D 6th Guitar Chord — Open D
Guitar chord voicings in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
D 6th Voicings in Open D
D 6th filtered by fret:
D 6th in Open D Tuning — Guide
The D 6th chord is made up of the following notes: D, F#, A, B.
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M.
The D 6th chord in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
The D sixth chord adds a major sixth to a major triad, producing D, F#, A, B with intervals 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M. This extra note gives the chord a warm, vintage sweetness that was a signature of early jazz, swing, and Hawaiian music. Unlike seventh chords, sixths feel resolved and cheerful, making them perfect for endings, vamps, and anywhere a classic, golden-age aesthetic is desired.
How to Play D 6th
On guitar, D 6 typically requires a barre or partial barre voicing. Experiment with different positions to find the voicing that best suits your playing context — higher positions sound brighter and tighter, while lower positions offer more bass and resonance. CAGED system shapes help navigate these options efficiently.
D 6th in Progressions
D sixth often substitutes for D major or D major seventh as a tonic chord, especially in jazz standards and swing. It provides a resolved but colorful ending and works well in turnarounds and vamp sections.
Common Substitutions
Dmaj7, Bm7, or D6/9 substitute naturally, as the sixth and minor seventh inversions are closely related.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord is intermediate — a barre or partial barre is likely needed, but the shape is manageable with practice.