How to play the D6 chord on guitar

The D6 chord, pronounced "D sixth," is a rich and versatile chord that adds a touch of sophistication to any guitar composition. Notable for its warm, jazzy sound, the D6 is often used in genres like jazz, blues, and soul. Guitarists can easily create the D6 by adding a single note to the standard D major chord, instantly elevating their playing to new heights.

The D6 chord is typically played on the 2nd fret of the guitar.

Follow these finger positions to play a D6 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd (B) string.

To strum this chord, use your pick or thumb to strum down across all six strings in one smooth motion.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the D6 chord, try this:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st (high E) string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Strum only the top four strings (D, G, B, and high E).

Playing a D6 barre chord can be a great way to add variety to your playing and create a fuller, richer sound compared to the standard open D6 chord.

Here's how to play a D6 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across the 10th fret, covering all six strings (barre).
2. Place your middle finger on the 12th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 12th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 12th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from low to high.

The D6 chord, a variation of the D major chord, is commonly used in progressions that evoke a dreamy, nostalgic, or bittersweet feel. Here are some popular D6 chord progressions:

• I - vi - IV - V (D6 - Bm7 - G6 - A7) Used in "I Will" by The Beatles
• I - vi - ii - V (D6 - Bm7 - Em7 - A7) Used in "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
• I - iii - IV - V (D6 - F#m7 - G6 - A7)
• I - IV - V - IV (D6 - G6 - A7 - G6) Used in "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
• I - ii - iii - IV (D6 - Em7 - F#m7 - G6)

Mastering the D6 Chord

To master the D6 chord, try playing each note individually, focusing on clean execution and consistent tone. Once comfortable, play the notes in pairs (D-F#, F#-A, A-B), gradually increasing speed while maintaining accuracy. Next, practice transitioning to and from the D6 chord, using common chord progressions like D6-G-A or D6-Bm-A. Incorporate these transitions into your favorite songs to develop muscle memory and fluidity.

Strumming Patterns

Experiment with various strumming patterns to add depth and texture to your D6 chord. Start with simple down-up patterns, then progress to more complex rhythms, such as down-down-up-up-down-up or down-up-down-up-down-down-up.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the D6 chord.

1. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's (D, F#m, D6)
2. Better Together by Jack Johnson (G, D, D6, A7sus4, Asus2)
3. Free Fallin' by Tom Petty (D, Asus4, D6, Asus4)
4. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, A7, D, G/B, D6, A7sus4, D6)
5. Daughters by John Mayer (D6, Bm7, G, A7sus4)
6. The Joker by Steve Miller Band (F, C, G, D6)
7. Shower the People by James Taylor (D, G, D6, Bm, G, A, D)
8. Harvest Moon by Neil Young (D, D6, G, A7sus4)
9. 3 AM by Matchbox Twenty (D, D6, G, A)
10. Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills & Nash (D6, Bm7, G, A7sus4, D)