D Major

D is a solid intermediate shape once open chords feel steady. The first shape is the easiest voicing: 3 fretted strings and 1 open string. Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string. Put your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. Leave the A string open. Strum all four strings and check each one rings cleanly. Watch on YouTube

D is D, F#, A. That is a major triad (root, major third, perfect fifth). Play them in any order and you still get D. D sits in the keys of D major, G major, A major.

A major chord stacks root, major third, and perfect fifth (1–3–5). In D that is the notes above. Bright and stable: the foundation of most songs. Open, happy, and resolved. Flatten the third and the same family becomes minor.

Songs that use D include All Star, Crying, Someone Like You, Africa, Just Like Heaven, and more.