How to Play D Chord on Ukulele + 3 Easy Variations! (2024)

How to Play D Chord on Ukulele

Introduction

The sweet tone of the ukulele actually comes out when the correct chords are performed. There may be a variety of moods the uke can produce – from upbeat grooves to sentimental sluggish jams – which relies closely on the kind of chords which can be used.

The major, minor, and dominant chords all have distinctive sounds that play a crucial function within the songs we all know and love.

To know the distinctive quality of every important chord type, it’s helpful to follow chord variations that can be based mostly on identical root notes.

For instance, you’ll be able to work on the D major (shortened to D), D minor, and D7 ukulele chords in succession, and uncover how it’s typically just one note that makes the distinction between them.

Whereas the change from D major and Dmin are simply used sometimes, the change from D major and D7 is quite common. We believe that you will be able to learn this basic chord with ease and master many songs with it!

The D major chord is made up of those three notes: D, F#, and A.

This triad is made up of notes from the D major scale (D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#), which has two sharps. Triad chords like this one are shaped by taking the first, third, and fifth notes of the scale.

These three notes may be mixed in a number of alternative ways to form slightly different-sounding variations of the D major chord on the ukulele.

We’ll present you some primary methods to approach playing this chord, in addition to some examples of the way it’s used in standard songs, so you’ll be able to find how it sounds and be taught it for yourself.

D Chord on Ukulele: How to Play It

The D Chord in 3 Easy Steps

There are a number of methods to play a D major chord on the ukulele. We’ll take you thru where to put your fingers on the fretboard of your ukulele and which of the 4 strings you’ll strum to play completely different variations of the chord.

We’ll additionally use ukulele chord charts to offer a visible illustration of where precisely to put your fingers for every variation of the chord.

D Major Chord: Open Position #1

The D chord can conveniently be performed in an open position (which means it makes use of open strings that you just don’t even need to press down on the fretboard). We’ll go over three completely different variations of open positions for this chord.

For this first model, you’ll begin by putting your index finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. With the middle finger, you’ll bounce across one string to the 2nd fret of the G string.

Your ring finger will go straight between the 2 fingers you already positioned on this second fret and press down on the C string on the identical fret. You won’t use your little finger for this chord form.

Once more, listed here are each of these finger positions:

• Index finger: 2nd fret of the E string
• Middle finger: 2nd fret of the G string
• Ring finger: 2nd fret of the C string

Strum all three of these fretted strings, plus the open A (1st) string. Be sure to arch your index finger enough so that you just aren’t masking that 1st string in any way and it will possibly ring out freely.

D Major Chord: Open Position #2

In the second model of the open position of the D chord, you’ll play the very same notes, nevertheless, you’ll organize your pressings in a different way on the fretboard. It’s only a matter of choice, which model you find extra natural.

For this variation, we’ll place the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger so as, on the second fret, on the fourth, third, and second strings, respectively. This resembles a commonly-used form for the A major chord on a guitar.

• Index finger: 2nd fret of the G string
• Middle finger: 2nd fret of the C string
• Ring finger: 2nd fret of the E string

D Major Chord: Open Position #3

This third model of the chord is maybe an extra simplified variation, and it is likely to be appropriate if you’re having trouble getting three fingers to really feel comfy sharing the same fret or find it tough to keep away from muting the open 1st string.

This model eliminates playing the 4th string at all, and as an alternative simply focuses on the three notes of the unique D major triad (D, F#, A).

• Index finger: 2nd fret of the C string
• Middle finger: 2nd fret of the E string

Once again, you’ll strum all 4 strings, together with the open A string. (This time, you’ll simply have to make sure your ring finger isn’t muting that 1st string). Regardless of the differing finger positions, the chart for this appears the same as the first model above.

How to Play D Chord on Piano

Let’s discover D on the piano keyboard. D is the white note right after C. Check out the units of black keys on your keyboard. They’re grouped in twos and threes. The note right after the primary black key in the set of two black keys is D.

To seek out F# transfer two tones from D to the right in your piano. F# falls on a black key. To seek out A, move one and a half tones from F#.

Famous Songs that use the D Ukulele Chord

“Love Me Do” is the first single by the English band the Beatles, followed by “P.S. I Love You“. When the single was initially launched in the UK on 5 October 1962, it peaked at number 17. It was launched in the USA in 1964, where it grew to become a number one hit.

The tune was written several years earlier than it was recorded, and prior to the existence of the Beatles. The single features John Lennon’s outstanding harmonica playing and duet vocals by him and Paul. Three recorded variations of the tune by the Beatles have been launched, each with a distinct drummer.

That is a Beatles classic for you to attempt your hand at, it is a nice three-chord ukulele tune for newbies. “Love Me Do” includes a very memorable harmonica riff alongside some otherwise pretty easy instrumentals. You possibly can nail this tune with simply three major chords, G, C, and D.

The D chord could also be a new one for you, however, it’s super easy. Relying on the size of your fingers you might discover it simpler with one or two fingers.

Attempt it in alternative ways and give attention to which approach captures the most effective sound. It could not at all times be the comfiest at first, however, the sound is what’s essential. After some extra practice, it’ll begin to really feel more natural.

Conclusion

Getting to know a number of inversions for every chord will actually assist improve you as a player as well as enhance your information of musical theory. Here we listed the basic chord shape and some variations that you can learn to play.

You’ll be able to select chords to play that work for the piece of music that you’re playing and also you’ll begin to perceive the make-up of the chords too which is a really helpful factor to know.

So that’s the D chord for you. Hopefully, you discovered this useful and perhaps even learned a thing or two. To play ukulele it will be easier if you played any other stringed instrument because they are kind of related, but if you are at the beginner’s point, then your search for playing the D chord is here.

Below you will be able to find a video on how to play D Chord on Ukulele!

If in case you have any questions on the D chord please let us know in the comments.