10. The 7 Diatonic Chords - D String

The D String

• This is the D string of a guitar with all the notes labeled.

The C Major Scale

• This is the C major scale on a piano with all seven notes labeled.

The C Major Scale on the D String

• This is the C major scale on the D string of a guitar.

Major Chords

• Highlight notes 1, 4 and 5 in red because these are the notes that correspond with the root notes of the major chords.

• This is the D string major chord shape.

C Major Chord

• Find the root note C on the D string, then use the D string major chord shape to play the C major chord.

F Major Chord

• Find the root note F on the D string, then use the D string major chord shape to play the F major chord.

G Major Chord

• Find the root note G on the D string, then use the D string major chord shape to play the G major chord.

Use Major Chords

• Now, let's use all three of the major chords we've learned to play a section of "What I Like About You" by The Romantics.

Strumming pattern:

____________C__G__C__F

What I like about you,

________C__G__C__F

you hold me tight

Minor Chords

• Highlight notes 2, 3 and 6 in blue because these are the notes that correspond with the root notes of the minor chords.

• This is the D string minor chord shape.

D Minor Chord

• Find the root note D on the D string, then use the D string minor chord shape to play the D minor chord.

E Minor Chord

• Find the root note E on the D string, then use the D string minor chord shape to play the E minor chord.

A Minor Chord

• Find the root note A on the D string, then use the D string minor chord shape to play the A minor chord.

Use Major + Minor Chords

• Now, let's use the minor chords we've learned in addition to the major chords to play a section of "Let it Be" by the Beatles. Just strum once per chord.

_____C_________G_________Am______F

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me

Diminished Chord

• Highlight the note 7 because this note corresponds with the root note of the the diminished chord.

• This is the D string diminished chord shape.

B Diminished Chord

• Find the root note B on the D string, then use the D string diminished chord shape to play the B diminished chord.

Use Major + Minor + Diminished Chords

• Now, let's use the diminished chord we've learned in addition to the major and minor chords to play a section of "This Love" by Maroon 5. Just strum once per chord.

Em_____________A

I was so high I did not recognize

___________Dm__________________Bdim

the fire burning in her eyes, the chaos that controlled my mind

Use the 7 Diatonic Chords on the D String to Create

• Use the 7 diatonic chords on the D string to create a four-chord progression. For example, you can modify the 1-6-4-5 progression by swapping out a chord to build a new progression.

Test

• Play the 7 diatonic chords in the key of C on the D string

Ready to Write Your Own Hit Songs?

If you love learning about music, imagine if you knew how to write professional songs from start to finish! My Professional Songwriting Course gives you a complete roadmap across 30 chapters, covering:

• Thousands of Chord Variations: Customize your progressions to create your exact sound.
• Effortless Key Changes: Master changing keys to unlock limitless possibilities.
• Pro-Level Guitar Techniques: Add soul, speed, and precision to your playing.
• In-Depth Tone Shaping: Manipulate your physical and electronic guitar tone in great detail.
• Songwriting in Major & Minor Keys: Apply your skills to write powerful songs with confidence.

Buy the full roadmap and become a rockstar songwriter for just $5/month.

Summary

• This chapter introduces the D string of the guitar and the C major scale notes on it.
• It teaches how to play major, minor, and diminished chords using specific D string chord shapes.
• Major chords correspond to notes 1, 4, and 5 (C, F, G) in the C major scale.
• Minor chords correspond to notes 2, 3, and 6 (D, E, A).
• The diminished chord corresponds to note 7 (B).
• There are three types of diatonic chords (major, minor, diminished) and that each has a corresponding D string shape.
• By memorizing these three D string shapes, all seven diatonic chords in the key of C can be played from a root on the D string.
• In Chapter 26, I'll show you how to play these seven diatonic chords in all 12 keys.
  • 3 Chord Shapes → 7 Diatonic Chords × 12 Keys = 84 Chords

Goal Achieved

You've successfully learned to identify, form, and play all seven diatonic chords in the key of C major using three new, fundamental D string chord shapes.

What's Next?

Continue your journey through the fretboard! Next chapter focuses on the G string, revealing how to locate the notes of the C major scale and, more importantly, how to play all seven diatonic chords using just three new, distinct chord shapes rooted on this string. You'll master major, minor, and diminished chord forms, apply them to well-known song excerpts, and practice creating your own unique chord progressions. Get ready to add another versatile set of chords to your guitar playing arsenal, bringing you closer to mastering the entire fretboard!