How to Play a Root Position D Major Triad on the 6th String

Playing a six-string D barre chord can be a daunting task for many beginning guitarists. Often guitarists will use the open-position D chord as they struggle to learn the full six-string barre chord. The root position D major chord on the sixth string can act as a bridge between the easy open D and the hard barred D chord. Here's how to play it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Position your left-hand pinky finger on the tenth fret of the sixth string. This is the note D, which is the root of the chord.

2. Lay your left-hand ring finger on the ninth fret of the fifth string to sound the third of the chord, the note F#.

3. Place your left-hand index finger on the seventh fret of the fourth string to produce the note A, the fifth of the chord.

4. 
    

   Pluck or strum all three notes at once to sound the root position D major triad on the sixth string.

5. Avoid hitting the first, second and third strings as these notes do not belong in this chord.

6. Practice moving between the open-position D and the root position D major triad on the sixth string as this will develop dexterity and allow you to quickly access both chords at anytime.

Resources

• Practice Chords for Guitar