And On The Third Day in D

Michael Gibbs()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A

Chord Diagrams — And On The Third Day in D (Guitar)

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And On The Third Day in D

Key of D

D major is one of guitar's most resonant keys. The open D string acts as a droning root, and the open A string provides the fifth. This gives D-based strumming a wide, ringing quality that flatpicks and fingerpicks love. D is a beginner-level key on guitar because the open D and A strings provide a powerful bass foundation, and the open high E is the 2nd scale degree adding brightness. Beginners will find this key approachable since most chords use open voicings with minimal stretching.

Voice Leading

The bass line moves through D to C (descending whole step), C to E (ascending major third), E to D (descending whole step), D to F# (ascending major third), F# to F# (ascending unison), F# to E (descending whole step). The predominantly stepwise bass motion creates smooth, connected voice leading. When the progression loops, the bass returns from E to D by whole step.

Scales for Improvisation

D major pentatonic works because every note is either a chord tone or a safe passing tone — there are no avoid notes. For soloing, this means you can play freely without clashing. Over dominant seventh chords, D Mixolydian adds the flat seventh for an authentic blues-rock edge.

swing4/4 · 25 bars · Form: A

Chords: D7, CMaj7, E7, DMaj7, F♯7, F♯m7♭5, E7♭5.

Scales for Improvisation D bebop, D bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of D