How to play the D chord on the ukulele the easy way: the complete guide

• Table of Contents
• Choose your way to play the D chord
• D chord played "2220": the most used way to play the D chord
  • Half barre
  • Each fingers : index, middle, ring finger
  • Each fingers : middle, ring, pinkie
  • A mix
• D chord played "2225": another way to play the D chord
• D chord played "7655"
• Practice
• Other D chords to bring up some exotic flavor
  • Dsus4
• Conclusion

Mastering the D chord on the ukulele can be made easier with this comprehensive guide. Learn the step-by-step process to effortlessly play the D chord on your ukulele.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions and tips to make playing the D chord a breeze.

Choose your way to play the D chord

There are various ways to play the D chord. Just like the E chord (see article there), it is a good idea to try two or more ways, and choose the one that you feel the most comfortable with.

D chord played "2220": the most used way to play the D chord

This way of playing the D chord is by far the most used. It is devised into multiple flavour.

In the following parts, you will see three different ways to use your fingers to press exactly the same frets.

Half barre

I've always played the D chord that way, but it won't be everybody's favorite.

to play this one, you have to press with your middle finger the string 4 (G), 3 (C), 2 (E), but not the 1st string (A). You have to leave a small gap for the A string to vibrate freely. The A string has to be played as an open string.

One you play it, make sure that you strum also your strings one after the other, slowly.

At first, it's OK if the A string doesn't sound perfectly. But try to improve its sound slowly, one step better everyday.

Eventually, you'll be able to play the D chord much better.

Each fingers : index, middle, ring finger

Using the index, middle and ring finger, you will press the second fret of respectively the 4th, 3rd and 2nd string.

Pay attention: the ring finger shouldn't go on the 3rd fret, otherwise you'll play a chord named Dsus4

Each fingers : middle, ring, pinkie

In the same fashion than Each fingers : index, middle, ring finger, you press the second fret of the 4th, 3rd and 2nd strings (strings G, C, E), leaving the 1st string (A string) untouched.

Here you use the middle, ring fingers and the pinkie.

A mix

To play the D chord this way, use : - your middle finger to bar the 4th and 3rd string (string G and C) - your index to press the second string (E string).

This way, you don't have to bar the three strings and have a really flexible middle finger, but you can only use it to bar two strings, and complete the fingering with the index.

D chord played "2225": another way to play the D chord

You can play the D chord barring with the index the 2nd fret, and use your pinkie to press the 5th fret of the first string (A string).

It is like playing the C chord by one tone higher.

D chord played "7655"

You will need to bar the 5th fret and press with your ring finger the 4th string on the 7th fret, and the 3rd string with your middle finger the 6th fret.

It is like playing the A chord 2.5 tone higher.

Practice

Consistently dedicate at least 5 minutes each day to practicing the D chord you have selected.

Gradually, your fingers will become familiar with the formation and adapt to it. Eventually, it will become instinctive, like a reflex.

Then transitioning between chords will no longer require conscious thought.

Other D chords to bring up some exotic flavor

Dsus4

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we have explored various ways of playing the D chord, ranging from the widely used to the less conventional approaches.

I genuinely hope that you have discovered your own preference when it comes to playing the D chord. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Remember, the key is to try, and practice slowly a couple of days, then see for yourself what you would prefer.

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I hope this article has helped you :)

Have a fantastic day!