Rag Mop in D

J. L. Wills / D. Anderson()swing
Do Re MiC D E
A
B
A13
A13
A13

Chord Diagrams — Rag Mop in D (Guitar)

Display
FingerNoteDegree

Rag Mop 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 D (ascending unison), D to G (ascending perfect fourth), G to A (ascending whole step), A to G (descending whole step), G to A (ascending whole step), A to G (descending whole step), G to E (descending minor third). 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 · 26 bars · Form: AB

Chords: D6, D7, G9, A9, G6, A13, G7, Em7.

Scales for Improvisation D bebop, D bebop major.

Diatonic chords: See all chords in the key of D