The D Shape Bar Chords on the 4th String

Ready for the D shape bar chords?

Still have your Notes Card?

If not, go to Bar Chords page and find out why you'll need it. You need to know the notes of the 4th string for this one.

Also make sure you've read the entire page.

Below is the D open major played with the middle, ring and pinkie fingers.

Again we drop the index finger to create the bar across the 4, 3, 2 , 1.

If we move the shape to the 3rd fret, what chord does it create? Check your notes card. (see picture below).

Notice: I change the way I finger the D shape. I bar the 3, 2, 1 strings and land the pinkie on the 2nd string in the right spot. You can use all 3 fingers or 2 to create the shape. The key is to hear the 1st string when you need to. Play it cleanly either way.

Notice the above chord has the same name as the E shape bar on the 1st fret of the 6th string. It is another place to play it in a higher sounding spot.

Notice it also is the same name as the A shape of the 5th string on the 8th fret.

That gives you 3 places and ways to play the same chord, each with a slightly different sound.

You also have another free 48 chords if you use the open major, open minor, open sevenths and open minor sevenths, and use the bar to move them where you want on the 4th string!!

Wait! That's not all! There are 6ths, augmented, 9ths, and the list goes on. It's up to how far you want to go.

Practice: With all the possible chords, from open majors, minors, sevenths and minor sevenths; to E shape, to A shape, to D shape; WHEW! I think you have enough to practice.

Remember: It is important to take all that you learn to a professional. You need that feedback. You need to make sure you are developing good habits!! This is "reference material" you can learn when you are between lessons.

Anybody up to learn about Power Chords?

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