D Major 6th Guitar Chord — Open D
Guitar chord voicings in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
D Major 6th Voicings in Open D
D Major 6th filtered by fret:
D Major 6th in Open D Tuning — Guide
The D Major 6th chord is made up of the following notes: D, F#, A, B.
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M.
The D Major 6th chord in Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) requires different fingerings than standard tuning.
The D major sixth functions identically to a standard sixth chord, with a major triad plus the sixth — D, F#, A, B, intervals 1P, 3M, 5P, 6M. It offers that classic warmth associated with early jazz and country western ballads. The sixth adds just enough color to lift the chord beyond a plain major triad while maintaining a feeling of happy resolution.
How to Play D Major 6th
On guitar, D maj6 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 Major 6th in Progressions
D maj6 appears in various harmonic contexts depending on the key. Analyze the surrounding chords to determine its function — it may serve as a primary chord, a substitution, or a chromatic color chord that enriches the harmonic palette of a progression.
Common Substitutions
D6, Dmaj7, or Bm7 are interchangeable in many harmonic contexts.
Difficulty: On guitar, this chord is intermediate — a barre or partial barre is likely needed, but the shape is manageable with practice.