Explore More
Old Folks 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 F# to E (descending whole step), E to D (descending whole step), D to D (ascending unison), D to E (ascending whole step), E to G (ascending minor third), G to E (descending minor third), E to G (ascending minor third), G to B (ascending major third), B to B (ascending unison), B to F# (descending perfect fourth), F# to D (descending major third), D to E (ascending whole step), E to A (ascending perfect fourth), A to E (descending perfect fourth), E to D (descending whole step), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to A (ascending whole step), A to G (descending whole step), G to G (ascending unison), G to D (descending perfect fourth), D to Cb (descending whole step), Cb to G (descending perfect fourth), G to B (ascending major third), B to D (ascending minor third), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to E (descending minor third). The root motion by larger intervals (fourths and fifths) gives each chord change a strong, decisive character. When the progression loops, the bass returns from E to F# 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.