Learning The D Chord

Questions & Answers

1 month ago

Hi, my Thumb tends to rest at 90 degrees from my fingers (along behind the headstock) when im playing chords. Is this a habit i should break? The instructor mentions to run it up and down the back of the neck? Regards Scott

Mike Olekshy 1 month ago

Hello Scott - thanks so much for the question! No, this is not a bad habit. As long as all the notes from the chords you are playing are ringing out cleanly, there is no problem with it. You'll find that as you gain more and more skill on the guitar, the thumb will tend to move around a bit more to facilitate whatever chords or riffs you are trying to play, so as long as you keep your thumb loosely on the back of the neck, you'll be fine! Hope this helps!

5 months ago

what is the difference of a major chord and a minor chord

Mike Olekshy 5 months ago

Hello - thanks for your question! The major chord has a bright, "happy", sound to it, while the minor chord, which has one different note in it, sounds more "sad", and darker. Specifically, the chords are constructed by using the root, 3rd, and 5th notes of the scale. The major chord uses the major scale to create the chord, while the minor chord uses the minor scale to create the chord. It turns out that the root and 5th notes are the same in each case, but the 3rd note is different, and that is why the chords sound different. You'll learn more about this as you continue on through the courses.

5 months ago

hi The d major chord is a little bit to hard I'm only 7 years old

Mike Olekshy 5 months ago

Hello - thanks so much for your comment! Yes indeed, the D chord is challenging at first. Take it slow, and experiment with the curl of your fretting fingers and location of thumb behind the neck so that each note rings out clearly. Keep at it - you will get it!!

9 months ago

why are you using 5 strings to strum instead of the traditional 4?

Josh Workman 9 months ago

Hi, I imagine he is showing all of the possible strings one can strum when using this particular shape. In this case, the open A (5th of the chord) adds fatness. You can choose to add it or not. I hope this helps.

11 months ago

I am really having issues with my ring finger muting out the E string. It really feels like it has to be placed "perfect" to prevent it happening. I can usually feel it further down the pad and certainly hear it. A micri adjustment will fix it. I assume I just need to keep practicing and it will eventually find that "perfect" spot?

Josh Workman 11 months ago

Yes, it really does take working out the little adjustments needed to avoid hitting certain strings. If you try placing the pick on the A string, you can use the flesh of your strumming hand thumb or palm to block the low E string right before the pick follows through.

1 year ago

hi i have difficulty to do the D chord it is like my fingers are not long enough and i cant do enough pressure on the strings

Josh Workman 1 year ago

Hi Diane, This is a common problem at first. In terms of the finger length, try putting your thumb further behind the neck than Anders does. Find the sweet spot where you feel the thumb comfortably supporting the chord shape, as well. Another suggestion is to have your guitar professionally set up, if that hasn't already happened. Guitars typically have the strings set a bit higher than is comfortable for most of us when you first buy them. This is done so you can have a guitar tech gradually shave off the extra height of the bridge until you're comfortable. They might also suggest lighter strings if it's still too hard for you to play. You can call any guitar store and they'll either have someone there or refer you to a repair shop. It might cost around $50 but it really makes a difference and you'll be a LOT happier.