D chords are simple and sound great; but, to ensure the notes are in harmony and working smoothly together. Checking each note individually to make sure that it plays smoothly together is recommended.
Beginners usually find the biggest difficulty when starting to play this chord is finding its shape confidently beneath three fingers and mutes the bottom two strings.
1. D Major Chord
Classic chord featured in numerous songs is the major triad, consisting of root, third, and fifth notes from any scale stacked together to form one chord.
You can play several variations on this chord simply by adding or subtracting fingers from the fretboard. Here’s one such variation, Dsus4, that’s very straightforward to play and sounds wonderful…but also has more complex implications.
2. E Major Chord
E major is one of the most frequent chords found across musical genres and is also the source of both minor ii and major vii chords.
At its core (in root position), this scale comprises the notes E, G#, and B. For a compact sound higher up on the neck (Example 5b), try placing your hands together as shown here.
3. F Major Chord
F Major is often one of the first chords beginners find difficult. Here, Anna shows a lower barre shape that may help overcome this hurdle.
Once you can execute this voicing flawlessly, it will open up new chord progressions for you to explore.
4. G Major Chord
G Major chord is often one of the first ones students learn when learning guitar, as it provides a convenient foundation for songs featuring G major scale.
G is also an ideal starting point for more complex chords such as the F# Diminished Chord (aka Goth Brother-in-Law Chord). This chord adds depth and emotion to G, so be sure to practice these chords regularly so as to build muscle memory.
5. A Major Chord
This chord can be played in various ways. One approach would be to only strumming five strings while leaving open the thickest E string (the lowest E).
One other way of playing it would be to place your thumb on C# and middle finger on A, creating an octave higher sound than root position A but still producing pleasing tones.
6. C Major Chord
Beginner guitarists typically start learning the C Major Chord as one of their initial chords; it is simple and sounds great!
Beginners often encounter problems muzzling the low E string. One way of doing so is pressing down with only the tips of their fingers – not pads – rather than paddings of fingers on it.
The second solution is to approach the fretboard from a steeper, not shallower angle with your fingers – this will prevent them from touching other strings and creating buzzing.
7. C Major 7th Chord
The C major 7th chord, often abbreviated as CM7, is a dominant seventh chord utilizing minor sevenths over major triads for an audible sound that creates tension-filled tones.
This chord often leads to its resolution (I) chord. It is frequently employed when songs require an emotive and dramatic atmosphere.
Cmaj7 chords boast an ominous sound that often appears in heavier pop and rock music.
8. D Minor Chord
D Minor is an ideal chord for creating emotive yet melancholic tones. Composed from the 1st (root), flat 3rd and perfect 5th notes from D Major Scale, it creates the sound that represents sorrowful emotion.
This chord requires a strong pinky finger! For thicker voicing, try moving your pinky one fret lower for additional voicing possibilities – giving D minor add nine and D minor six chords respectively.
9. G Minor Chord
G minor (commonly referred to as Gmin) chord is one of the more widely used classical music chords and serves as an easy alternative to barre chords.
Sound can be heard in songs by artists like the Beach Boys (e.g. “California Girls”) with its accompanying horn accompaniment or contemporary rock such as Cherry Glazerr’s “Had Ten Dollaz”) to add discordance or unsettling soundscapes into their work, adding both tension and disquieting sounds into songs.
10. A Minor Chord
A minor chord is one of the most frequently played in musical composition. In C, it corresponds to minor ii and also appears as minor vii in G and Bb keys.
This chord gives songs a melancholic, dark atmosphere; examples can be heard in “White Room” by Cream and Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love”. Additionally, its use provides texture when used alongside other chord extensions.