The D chord

D major uses only the top four strings, the thin ones, which gives it a bright, ringing sound. It is one of the most useful chords there is, especially alongside A and G.

• Finger 1 on the G string, second fret.
• Finger 3 on the B string, third fret.
• Finger 2 on the high E string, second fret.
• Strum from the open D string down. Don't play the low E or A strings.

The shape makes a small triangle. Your third finger reaches over the other two, so let your wrist drop slightly under the neck to give it room.

Missing the two bass strings takes aim. Start your strum from the D string, not the top of the guitar. It helps to rest the side of your strumming hand lightly on the body, so it knows where the D string is.

If you catch the low strings by accident, the chord sounds muddy. Some players rest the tip of their fretting thumb over the top of the neck to touch the low E and stop it ringing.

D and A are next-door neighbours in a lot of songs. Change between them, four strums each.

Notice that your first finger stays on the second fret in both chords. It only moves from the G string to the D string. Keep it close to the strings as it moves, and let the other fingers follow.