Last update 22/11/98

Part 3

The D Major Chord

Lets see if we can make up a D major triad
D scale is D,  E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D

Major chord triad :- (1st) D,(  3rd) F#,(  5th) A

Disregarding the fifth string for the moment
there are four strings available to make the D major chord.
Looking at the lowest available notes we have the following shapes
Using this fingering pattern means that the chord is a closed shape
i.e. all four strings are fretted
The fingering pattern shape associated with this chord at this location gives it
its identifying name i.e the Dee shape
Now here comes the problem !  moving this closed position shape up the neck
for example say a further three frets  the pitch of the resulting chord rises to  F major.
(remember the progression D, Eb, E,  F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D)

So this Dee shape can be moved up the fingerboard to make any other major chord.
Many musicians, rather than saying play F Major,  say things like
play Dee shape third fret

confusing init


Major to minor

  NOTE:that the pitch of the second string will indicate the Major chord name and that the first string is the third interval on the major scale so to change this chord form to a minor shape just flatten the first string one semitone      So learn the rule to change this Major chord form to a Minor just drop the first string one fret 
Click on this button applet for D minor