Exercise: Strumming the D major Chord [Guitar Guide]

Position each finger with care, according to the chord diagram (right). Make sure that each fingertip is placed directly behind the fret. Firstly, pluck across the strings one by one with your pick, checking that each string rings clearly and is not muted or buzzing. Watch the first video example to hear how the chord should sound. Practise strumming the D major Chord in single downward  trokes as indicated below:


Note: The top two, or fifth and sixth strings are not played in the D major chord. Make sure that you start your stroke from the fourth string each time you strum D major. It doesn’t sound bad if you accidentally hit the fifth string, although as with A major above, if you want your music to sound professional, you need to play this chord properly.