you'll surprise yourself! :)

We'll work on the D Chord for this lesson, so you'll get used to that idea. Then, in modules further into Grade 3, we'll work on the other shapes of the CAGED System and get a better understanding of what that all actually means!

 

Note: Explorer lessons for all five CAGED shapes can also be found, grouped together, under All Courses here.

 

Chord Shape Explorer: The D Chord

We won't focus on learning chord names in this lesson or get too deep into theory. Our goal is to develop your listening skill and step out of your comfort zone. Changing a regular open D chord into a variation can be as simple as adding a finger or lifting a finger off. It'll give a new sound to it - take the time to listen. :)

 

💡 Different chords, different possibilities. Every grip has its own personality - and they aren't substitutes for each other. 

 

Now let's look at some great D chord variations for beginners and how you can use those same tricks on other chord shapes.

 

5 Ways of Playing the D Chord 

Here are some alternatives to your regular open D chord on the guitar - again, don't worry about names or diagrams. Just experiment with your fingering, and pay attention to the sounds.  

• Dsus4 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.

• Dsus2 Chord: To play a Dsus2 chord, lift off your second finger. This grip is super common too!

• D6 Chord: Lifting off your third finger. Sounds super cool! It might not work every time - but it's still worth exploring. It is unlikely to find this grip in a chord book because it is uncommon.

• Dadd4 Chord: To get a Dadd4 Chord, all you need is lifting off your first finger. You won't get an unpleasant chord, but it definitely sounds different. 

• D/F# Chord: Add an F Sharp note as the bass note of your D Chord! You'll use your thumb to do this one but feel free to re-fingering it however it feels best for you. 

 

Check out the video lesson to keep manipulating the D Chord and find new sounds you'll love! The more you explore, the more you'll get into the idea that you can expand your chord grips by simply lifting off your fingers here and there. The most important thing here is exploring and experimenting with the guitar shapes. 

 

🚨 If you're able to stretch your little finger a bit, you might find the Dsus#4, and a sharp four chord is a kind of thing called the Lydian Mode, which may sound like Greek to you, eh? :) 

Modes of the Major Scales are topics we'll cover way further down the line. For now - just explore the sound of the chord you've found. :) If you'd like to dive into (practical!) Music Theory, check out this course. 

 

What about the Dm Chord?

You can apply all these experiments we've been trying with the D Chord to the Dm Chord as well. Start by placing your fingers on the D Minor chord position, and have some fun exploring its notes. Move your fingers here and there and see what you've got. If it sounds good, it's good. 

The big point of this lesson is to inspire you to explore your guitar neck and the chords you already have under your fingers. Spending that time just playing around your fretboard and trying to break free from only playing chords you find in a songbook or because someone else taught you. 

 

Up next? Gym time! Let's exercise your fingers stronger. :)